ABOUT AOS
The Alabama Orthopaedic Society (AOS) is a medical education association located in Montgomery, Alabama, comprised of orthopaedic surgeons who are licensed to practice medicine throughout Alabama and/or the United States.
The purpose of AOS is the advancement of orthopaedic surgery in all its phases. As of May, 2017, there are approximately 400 orthopaedic surgeons in Alabama, some 280 of which are members of AOS.
A traditional symbol of Orthopaedics is the “bent tree” that has been braced to make it grow straight.
From its beginnings, orthopaedic specialists have treated children suffering from spine and limb deformities. Orthopaedics is derived from the Greek root words of ortho (straight) and pais (child). Many early orthopaedic physicians used braces and other forms of treatment to make the child “straight.”
The business of the Society is conducted by a Board of Directors and Executive Director. Board meetings are held periodically at various locations throughout the state and at the AOS Annual Meeting each spring.
The Board elects a President, Vice-President, and Sec.-Treasurer to oversee its operations.
Membership is limited to licensed orthopaedic physicians with an M.D. or D.O. degree.
AOS holds an Annual Meeting each spring, at times in conjunction with other S.E. States. Any licensed orthopaedic physician is invited to attend.
AOS is represented at the national level by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
MISSION
GOAL 1: STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE
• Identify and implement organizational changes to broaden participation of our members.
• Pursue non-dues sources of revenue that conform to the conflict of interest policy of the AOS.
• Maintain and ensure the effective continuity of business management for the AOS.
• Promote an effective membership recruitment process.
• Maintain an affordable dues structure while ensuring fiscal stability.
• Develop and maintain a mechanism for identifying and training future AOS leaders.
• Be an active participant in state orthopaedic associations, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Southern Orthopaedic Association, and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA).
GOAL 2: PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
• Improve relationships with orthopaedic office managers to help orthopaedic surgeons improve practice management techniques.
• Promote programs to increase the success of members’ practices.
• Collect and disseminate information impacting Alabama orthopaedic surgeons and their practices.
GOAL 3: UNITY
• Reach out to other orthopaedic-related organizations as appropriate.
• Advocate for sub-specialty interests.
• Include sub-specialty interests in educational programming.
• Advocate for unity and for opportunities to collaborate with orthopaedic sub-specialists and all orthopaedic surgeons practicing throughout the State of Alabama.
GOAL 4: HEALTH POLICY
• Oppose fragmentation of musculoskeletal services.
• Advocate for fair and equitable compensation for the delivery of orthopaedic services.
• Advocate public policies that ensure quality musculoskeletal care in Alabama.
• Advocate at the state and federal levels to obtain effective medical liability reform.
• Establish lines of communication with the general public as well as advocacy relationships.
• Support and encourage the involvement of orthopaedic surgeons in grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Oppose health care delivery systems that erect barriers between patients and access to orthopaedic surgeons.
GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION
• Educate the public on the management and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Support Patient Centered Care.
• Promote the specialty of orthopaedic surgery.
GOAL 6: DIVERSITY
• Support efforts to diversify the profession and the orthopaedic workforce.
• Promote the delivery of culturally competent care.
GOAL 7: PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
• Support Patient Centered Care.
• Support the efforts of the AAOS to indentify and promote appropriate evidenced based care.
• Provide educational programs for orthopaedic surgeons in the management of all musculoskeletal conditions.
Approved by the AOS Board of Directors
October 28, 2006
VISION
The Alabama Orthopaedic Society will be the premier organization that promotes the highest quality of musculoskeletal health for the citizens of the State of Alabama.