This spring, we are all adjusting to living among the COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of the AOAO Board of Directors, I want to first recognize and empathize with what our members are facing each day. If you are acting as a first responder, we appreciate all that you are doing to contribute to this fight. If you are waiting to go back to work, we understand your plight.
While face to face meetings were not possible this spring and could be in question for the rest of the year, our AOAO committees have continued to meet virtually to continue their work. The CME Committee is working on how to adjust to the spring meeting cancellation with added content in the fall and possibly more online or virtual education. The Fellow Award, Honors and Memorials Committee met to review and select this year’s award recipients. The Membership Committee has been working on completing the Ambassador Program which will encourage student and resident membership in the Academy. The Editorial Subcommittee completed their review and selection of this year’s Scientific Paper Awards. And finally, the AOAO Board of Directors met on April 30 with their first ever Zoom board meeting. So, as we may find it necessary to adjust and evolve with a “new normal”, the heart and hard work of our Academy continues.
I just recently attended the American Osteopathic Association’s Mid-Year Board of Trustees meeting. I know that many of you continue to be frustrated with concerns related to board certification and residency training. I also share many of your frustrations and I can tell you after attending this meeting that it certainly appears that the new leadership at the AOA is doing everything that they can to increase communication and bridge any gaps that existed previously.
We will continue to provide you with updates on the plan for any additional educational activities and other issues relevant to orthopedic practice. In the meantime, I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and well.
I look forward to seeing you at our annual fall meeting in Austin.