July 2003 AAOS Report
Board approves major aspects of professional conduct program, advisory statements and key research documents
The AAOS Board of Directors met June 6-7, 2003 in Rosemont, Ill. and took several actions, including approval of an AAOS Professional Conduct Disciplinary Program, two key research documents and several revised Advisory and Policy Statements. Highlights include:
- Approval of the "AAOS Unified Research Agenda," which will be used by leaders in orthopaedic research to advance musculoskeletal care through a unified advocacy strategy. The agenda can be found in the Research section of the AAOS Web site at www.aaos.org.
- Approval of "Future Directions in Musculoskeletal Research" a collection of reports on 17 topics in musculoskeletal research prepared by panels of experts. The document can be found in the Research section at www.aaos.org.
- Approval of a new advisory statement on "Recommendations for Enhancing the Care of Patients with Fragility Fractures" and
- Approval of revised advisory and position statements on use of lasers and radio frequency devices, osteoarthritis of the knee and animals in biomedical research. The statements can be viewed in their entirety at www.aaos.org, then click on "Library and Archives," then on "Policies," then on "Advisory Statements".
Chaired by Richard H. Gelberman, MD, a project team explored creation of an Academy Professional Conduct Disciplinary Program. Upon their recommendations, the Board approved the program in concept and agreed that up to $45,000 from the Board Contingency Fund for 2003 be allocated to further develop and implement such a program. The Board also asked that the Fellowship be polled to determine their interest in an Academy-sponsored ethical/disciplinary program like that of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
In addition, the Board approved the appointments of Sybil Biermann, MD, as chair of the Patient Education Committee and S. Terry Canale, MD, as chair of the 2004 Nominating Committee.
A detailed report from the June board meeting will appear in the August Bulletin.