You are entering webpages belonging to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which includes information and resources for Association advocacy efforts and the Political Action Committee of The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoPAC).
The AAOS Distinguished Congressional Ambassador is a recognition given to an AAOS member who has demonstrated excellence in advocacy on behalf of orthopaedic priorities.
2021 - Robert Hagen, MD, FAAOS
Dr. Hagen has been a tireless advocate for orthopaedics at both the state and federal levels, and is an exemplary ambassador to three Indiana U.S. Representatives and both U.S. Senators. He has built close relationships with all of his representatives and has advocated on surprise billing, liability reform, electronic health record interconnectivity, physician-owned hospitals, sports medicine licensure and site-neutral payments, among other issues.
2020 - Richard Bruch, MD, FAAOS
Dr. Bruch’s political involvement began at the state level in 2002 when he advocated for tort reform as president of the North Carolina Medical Society. Today he is involved with health policy initiatives at both the state and federal levels to preserve the independent practice of medicine and its ability to provide better quality medical care, lower prices, and better patient satisfaction. Dr. Bruch’s support of candidates early in office has helped him to develop strong relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle including Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Barrasso (R-WY), and Representatives George Holding (R-GA), David Price (D-NC) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC).
2019 - John J. McGraw, MD, FAAOS
Dr. McGraw has played a direct role in major advocacy victories. He has an excellent relationship with Rep. Phil Roe, MD (R-TN) and has helped support Chairman Roe’s work on the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) repeal, reducing physician regulatory burden, and other physician-related issues. Dr. McGraw is also a personal friend of Rep. John Duncan (R-TN), and has worked with him to further AAOS’ advocacy objectives in Congress. In March, 2018, Dr. McGraw met with Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) to ask him to drop his opposition to legislation that would allow team doctors to more easily care for their players while traveling across state lines. Following the meeting, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act legislation (S.808) was cleared through the HELP Committee for the first time and has since become law.
Are you interested in joining the Ambassador Program? Reach out to the AAOS Advocacy team at dc@aaos.org for more information.