by Elizabeth Hofheinz, M.P.H., M.Ed., December 12, 2019
Alan Hilibrand, M.D., M.B.A., vice chairman of academic affairs and faculty development for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Philadelphia, is also the Treasurer of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS).
According to Dr. Hilibrand, the Joseph and Marie Field professor of spinal surgery, and professor of orthopaedic surgery and neurological surgery at the Rothman Institute and the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, the latest AAOS strategic plan involves three parts. Our first goal is to improve the member experience by providing personalized, seamless education. Before deciding whether or not to attend the annual meeting, members are asking themselves, for example, “How will taking a CME course enhance my practice?’”
“The second goal is related to shaping the future of the specialty. This involves the continued establishment and expansion of our registries and the refinement of clinical practice guidelines, advances that simplify navigation of regulatory issues and in general make it easier to give patients the care they need.”
“The third goal is to do our utmost to be more innovative, inclusive, and diverse. Many will say that orthopedic surgery is an ‘old boys’ network.’ Historically, that has been the case; however, I believe that everyone should have an equal chance if he or she puts in the time and effort. It’s unfortunate that orthopedic surgery is the least diverse specialty…and therefore it is a priority for us to make efforts to attract women and under-represented minorities.” Otherwise, those who treat musculoskeletal conditions will look pretty different from those who are being treated, the nuances of which have yet to be fully explored.
Dr. Hilibrand, who was a mentor for the Academy’s Leadership Fellow Program, notes, “Although women are only 6-7% of all AAOS fellows, they represent 14% of our volunteers. I think this shows that women who choose to pursue orthopaedic surgery are at least as well-qualified as men, and possibly more engaged in organizational orthopaedics!
Keeping spine in “the house”…
Dr. Hilibrand told OSN, “One of our primary long-term goals is to keep spine within the field of orthopedics. The recently announced American Spine Registry, which is a cooperative effort with the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, may be the best last chance to keep spine in the orthopedic fold.”
Dr. Hilibrand cites this as one example of how the AAOS is making inroads into the use of technology. “We have an enormous bandwith in the technology realm and have made it the biggest capital spend. The Academy’s extensive efforts to serve our members involve a new strategic direction: meeting members where they are. So that we can tailor education to member needs, we have solicited detailed information regarding what they are lacking in terms of information on bundled care, practice guidelines and advocacy. Ultimately, the goal of the Strategic Plan is for the AAOS to do things that no one else can do to benefit all orthopaedic surgeons.”
