This episode introduces the AAOS LaunchPad program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at guiding orthopaedic residents as they transition into fellowship and early career practice. Host Dr. Rex Lutz is joined by Dr. Valerie Lewis, Chair of the AAOS Membership Council, and Dr. Max McQuaid, a hand surgery fellow and member of the inaugural LaunchPad cohort. Together, they discuss the personalized mentorship component—which connects younger members with both early- and late-career surgeons—the curated resources for board preparation, career planning, and financial education, as well as the networking and leadership opportunities available at the AAOS annual meeting. The conversation covers how LaunchPad supports specialty interests, organizes small group sessions, and collects participant feedback to constantly refine its offerings. The episode wraps up with application guidance and encouragement for residents to engage in the next LaunchPad cohort, emphasizing the program’s positive impact on preparing for a successful start in orthopedic practice. Host: Dr. Rex Lutz, AAOS Career PodcastGuests: Dr. Valerie Lewis, Chair, AAOS Membership Council; Dr. Max McQuaid, Hand Surgery Fellow, Rutgers University Hospital

This episode delves into the integral role of research in orthopedic residency and early career development. Dr. Dustin Greenhill, a nationally recognized pediatric orthopedic surgeon and active researcher at St. Luke’s University Health Network, discusses his unconventional path from West Point to medicine, and how hands-on research experiences shaped his focus within orthopedics. He shares insights on motivating trainees, building productive research teams, and overcoming common barriers to launching and completing meaningful projects, especially in environments with limited resources. Dr. Greenhill also emphasizes the personal and professional rewards of mentoring residents and medical students, turning academic challenges into lasting collaborations and career-defining moments. Host: Dr. Rex Lutz, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive CommitteeGuest: Dr. Dustin Greenhill, Associate Program Director, St. Luke's University Health Network

This episode explores the meaning of leadership within orthopaedic surgery, offering invaluable insights from Dr. Stephen Gitelis, Rush Medical College Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Oncology and recipient of the 2025 William W. Tipton Jr. Leadership Award. Dr. Gitelis reflects on his five-decade career at Rush, where he launched and grew one of the largest sarcoma programs in the region, and shares lessons learned from key mentors, the value of mentorship, and the importance of the “3 A’s” of leadership—ability, availability, and affability. He also discusses the evolution of limb salvage surgery, advances in 3D-printed implants and infection prevention, as well as his experiences leading both in academic medicine and the US Navy. Listeners will gain practical advice on developing leadership skills, the significance of volunteerism, and how to inspire the next generation of orthopaedic oncologists. Host: Dr. Rex Lutz, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive CommitteeGuest: Dr. Stephen Gitelis, Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Oncology, Rush Medical College

This episode dives into the job-hunting process using the brand-new orthopaedic job exploration platform, ACCELERATE by AAOS. MedGeo Executive Vice President Jarod Collins explains how the interactive, map-based platform helps connect AAOS members with over 13,500 employers across the country in one easy to use tool. The conversation covers key factors to consider when choosing a job, the importance of mentorship and leveraging your network, as well as job searching techniques and current market trends. Learn more about ACCELERATE by AAOS: https://www.aaos.org/accelerate   View FAQ about the platform: https://resources.accelerate.aaos.org/   Host: Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Guest: Jarod Collins, Executive Vice President, MedGeo Ventures

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently went through a comprehensive multi-year process to re-imagine its core focus and aspirational state to be the trusted leaders in advancing musculoskeletal health. Members of the AAOS Presidential Line provide behind-the-scenes perspective that explores the need for change, and how these changes provide a foundation for greater collaboration, innovation, learning opportunities and benefits for current and future members, patients and the larger musculoskeletal community. More on AAOS’ proposed governance changes: https://www.aaos.org/about/meet-aaos/proposed-governance-changes/ Moving Forward: AAOS Board of Directors Approves New Strategic Plan, (AAOS Now, April 2024): https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2024/march-april/commentary/commentary01/   Look Towards the Future, (AAOS Now, August 2024), https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2024/aug/youraaos/youraaos01 Host:  Valerae O. Lewis, MD, FAAOS, AAOS Membership Council Chair  Guests:  Paul Tornetta III, MD, PhD, FAAOS, AAOS President   Annunziato (Ned) Amendola, MD, FAAOS, AAOS First Vice President   Joel Mayerson, MD, FAAOS, FAOA, AAOS Board of Councilors Chair

Healthcare executive Paul Bruning discusses the recent ban on noncompete agreements and what the historic rule means for the future of musculoskeletal care. He talks about the reasoning behind the restrictive clauses and unlocked opportunities for innovation and industry competition. Host: Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly  Guest: Paul Bruning, Service Line Director, Sutter Health 

This episode features a provocative discussion about diversity in medicine and the importance of cross collaboration between public and private practice. Microbiologist and FDA leader RDML Raquel Peat shares lessons on transformational leadership and why diversity in thought, background, training, geography, and research are critical to improving public health and advancing the field of orthopaedics. Host: Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Guest: RDML Raquel Peat, PhD, MPH, Director, Office of Orthopedic Devices, FDA

Partnerships between orthopaedic surgeons and industry can have educational value and lead to improvements in patient care. Sometimes, however, the line between supportive funds and funds to promote a particular product can be blurred. This episode dives into considerations for ensuring these relationships provide value, benefit the patient, and comply with applicable laws. Related episode, Episode 16, Ideas and Innovation in Orthopaedics: https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/career-podcast/episode-16/ AAOS Device Recall Dashboard: https://www.aaos.org/quality/healthcare-safety/device-recall-dashboard/ Guest: Jonathan Dubin, MD, FAAOS, AAOS Healthcare Safety Committee Host: Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly

In this episode, recorded live at the AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting, public speaking and media performance consultant, Kathryn Janicek, explains how surgeons’ executive presence is critical to inspiring confidence and trust in the field. The three-time Emmy Award-winning TV executive offers practical guidance for leveraging your expertise to promote your personal brand and your practice. Guest: Kathryn Janicek, Public Speaking and Media Performance Consultant Host: Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly

New host Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, sits down with outgoing AAOS Membership Council chair and repeat podcast guest Elizabeth Matzkin, MD, FAAOS, for this in-person interview recorded at the AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting. Through sharing her personal story in sports medicine, Dr. Matzkin explains the importance of finding passion within your specialty, whether it's research, a surgical technique or an area outside of clinical practice like advocacy, and how that excitement translates into being a better orthopaedic surgeon.  Episode 16 with Dr. Matzkin, “Building Skills Through Leadership” https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/career-podcast/episode-15/  Guest: Elizabeth Matzkin, MD, FAAOS, inaugural chair, AAOS Membership Council  Host: Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly 

In his final episode as host of the AAOS Career Podcast, Dr. Daniel Cognetti introduces the new host and Chair of the AAOS Resident Assembly Dr. Mikalyn DeFoor. Together they talk about exciting initiatives coming to the Resident Assembly and events for residents at the upcoming AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting. Resident programs at the meeting: https://www.aaos.org/annual/education/resident-focused-programs/ Guest: Mikalyn DeFoor, MD, Incoming Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly 

In this episode, two former co-residents discuss the challenges that come with being pregnant and having young children during training. From performing surgery heavily pregnant and taking maternity leave, to learning to breastfeed and balance motherhood with the demands of the job, Dr. Dawn Rask shares tips for success in parenthood for orthopaedic surgeon listeners. Guest: Dawn M. G. Rask, MD, Capt. USAF  Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly 

This episode covers aspects of marketing and growing a practice, specifically a surgeon’s online reputation. Whether you are a new surgeon, in the middle of your career, or even well established and have neglected your online profile and reputation, fear not. There are many new and easy ways to build a positive online reputation, attract new patients and respond to negative online reviews. Guest: Orrin Franko, MD, FAAOS, East Bay Hand Medical Center Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly

In this episode, we explore non-traditional practice models for orthopaedic surgeons—from locums and health maintenance organizations to ambulatory surgery centers and even the military. With healthcare consolidation on the rise and decreasing physician autonomy, we delve into what makes these practice settings attractive and how to make them successful.   Guest: Tamara Huff, MD, MBA, FAAOS, CEO, Vigeo Orthopedics   Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, Past Vice Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly   

The AAOS Coding Community is your go-to resource for everything Practice Management and Coding & Reimbursement at AAOS. Part two of this podcast will continue to cover the general principles of coding, update members on new rules and developments, and review some of the top coding mistakes.  To sign up for an upcoming virtual Practice Management course, featuring a session on Coding Tips with Shannon DeConda, click here. Guest: Shannon DeConda, CPC, CEMC, CEMA, CPMA, CRTT, Partner, DoctorsManagement Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly

The AAOS Coding Community is your go-to resource for everything Practice Management and Coding & Reimbursement at AAOS. This two-part series will cover the general principles of coding, update members on new rules and developments, and review some of the top coding mistakes. Stay tuned for Episode 2 which will air next week.  To sign up for an upcoming virtual Practice Management course, featuring a session on Coding Tips with Shannon DeConda, click here. Guest: Shannon DeConda, CPC, CEMC, CEMA, CPMA, CRTT, Partner, DoctorsManagement Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly

This episode, which was recorded in-person at the 2023 AAOS Annual Meeting, delves into the ways orthopaedic surgeons can leverage social media to build their practices and personal brand. Social media guru and AAOS social media ambassador Dr. Cory Calendine offers guidance for using the platforms for both patient education and professional engagement, despite ongoing challenges surrounding limited time and medical misinformation.   Find Dr. Calendine on social media under the name Cory Calendine, MD. Guest: Cory Calendine, MD, FAAOS, Founding Partner, Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee   Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly 

Using the ambiguous term “provider” to describe any healthcare professional is problematic for both patients and orthopaedic surgeons striving to provide the highest level of musculoskeletal care. This episode explains how it diminishes the intrinsic value of physicians, commoditizes healthcare delivery, and why organizations like AAOS are working to eliminate its use. AAOS Now article on the topic: https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2023/jun/youraaos/youraaos04/ Guest: Gregory Della Rocca, MD, FAAOS, AAOS BOC Representative for Missouri Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly

In-person learning is invaluable for networking, career development, and even personal growth. In this episode with the chair of AAOS CME Courses, we dive into the numerous opportunities that orthopaedic surgeons can take advantage of from annual meeting to live courses and everything else in between. Guest: Steven Haddad, MD, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS CME Courses Program Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly

Recorded live at the 2023 Annual Meeting and the day before Match Day, this conversation dives into how medical students and junior residents can shine in their rotations. The authors of Pocket Pimped, a series of books with the 1,500 most asked questions by attendings, give advice for maximizing learning opportunities and matching into orthopaedic residency or their subspeciality of choice. Learn more about Pocket Pimped: https://pocketpimped.com/ Learn more about AAOS’ new membership for medical students: https://www.aaos.org/membership/become-an-aaos-member/information-for-medical-students/ Guests: Jacob J. Triplet, MD, Indiana University Health; David Johnson, DO, Florida Orthopaedic Institute Host: Daniel Cognetti, MD, AAOS Resident Assembly