IAOS Advocacy at the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC)

Advocacy in Action

October 15, 2024

A message from IAOS President Dr. Doug Evans

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I wanted to take a moment to update you on the work your IAOS is doing on your behalf. Recently, the AAOS leadership gathered in Washington D.C. for the 2024 National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC). The State of Illinois was well represented by a great team of orthopaedic surgeons including Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Dr. Alfonso Mejia (BOC), Dr. John Cherf (BOC), Dr. Mary Mulcahy (BOS) and myself, (BOC). This year we were accompanied again by four senior orthopaedic residents from Northwestern, UIC, Rush, and Loyola.

At this year’s NOLC there were many important and informative conferences on such topics as prior authorization, AAOS governance, collaboration with state societies and moving to a more data driven national meeting. This year included a lively and passionate discussion of a proposal sponsored by the AAOS Board of Directors to streamline AAOS governance. This proposal has many components including restructuring some of the AAOS bylaws based on recommendations made by an external consultant.

The most contentious issue that arose from this proposal is a realignment of the voting members of AAOS Board of Directors with the goal of improving efficiency and responsiveness. To do so, the board is recommending reducing the board from 17 to 13 voting board members with each of the Board of Counselors (BOC) and Board of Specialties (BOS) losing two of their traditional four votes. Many thoughtful, articulate, and fervent perspectives were given on both sides. After careful deliberation, the BOC voted against supporting the proposal and the BOS voted to support the proposal. The Board of Directors has endorsed the amendment proposed by the BOC to maintain three voting members for both the BOC and BOS. This decision was made as the Board believed that it was important to the majority of the BOC members.

The AAOS Board of Directors also approved an increase in funding for the State Orthopaedic Societies Committee. The annual funding will rise by $40,000, bringing the total to $60,000 per year, for a three year pilot program. This initiative will enable state societies to actively support AAOS initiatives and priorities, furthering strengthening the partnership with the AAOS at the state level.

Please take a moment to follow us at our new Instagram page @iaos.24 to keep up with IAOS and state advocacy news.

Advocacy Day at NOLC

Dr. Nnadozie Ekweariri, Dr. Tyler Compton, Dr. Vincent Federico,IAOS Vice President Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Dr. Michael Foy, Dr. Alfonso Mejia, IAOS President Dr. Doug Evans and IAOS Past President Dr. John Cherf.

This year’s advocacy day at the NOLC was a huge success. The Illinois team met with congressmen and women and/or senior staff members from various districts across the state as well as the offices of both Illinois senators. Issues discussed on the hill included prior authorization, physician-owned hospitals, and Medicare reimbursement for physicians. We received extremely positive feedback and support from each of the offices that we met with.This year especially our concerns about annual physician fee cuts seemed to gain much more traction. Hopefully this will finally translate into a permanent solution to the flawed SGR Medicare Fee Reimbursement formula. In the meantime, please take moment to support the AAOS’ advocacy efforts to avoid this year’s annual cut to physician reimbursement. If nothing is done by the end of the year, a 2.8% reduction in reimbursement will go into effect.

IAOS Resident Guests

Dr. Nnadozie Ekweariri, Dr. Vincent Federico, Dr. Tyler Compton and Dr. Michael Foy were sponsored guests by IAOS.Dr. Michael Foy said: "The experience of serving the IAOS in Washington, DC, was highly fulfilling, particularly during the orientation sessions and while collaborating with the team at the Capitol. The orientation provided valuable insights into the challenges the profession faces and the advocacy strategies in place."

Working with Colleagues

Working with colleagues like Dr. Evans, Dr. Mejia, and Dr. Goldstein on the Hill was especially impactful, offering a hands-on opportunity to lead discussions and address resolutions.

The IAOS leadership facilitated productive and candid conversations with members of Congress, with Dr. Mejia standing out for his pragmatic leadership and deep connections within the AAOS governance. His ability to guide the team and facilitate meetings was seen as a significant strength.

NOLC Advocacy Day Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL08)