In 2020, the world faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and AAOS was no exception. After making the difficult decision to pivot the AAOS 2020 Annual Meeting to an entirely virtual experience, the Academy continued to forge ahead in providing its members with resources for patient care, practice management, continued education, and advocacy in new and innovative ways. Under the leadership of AAOS President Joseph A. Bosco III, MD, FAAOS, the Academy communicated regularly and transparently with its members about the changes occurring worldwide and within the field of orthopaedics.
A few 2020 initiatives and accomplishments—all of which are successful due to the continued dedication and support of our volunteers and staff—include:
- Responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by:
- Conducting an impact survey to members
- Providing relief funds to orthopaedic practices
- Creating a COVID-19 Member Resource Center on aaos.org
- Advocating on behalf of member priorities such as prior authorization and mitigating specialty care cuts
- Revolutionized the Resident Curriculum to include personalized educational needs and easier access to curriculum pathways based on data-driven reporting
- Conducted the 2020 Annual Meeting virtually, giving members access to:
- ePapers
- ePosters
- Presidential addresses
- OVT videos
- OnDemand courses
- Virtual exhibit hall
- Highlighted members through social media campaigns such as the Volunteer Spotlight and the #OrthoHeroes campaign
- Continued to promote advocacy for members with a unique in-district advocacy event and the launch of “The Bone Beat” podcast
- Delivered on the promise of diversity by increasing female and under-represented minority representation in governance by 14% and 8%, respectively
- Launched the AAOS Leadership Institute to expand access to leadership education and encourage growth in skills deemed important for success as an AAOS leader
- Facilitated the growth of the AAOS Registries Program with AJRR surpassing 2 million procedures and the launch of the American Spine Registry in collaboration with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
