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 Board
Guest: Dr. Michael Leddy III, Chair, AAOS Board of Counselors