Since the Spring 2021 issue of The Orthopod was published, the executive office has been busy working on a wide range of new and existing projects. These projects will have a significant effect on the future of our organization.
From a publication and communications perspective, the committees and executive office are fast-tracking a revitalization of the Journal of the AOAO. Dr. Steve Heithoff will be the Editor in Chief. An outstanding editorial board has been developed and we expect to publish the first edition of JAOAO early next year. The Journal will be an excellent addition to our general membership, residents, and faculty. Also under development is an updated Virtual Library. No projected date of release has been determined but we are moving forward as planned.
I have taken the initiative of removing registration fees for all Orthopedic Resident members to attend AOAO Annual Meetings. The Board of Directors also unanimously passed a resolution to help our Chief Residents attend the Annual Spring Meeting by waiving their registration fees, allowing them to attend the Board Review course for free, and reimbursing them for a portion of their hotel and airfare expenses. We are also carefully reviewing Chief Resident feedback to develop future meeting topics that will meet their needs.
The CME committee continues to do an excellent job of designing our future meetings. For the 2021 Annual Fall Meeting, the executive office added the ability for our allopathic colleagues, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners to obtain category 1 continuing medical education credits. We will consider this for future spring and fall meetings as well. The Board Review Course continues to receive excellent reviews and although it may not be necessary moving forward for the general membership (as the AOBOS recertification process moves to a longitudinal learning format), it is a great benefit for Chief Residents. The Board Review Course will continue to be free for Chief Residents and is held at a perfect time next spring, one month prior to the AOBOS Part I examination. Please encourage all our Orthopedic Residents to stay Osteopathic and choose the AOBOS board examination.
The AOAO 2021 Annual Spring Meeting, held in a hybrid format, set a record attendance of 1,250 registrants. The vast majority participated virtually, but we hope to see more of our members in person this fall in Louisville. The Annual Fall Meeting, held at the Omni Louisville, will offer excellent CME options for all subspecialties and opportunities for catching up with colleagues. Some sections are hosting fireside chats with bourbon tastings. There are many interesting activities available in Louisville, including the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Derby Museum, Muhammad Ali Center, and multiple bourbon distilleries. The Omni itself offers six restaurants including a top-notch steakhouse and a speakeasy with 4 bowling lanes.
I look forward to seeing you in Louisville, and as always if there is anything I can do to help you please don’t hesitate to contact me.