From the ACA to YODA: Top Issues of 2013

S. Terry Canale, MD

This past year has been one of political turmoil. When it comes to orthopaedic issues in the news, 2013 has been a year of exciting controversies, generating several interesting news stories in AAOS Now. The top 10 news items of 2013, as selected by the AAOS Now Editorial Board, all received considerable coverage in the pages of AAOS Now.

Setting AAOS Now Straight

I read “Is PSI for TKA Ready for Prime Time?” (AAOS Now, October 2013) with interest. I agree that PSI is not ready for prime time but I disagree with the comment that computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is not used anymore. The many members of the International Society for Computer-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS–International) would also disagree. Active navigation, automation, or robotics, coupled with the precision and accuracy of CAS, are what’s driving technology today.

What a Way to Make a Living

Joshua J. Jacobs, MD

Recently, the AAOS Board of Directors participated in a strategic discussion on “The Employed Physician.” Granted, practically every member of the AAOS is gainfully employed—whether as a solo practitioner in a private practice, a partner or associate in a group practice, a member of an academic medical department, or a salaried employee of a hospital or medical center (Fig. 1). The Board’s discussion focused on what the changing employment landscape might mean to the Academy and our profession.

New Primer on Health Policy a “Must-Read”

Douglas W. Lundy, MD, FACS

An Introduction to Health Policy: A Primer for Physicians and Medical Students Manish K. Sethi, MD, and William H. Frist, MD Springer 2013, 387 pages ISBN–13: 978-1461477341 A significant deficiency in medical education today is an adequate understanding of health policy and the entire litany of issues that health policy encompasses.

Why We Build—Bones and Playgrounds

Michael F. Schafer, MD

It’s inherent in us, as orthopaedic surgeons, to want to build and to fix things. We treat the results of playground injuries and falls. We want to help improve the quality of life and mobility of our patients. That’s what we do. And, for the past 14 years, Academy members, industry partners, and allied healthcare professionals have come together to build a Safe and Accessible Playground as a legacy to the Annual Meeting’s host city.

Orthopaedist Mentors Teen in “Job Shadowing” Program

Jennie McKee

When Kent Jason Lowry, MD, of Rhinelander, Wis., performed an arthroscopic procedure 4 years ago on Ryley Zastrow, the 14-year-old remained awake—at her request, and with parental consent. Miss Zastrow watched intently as Dr. Lowry excised tissue and cauterized blood vessels. She eagerly noted the various anatomic structures he pointed out within her knee and answered his “quiz questions” about the ligaments and structures she saw on the monitor.

Treasurer’s Report—December 2013

Andrew N. Pollak, MD

The bylaws of the AAOS direct the Finance Committee to “manage, supervise, and control the financial affairs” of the organization. As your treasurer, I serve as chair of the Finance Committee; John R. Tongue, MD, immediate past president, and Frederick M. Azar, MD, first vice-president, are the other voting members of the committee. Other participants in Finance Committee meetings include Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, AAOS president; David T. Teuscher, MD, second vice-president; Karen L.

AAOS Selects New Medical Director

Jennie McKee

William O. Shaffer, MD, has been selected as the medical director for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Dr. Shaffer, who succeeds William R. Martin, III, MD, in this role, will assume his new position effective Dec. 2, 2013. As medical director, Dr. Shaffer will be located in the AAOS Washington, D.C., offices and will supervise the office of government relations and the department of research and scientific affairs. “We are thrilled that Dr.

Nominating Committee Recommends 2014 Slate

Richard N. Peterson, JD

On Nov. 13, 2013, the AAOS Nominating Committee released its recommended slate of nominees. The release was timed to correspond to bylaw amendments adopted by the Fellowship after the 2010 Annual Meeting. Chaired by John J. Callaghan, MD, the Nominating Committee also included Stephen S. Burkhart, MD; Richard H. Gelberman, MD; Robert N. Hensinger, MD; Bernard F. Morrey, MD; Peter J. Stern, MD; and Vernon T. Tolo, MD.