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: Matt DeWolf

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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