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AAOS Now Podcast

AAOS Now Podcast

By: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons | American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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 The AAOS Advocacy Podcast has wrapped, but you can still listen to or download past episodes here. For continued insights on health policy and musculoskeletal advocacy, plus compelling conversations about all things orthopaedic surgery, tune in to the new AAOS Now podcast — part of The Bone Beat Orthopaedic Podcast Channel. Each episode of the AAOS Now Podcast offers expert insight and advice to help orthopaedic surgeons stay informed, enhance their practices, and provide the best possible care for their patients. Brought to you by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.© 2020-2025 American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Local Voices, National Impact: How the BOC Works for You

    Local Voices, National Impact: How the BOC Works for You
    Aug 18 2025
    This episode offers an in-depth look at the vital role of the AAOS Board of Counselors (BOC) in orthopaedic advocacy and practice. New BOC Chair Dr. Michael Leddy III joins interviewer Dr. Stuart Fischer to share his personal journey in orthopaedics, including how involvement in state societies helped prepare him for national leadership. Together, they discuss pressing issues facing the profession such as scope of practice challenges, prior authorization hurdles, and ongoing Medicare reimbursement concerns. Dr. Leddy outlines the Board’s collaborative grant programs that support state societies and highlights recent advocacy successes—like increased funding and strategic sharing of resources between states. The episode also explores efforts to strengthen communication and partnerships across the orthopaedic community, promote engagement at the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference, and encourage early career involvement in advocacy. Dr. Leddy invites listeners to the upcoming AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans and emphasizes the importance of bi-directional communication and grassroots participation within the Academy. Host: Dr. Stuart Fischer, AAOS Now Editorial BoardGuest: Dr. Michael Leddy III, Chair, AAOS Board of Counselors
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    23 mins
  • #55 A Legacy of Advocacy: How OrthoPAC Is Shaping Healthcare Policy

    #55 A Legacy of Advocacy: How OrthoPAC Is Shaping Healthcare Policy
    Jul 22 2025
    This episode highlights the influential role of the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (OrthoPAC) in amplifying the voices of orthopaedic surgeons on Capitol Hill and advancing patient care. Dr. Wayne Johnson, Chair of OrthoPAC, shares insights on the committee’s mission, its major legislative victories—including payment reform and surprise billing—and its ongoing efforts to address key challenges like Medicare reimbursement cuts, prior authorization burdens, and advocacy for physician-owned hospitals. The discussion also explores the importance of bipartisan collaboration, mentorship, and how orthopaedic surgeons at all career stages can get involved in advocacy efforts. Host: Dr. Richard Schaefer, Editorial Board Member, AAOS NowGuest: Dr. Wayne Johnson, Chair, AAOS Orthopaedic Political Action Committee
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    28 mins
  • #54 The Real-World Cost of Payment Reform for Orthopaedic Surgeons

    #54 The Real-World Cost of Payment Reform for Orthopaedic Surgeons
    Jun 10 2025
    This episode explores the ongoing challenges and potential solutions surrounding Medicare physician payment reform and the sustainability of orthopedic practices. Dr. Robert Orfaly, editor in chief of AAOS Now, is joined by Dr. Adam Bruggeman, Chair of the AAOS Advocacy Council, to discuss the history of payment models from the sustainable growth rate (SGR) to MACRA, the impact of budget neutrality, and the consequences of stagnant reimbursement rates. Dr. Bruggeman shares insights into how these financial pressures are threatening the viability of independent and group practices, driving consolidation, and affecting patient access to care. The conversation highlights current advocacy efforts to secure inflationary updates for physician payments and emphasizes the importance of physician engagement and storytelling in influencing health policy. Host: Robert Orfaly, MD, Editor in Chief, AAOS NowGuest: Adam Bruggeman, MD, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council
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    24 mins
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