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

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

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

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

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

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