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AAOS Now Podcast

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons | American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons

The AAOS Now podcast is a monthly series that spotlights hotly debated issues and controversial trends in orthopaedic surgery. Each episode presents nuanced perspectives to inspire further discourse, inform your decision-making — and maybe even change your mind. Part of The Bone Beat Orthopaedic Podcast Channel.

Brought to you by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

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  • 21 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 30 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S8 · E8
    August 19 · 36 min

    The ABOS Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior Program: How Valuable Are the Assessments?

    In this episode of the AAOS Now Podcast, host Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, sits down with two guests who offer differing perspectives about the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior (KSB) Program. David F. Martin, MD, Executive Director of the ABOS, offers the board's perspective on why the Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior (KSB) Program exists, why it is now required, and where it's headed; Ellen Lutnick, MD, a PGY5 at the University of Buffalo and chair of the AAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee, shares her experience of living with the program day to day. Together, they trace the KSB Program from its 2018 launch through its 2025 requirement for residents entering the ABOS Part I exam pathway. Dr. Martin explains that the program grew out of decades of interest in competency-based medical education and a recognition that time alone doesn't guarantee a resident has developed adequate orthopaedic knowledge, surgical skill, and professional behavior. He walks through why the ABOS made participation mandatory, how the program integrates with ACGME case logging, and the distinction between formative feedback – meant to help residents improve – and summative feedback, like board exams, that produces a pass or fail outcome. Dr. Lutnick describes how the program was rolled out at Buffalo, what it's actually like to request feedback after or before a case, and how she's learned to be strategic about which cases to submit for evaluation. She also speaks candidly about receiving feedback she disagreed with, how professional behavior assessments surface blind spots, and what other residents have told her they would like to see change about the KSB Program. The conversation closes with a look at where the program might go next, including whether the ABOS will eventually tie participation to specific performance scores rather than just completion numbers. Dr. Martin encourages residents to reach out with feedback so ABOS can continue to make the assessments even more helpful and easier to incorporate into a resident’s busy schedule. Key topics covered in this episode: The origins of the KSB Program and its roots in competency-based medical education Why the ABOS chose to make KSB participation a requirement for the Part I exam Integration between the ABOS case entry system and the ACGME The difference between formative and summative assessment in residency training Strategies to help residents decide which cases to submit for surgical skills evaluation How professional behavior assessments are designed to identify outliers rather than track linear growth The role of verbal vs. written feedback in resident education Resident perspectives on receiving and processing critical feedback Survey fatigue and efforts to streamline the evaluation process What residents want to see improved, including access to individual professional behavior results Where the program may be headed, including the possibility of performance-based scoring requirements Residents starting to navigate the KSB Program will find real value in hearing how a peer has learned to use the tool strategically, not just to meet a requirement, but to actively shape the feedback they receive. Host: Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Deputy Editor, AAOS Now; Chair, AAOS Now Podcast Workgroup Guests: David F. Martin, MD, Executive Director, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation (Winston-Salem), Wake Forest University School of Medicine Ellen Lutnick, MD, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive Committee; PGY5 and Resident Research Coordinator, University of Buffalo Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

  • S8 · E7
    July 27 · 43 min

    The Limits of Orthopaedic Surgery: A Critique of Heroic Salvage Measures

    In this episode of the AAOS Now Podcast, host Ahmed Emara, MD, speaks with Nathan Mesko, MD, FAAOS, to explore the limits of orthopaedic surgery and the difficult decisions surrounding “heroic” measures. Dr. Mesko draws on 13 years of experience in orthopaedic oncology and joint reconstruction to unpack what "heroic" really means in surgery. He argues that heroism has less to do with technical difficulty – ”can I perform this procedure” – and more to do with what a patient is being asked to endure to reach a surgeon's envisioned outcome. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Mesko returns to a central idea: Surgical capability should always be outpaced by wisdom. He walks through how to recognize when the push toward a heroic operation is being driven by the surgeon rather than the patient, and he offers concrete techniques for having honest, humane conversations with patients around amputation, cancer diagnoses, and end of life. He also discusses the emotional toll of these decisions, including guilt, escalation of commitment, and how surgeons can build the humility and self-forgiveness needed for a sustainable career. The episode closes with a personal story that illustrates why staying present with a patient and not turning away from them, even after a frustrating conversation, can matter even more than the surgery itself. Key topics covered: Defining "heroic" measures in orthopaedic surgery and how that threshold shifts over a surgeon's career as the surgeon matures, including the evolution from saying "yes" to every procedure to knowing when to say "no” The challenges of actually getting informed consent for maiming or life-altering procedures, such as sacral resections and proximal femoral replacements, given the challenge of explaining to patients how much the procedure will impact their daily life Recognizing when surgical momentum is being driven by the surgeon rather than the patient, including escalation of commitment and the sunken cost fallacy in surgical decision-making The value of physically equalizing the conversation, such as pulling up a chair and sitting down rather than towering over the patient, to build trust and openness The importance of listening to patients before recommending treatment options to ensure that the treatment aligns with the patient’s goals and personal wishes Strategies for guarding against unnecessary repeat interventions, including peer consultation and pausing after setbacks Rethinking success in orthopaedics beyond X-rays and implant longevity, including patient-reported outcomes Managing surgeon guilt, self-forgiveness, and separating outcomes from the integrity of the decision-making process The importance of never leaving a patient without a clear next step or follow-up plan Listeners are encouraged to reflect not only on how they operate, but on how and why they decide to operate at all. Host: Ahmed Emara, MD, member, AAOS Now Editorial BoardGuest: Nathan Mesko, MD, FAAOS, Vice Chair of Global Clinical Operations, Center Director for Orthopaedic Oncology, and Associate Professor, departments of Orthopaedics (Integrated Surgical Institute) and Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland Clinic

  • S8 · E6
    June 24 · 40 min

    Registries: What Happens When Orthopaedic Surgeons Own the Data?

    In this episode of the AAOS Now Podcast, host Stuart J. Fischer, MD, FAAOS, speaks with two leaders in orthopaedic data science about how physician-controlled registries are transforming outcomes measurement, implant evaluation, and clinical decision-making. From the early vision of a national joint replacement registry to a new real-time data partnership with Epic, the conversation traces how far the registries have come and where they are headed. Drs. James Huddleston and Steven Glassman share concrete examples of how registry data is driving practice change. They also address how the data supports Clinical Practice Guidelines and research, why surgeon and patient information is protected from outside access, and what the integration of AI and patient-reported outcomes means for the next generation of orthopaedic registries. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Origins and goals of the AAOS registry portfolio: How orthopaedic surgeons built a physician-controlled data infrastructure to protect procedures and drive evidence-based care Data sources and infrastructure: AJRR's use of hospital and ASC submissions, Medicare claims for complete follow-up on Medicare patients, and a new Epic Community Registries partnership for real-time data capture Registry scale and participation gaps: Why AJRR has surpassed five million procedures while spine, shoulder and elbow, and musculoskeletal oncology registries are still building volume Real-world clinical impact: How AJRR data has influenced cementless knee adoption, robotics use in unicompartmental arthroplasty, and the growth of triple-tapered femoral stems in hip replacement Research and CPG applications: How the Registry Analytics Institute supports physician-led and industry-sponsored research, with strict controls on data dissemination Patient-reported outcomes: The longstanding role of PROMs in spine and the challenges of scaling PROM collection for hip and knee under new government mandates Data privacy: Why registry data remains de-identified and inaccessible to insurers and government agencies, and what individual surgeon dashboards can offer International comparisons and ISAR: How AJRR benchmarks against registries in England, Wales, and beyond, and why U.S.-specific data remains essential AI and the future of registries: How AJRR is piloting AI-powered EHR extraction to improve data completeness without human intervention About Our Guests: James Huddleston III, MD, FAAOS, is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford Hospital; Co-Chair of the AAOS Registry Oversight Committee; and Chair of the American Joint Replacement Registry Steering Committee Steven D. Glassman, MD, FAAOS, is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine; Medical Director at the Norton Leatherman Spine Center; Chair of the AAOS Registry Oversight Committee; and past Chair of the American Spine Registry Executive Committee

  • S8 · E4
    May 29 · 40 min

    The Ortho Surgery Match Game: Signaling, Away Rotations, Research Years, and More

    In this episode of the AAOS Now Podcast, host Richard Schaefer, MD, FAAOS, sits down with two of orthopaedic surgery's most dedicated advocates for medical student mentorship, William Levine, MD, FAAOS, and Amiethab Aiyer, MD, FAAOS, for a candid conversation about the residency Match process. The discussion tackles the nuts, bolts, and controversies of today's highly competitive application landscape, including how signaling helps students whittle down the number of programs they apply to, why away rotations may have gotten out of hand, and whether every student really needs to do a research year. Drs. Levine and Aiyer share how their decades-long professional relationship helped shape their commitment to guiding the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. They explain that mentorship is a bidirectional partnership in which the mentee must put forth more than just a desire to learn. They talk about the importance of building a diverse "board" of mentors across institutions. And they encourage students to seek out mentors, including near-peers, who have their “finger on the pulse” of the rapidly-evolving Match process. The episode closes with a candid challenge to prospective applicants: Before attempting to match into orthopaedic surgery, ask yourself why you want to be an orthopaedic surgeon. According to Dr. Levine, mentors should require all of their mentees to answer that question — and if the answer is iffy, encourage them to consider a different specialty. Key Topics Covered in this Episode How the residency Match process works: from application to Match Day Building a mentorship "board": why one mentor isn't enough and how to cultivate relationships across institutions Mentorship as a bidirectional partnership: what mentees must bring to the relationship The origin of OrthoMentor: how Drs. Levine and Aiyer began collaborating to fill a nationwide advising void and how students at institutions with limited advising resources can still access current, accurate guidance Signaling and application caps: understanding the data behind limiting program applications (yes, 100 applications is too many) Away rotations: how many to do and why cohort strategy matters when applying Research years: when they help, when they don't, and what to look for in a productive year Schools without home programs: unique challenges and where to find current guidance Pursuing the right path: why students should reflect on their motivations before pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery, and why where you train isn’t as important as what you do with the opportunity About Our Guests William N. Levine, MD, FAAOS, the Frank E. Stinchfield Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Chief of the Orthopaedics Service at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center; and Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Amiethab Aiyer, MD, FAAOS, Division Chief of foot and ankle surgery and Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Deputy Editor, Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

  • April 22 · 20 min

    My Parents Survived the Khmer Rouge: Life Lessons

    In this deeply personal episode, Bopha Chrea, MD, shares the extraordinary story of her family's survival of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, their harrowing escape from the Killing Fields across the border into Thailand, and their eventual resettlement in Canada. Dr. Chrea, now a foot and ankle surgeon at Iowa Health Care, connects her family's journey to three core lessons she carried into her career: that opportunities are often disguised as misfortune, that growth requires getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, and that gratitude is a genuine superpower. She reflects on how her early experiences navigating the healthcare system as a young child of immigrant parents shaped her path to orthopaedics, and how she now uses those lessons to guide trainees through the challenges of residency and fellowship, as well as the transition into practice. Key Topics Covered in This Episode Opportunities can be disguised as misfortune — How a series of trials and tribulations, including losing his glasses and the destruction of his family’s home, miraculously ended up saving Dr. Chrea's father from execution by Pol Pot’s brutal regime. The lesson: tragedy can lead to positive outcomes and growth. It’s important to get comfortable with being uncomfortable — How her parents’ willingness to take risks in the absence of a guaranteed path enabled the family to escape the Killing Fields and safely reach the refugee camp in Thailand, where Dr. Chrea was born. This lesson: focus on clarity of vision over certainty of path; as long as you believe in the vision, you can navigate through the uncertainty, but if you aren’t willing to try, you definitely won’t succeed. Gratitude is a superpower — How her brother chooses to emphasize the positive aspects of the family’s time in the refugee camp, not just the horrors. The lesson: mindset matters; you can actively choose to frame experiences in a more affirming way. To this day, Dr. Chrea is intentional about expressing gratitude to the people who have supported her journey. Mentoring is not one-size-fits-all — How meeting learners where they are helps them build confidence through small, achievable goals. The path to orthopaedics is paved with personal experiences — How translating for her mother at medical appointments as a child sparked a lifelong commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Guest: Bopha Chrea, MD, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation in the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa Host: Robert M. Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Now editorial board member

  • S8 · E2
    March 17 · 27 min

    The AAOS Patient Engagement Task Force

    This episode spotlights the AAOS Patient Engagement Task Force and its efforts to increase patient involvement in and education about orthopaedic care. Host Stuart J. Fischer, MD, FAAOS, welcomed task force co-chairs James W. Barber, MD, FAAOS, and Monica Payares-Lizano, MD, FAAOS, to discuss the creation and structure of the task force and its focus on patient engagement as a key part of the 2024-28 strategic plan. They explain that the task force was designed to promote bi-directional communication between the AAOS Board of Directors and the AAOS councils and committees that are already involved in patient-facing work. Highlighted task force accomplishments include a major revamp of OrthoInfo.org – AAOS’ most comprehensive patient-facing musculoskeletal health resource – to make the website more accessible and easier to navigate, as well as provide the content in multiple languages. Drs. Barber and Payares also talked about patient advocacy and the powerful impact of sharing patient stories with policymakers on Capitol Hill, about other AAOS patient education tools such as CPGs, and about the positive effect of patient engagement on PROMs. Both doctors share perspectives about how they are able to effectively inform and communicate with their unique patient populations, emphasizing the importance of placing patients at the center of orthopaedic care. Host: Stuart J. Fischer, MD, FAAOS, member, AAOS Now Editorial Board, and former Editor-in-Chief of OrthoInfo Guests: Monica Payares-Lizano, MD, FAAOS, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Phoenix Children’s; Member-at-Large, AAOS Board of Directors; co-chair, Patient Engagement Task Force James W. Barber, MD, FAAOS, orthopaedic surgeon with Southeastern Orthopaedics and Surgery Center; Secretary, AAOS Board of Councilors; co-chair, Patient Engagement Task Force

  • S8 · E2
    February 19 · 36 min

    Why Leadership Training Is Essential for Doctors

    This episode explores the importance of leadership development in healthcare and orthopaedics, featuring insights from Duke sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and professor Dean Taylor, MD, FAAOS. Dr. Taylor, chair of the Feagin Leadership Program and a retired Army colonel, shares the origins and impact of the Feagin Leadership Program with host and West Point classmate Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, FAAOS. Dr. Taylor highlights the program’s role in fostering patient-centered leadership not just in orthopaedics, but across the medical spectrum. He defines what healthcare leadership is and outlines the skills and traits that are essential for healthcare leaders – including emotional intelligence and self-awareness – and how these translate into clinical practice and team dynamics. Dr. Taylor also reflects on his relationship with the late Dr. John Feagin, whose legacy inspires the multidisciplinary Feagin program, and emphasizes the value of embracing diverse perspectives to improve healthcare outcomes. Listeners gain practical advice about enhancing their leadership skills and learn about resources such as the annual leadership forum and the nonprofit Healthcare Leadership Foundation, which are aimed at advancing leadership education in medicine. Host: Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, FAAOS Guest: Dean Taylor, MD, FAAOS

  • January 28 · 44 min

    How AI Is Transforming Orthopaedics

    This episode explores the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in orthopedic surgery, highlighting practical applications, current challenges, ethical considerations, and what the future holds. Dr. Peter Schilling, MD, MSc, co-founder of the Dartmouth Center for AI Research in Orthopedics, joins host Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, to discuss topics ranging from federated learning to the use of digital scribes in clinical practice. Dr. Schilling shares insights on how AI is shaping patient care, transforming the doctor-patient relationship, and driving research advances. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions and concerns about AI as this technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday practice and research. Host: Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS Guest: Peter Schilling, MD, MSc

  • S7 · E5
    Dec 19, 2025 · 29 min

    Innovation in Orthopaedic Surgery

    This episode explores the multifaceted nature of innovation in orthopedic surgery, from creative problem-solving in clinical practice to collaborating with industry on new device development. Dr. Robert Orfaly hosts a conversation with Dr. Amy Ladd, Chief of Stanford's Chase Hand & Upper Limb Center, a recognized leader in the field whose career includes pioneering research in thumb CMC arthritis, patents, and instrument design. Dr. Amy Ladd shares her perspective on fostering intellectual curiosity early in one's career, the process of turning a simple idea into intellectual property, and the evolving relationship between academic institutions, industry, and orthopedic surgeons. Practical advice is given for trainees, mid-career surgeons, and anyone inspired to pursue innovation, with stories ranging from creating specialized surgical instruments to applying motion analysis technology from upper limb research to optimizing golf swings. The episode also discusses the importance of networking across disciplines and the realities of developing and commercializing new medical devices, emphasizing that creativity and collaboration are central to advancing patient care. Host: Robert Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Editor in Chief, AAOS Now Guest: Amy Ladd, MD, FAAOS, Chief of Stanford's Chase Hand & Upper Limb Center; Chief of the Children’s Hand Clinic at Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanfordand; and the Elsbach-Richards Professor of Surgery and Professor, by courtesy, of Medicine (Immunology & Rheumatology) and Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), at Stanford University Medical Center Production and Editing: MK Quinn Media

  • S7 · E4
    Nov 18, 2025 · 40 min

    Inside AAOS 2026: Can’t Miss Events, Education, and the Crescent City

    This episode provides a comprehensive preview of the 2026 AAOS Annual Meeting, set to take place in New Orleans. Special guests Dr. Matthew Provencher, Chair of the Annual Meeting Oversight Committee, and Dr. Michael Leddy, Chair of the Board of Counselors, join host Dr. Stuart Fischer to discuss the meticulous planning required for one of the world’s largest medical gatherings. They cover new data-driven changes aimed at maximizing attendee engagement, including more efficient session lengths and the elimination of ICL registration fees, making education more accessible than ever. The episode highlights the importance of member feedback in shaping the meeting’s offerings, plans for innovative features such as an advanced navigation app, and exciting technological upgrades for hands-on learning. With expert insights and local perspective, the hosts share everything attendees can look forward to -- from educational sessions and networking opportunities, to unique New Orleans attractions and tips for making the most of time in The Big Easy. Host: Dr. Stuart Fischer Guests: Dr. Matthew Provencher, Chair, Annual Meeting Oversight Committee; Dr. Michael Leddy, Chair, Board of Counselors Production and Editing: MK Quinn Media

  • S7 · E3
    Oct 21, 2025 · 27 min

    Mastering the Art of Patient Communication

    This episode explores the essentials of effective doctor-patient communication in today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, particularly in an era influenced by “Dr. Google” and increased patient access to information. Dr. Katie Schabel, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University, draws from her experience as both a clinician and educator to discuss practical strategies for building trust, demonstrating empathy, and fostering shared decision-making with patients. Topics include the “four E's” of communication - engage, empathize, educate, and enlist - as well as tips for tackling complex conversations around surgical risks, optimization, and misinformation found online. Host: Robert Orfaly, MD, MBA, Editor in Chief, AAOS Now Guest: Katie Schabel, MD, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University

  • S7 · E2
    Sep 26, 2025 · 27 min

    What’s Up, MOC? Key Changes to the ABOS Maintenance of Certification Program

    This episode focuses on the evolving process of Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for orthopedic surgeons, highlighting its transition to a more flexible and continuous learning experience. Dr. Gregory McComis, ABOS Director and chair of the ABOS Maintenance of Certification Committee, joins interviewer Dr. Doug Lundy to break down key elements of the MOC program—including professional standing, lifelong learning, performance in practice, and cognitive expertise. Dr. McComis also outlines recent updates, such as the introduction of the Web-Based Longitudinal Assessment (WLA), the move toward a “continuing certification process,” and changes to certification cycles. Together, they discuss how these advancements are designed to help surgeons maintain high standards of care while addressing common challenges and misperceptions. Host: Dr. Doug Lundy, AAOS Now Editorial Board/Former ABOS Director Guest: Dr. Gregory McComis, ABOS Director and Chair of the ABOS Maintenance of Certification Committee

  • S7 · E1
    Aug 18, 2025 · 23 min

    Local Voices, National Impact: How the BOC Works for You

    This episode offers an in-depth look at the vital role of the AAOS Board of Counselors (BOC) in orthopaedic advocacy and practice. New BOC Chair Dr. Michael Leddy III joins interviewer Dr. Stuart Fischer to share his personal journey in orthopaedics, including how involvement in state societies helped prepare him for national leadership. Together, they discuss pressing issues facing the profession such as scope of practice challenges, prior authorization hurdles, and ongoing Medicare reimbursement concerns. Dr. Leddy outlines the Board’s collaborative grant programs that support state societies and highlights recent advocacy successes—like increased funding and strategic sharing of resources between states. The episode also explores efforts to strengthen communication and partnerships across the orthopaedic community, promote engagement at the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference, and encourage early career involvement in advocacy. Dr. Leddy invites listeners to the upcoming AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans and emphasizes the importance of bi-directional communication and grassroots participation within the Academy. Host: Dr. Stuart Fischer, AAOS Now Editorial Board Guest: Dr. Michael Leddy III, Chair, AAOS Board of Counselors

  • Jul 22, 2025 · 27 min

    #55 A Legacy of Advocacy: How OrthoPAC Is Shaping Healthcare Policy

    This episode highlights the influential role of the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (OrthoPAC) in amplifying the voices of orthopaedic surgeons on Capitol Hill and advancing patient care. Dr. Wayne Johnson, Chair of OrthoPAC, shares insights on the committee’s mission, its major legislative victories—including payment reform and surprise billing—and its ongoing efforts to address key challenges like Medicare reimbursement cuts, prior authorization burdens, and advocacy for physician-owned hospitals. The discussion also explores the importance of bipartisan collaboration, mentorship, and how orthopaedic surgeons at all career stages can get involved in advocacy efforts. Host: Dr. Richard Schaefer, Editorial Board Member, AAOS Now Guest: Dr. Wayne Johnson, Chair, AAOS Orthopaedic Political Action Committee

  • Jun 10, 2025 · 24 min

    #54 The Real-World Cost of Payment Reform for Orthopaedic Surgeons

    This episode explores the ongoing challenges and potential solutions surrounding Medicare physician payment reform and the sustainability of orthopedic practices. Dr. Robert Orfaly, editor in chief of AAOS Now, is joined by Dr. Adam Bruggeman, Chair of the AAOS Advocacy Council, to discuss the history of payment models from the sustainable growth rate (SGR) to MACRA, the impact of budget neutrality, and the consequences of stagnant reimbursement rates. Dr. Bruggeman shares insights into how these financial pressures are threatening the viability of independent and group practices, driving consolidation, and affecting patient access to care. The conversation highlights current advocacy efforts to secure inflationary updates for physician payments and emphasizes the importance of physician engagement and storytelling in influencing health policy. Host: Robert Orfaly, MD, Editor in Chief, AAOS Now Guest: Adam Bruggeman, MD, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

  • #53
    Sep 9, 2024 · 37 min

    #53 Special Episode: AAOS’s New Strategic Plan

    The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently went through a comprehensive multi-year process to re-imagine its core focus and aspirational state to be the trusted leaders in advancing musculoskeletal health. Members of the AAOS Presidential Line provide behind-the-scenes perspective that explores the need for change, and how these changes provide a foundation for greater collaboration, innovation, learning opportunities and benefits for current and future members, patients and the larger musculoskeletal community. More on AAOS’ proposed governance changes: https://www.aaos.org/about/meet-aaos/proposed-governance-changes/ Moving Forward: AAOS Board of Directors Approves New Strategic Plan, (AAOS Now, April 2024): https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2024/march-april/commentary/commentary01/ Look Towards the Future, (AAOS Now, August 2024), https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2024/aug/youraaos/youraaos01 Host: Valerae O. Lewis, MD, FAAOS, AAOS Membership Council Chair Guests: Paul Tornetta III, MD, PhD, FAAOS, AAOS President Annunziato (Ned) Amendola, MD, FAAOS, AAOS First Vice President Joel Mayerson, MD, FAAOS, FAOA, AAOS Board of Councilors Chair

  • #52
    May 29, 2024 · 26 min

    #52 Consolidation, Non-competes, & Cybersecurity

    This episode covers an array of topics related to increasing consolidation within the healthcare system, from banning non-competes to tightening cybersecurity. OrthoForum CEO Karen Simonton offers her perspective and wealth of knowledge, having worked with orthopaedic groups over the last decade, on how this changing landscape is impacting private practices and their ability to provide care. Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council Guest: Karen Simonton, CEO, OrthoForum

  • #51
    Mar 13, 2024 · 18 min

    #51 Dr. Glaucomflecken on Advocacy Through Comedy

    Comedian and ophthalmologist Dr. Will Flanary, better known as Dr. Glaucomflecken by his 4 million followers on social media, recently sat down for an exclusive interview during the AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting. He shared his story of going from patient to accidental healthcare advocate and explained how he uses medical satire to entertain and bring attention to key public policy issues. Guest: Will Flanary, MD, AKA Dr. Glaucomflecken, comedian and ophthalmologist Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council More links to Dr. Glaucomflecken: YouTube Website Twitter TikTok Instagram

  • #50
    Feb 13, 2024 · 21 min

    #50 Celebrating 25 Years of OrthoPAC

    Recorded on Monday, February 12 at the AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting, this episode sits down with the current and former chairs of the AAOS Orthopaedic PAC to celebrate its 25th anniversary. They discuss its new logo and tagline, key milestones and advocacy victories over the years, the importance of political engagement for physicians, as well as on-site opportunities at the meeting for AAOS members to learn more. Guests: Wayne Johnson MD, FAAOS, FACS, Chair, AAOS Orthopaedic PAC; Stuart Weinstein, MD, FAAOS, Past-Chair, AAOS Orthopaedic PAC Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

  • #49
    Jan 24, 2024 · 29 min

    #49 Making Policy Part of Your Practice

    In this episode, returning guest and health policy researcher Brian Miller, MD, talks about the opportunity physicians have to improve care for patients outside of their regular practice. From engaging in advocacy efforts to lending their unique perspective in policy discussions, doctors can be instrumental in finding creative solutions to today’s challenges like artificial intelligence, vertically integrated systems and stark law reform. Guest: Brian Miller, MD, MBA, MPH, Nonresident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

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