MSK Connect

In this special episode of MSK Connect, outgoing Australian Orthopaedic Association President Mark Moroney sits down with incoming President for 2026-27, Andrew Wines, to discuss his career, leadership journey and vision for the future of Australian orthopaedics.

Andrew reflects on his experiences as a foot and ankle surgeon, the evolution of his specialty and the mentors and colleagues who inspired him to take on leadership roles within the AOA.

Looking ahead, Andrew outlines his priorities for the next 12 months, including advancing orthopaedic training and accreditation, strengthening rural surgical services, modernising the National Joint Replacement Registry and expanding opportunities for research and innovation.

The conversation also explores the importance of professional service, the challenges of balancing leadership responsibilities and the people who make orthopaedic surgery such a rewarding profession.

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In part two, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo, and researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi return to discuss the findings of the RASKAL study, one of the most ambitious orthopaedic trials ever conducted in Australia.

Chris and Sam break down the design of the study, inclusion criteria, and key results, comparing robotic and computer-assisted surgery, and kinematic versus mechanical alignment. Finishing off the episode, the discussion turns to the launch of the new AOA Academy of Clinical Excellence and its goals of strengthening orthopaedic research and patient care in Australia. 

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In the first half of this two-part episode, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo is joined by fellow researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi. 

The pair unpack the origins and purpose of the AOA Clinical Studies Unit, from its beginnings with the landmark CRISTAL trial, through to current national studies targeting infection prevention, pain management, ACL injury, and device innovation.

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Australian Orthopaedic Association First Vice-President Dr Andrew Wines sits down with President Dr Mark Moroney to map out the activities, projects, initiatives, and events planned in 2026 during Mark's term. 

Mark shares his background as an orthopaedic surgeon in Ipswich, spanning a broad practice of  paediatrics, hip and knee arthroplasty, and details his passion for teaching trainees. 

Mark and Andrew then go on to discuss priorities for 2026 including strengthening member engagement, progressing the Academy of Clinical Excellence, the digital upgrade of the AOANJRR, and a preview of the 90th anniversary celebration at the 2026 ASM in Mark's hometown of Cairns. 

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Australian Orthopaedic Association's John Cunningham is joined by Chris Kane from the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association and Carmen Wong from the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Radiologists to unpack one of the most pressing issues in digital healthcare - fast, secure access to medical imaging.

Together, they explore how unified standards, shared advocacy, and government collaboration are driving progress toward a national image exchange. The discussion also touches on AI in radiology, patient data security, and why breaking down silos between professions is essential to improving care and productivity across Australia’s health system.

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In the first episode of season two, we welcome Australian Orthopaedic Association General Director Susi Tegen as our season two host, and welcome back AOA Scientific Secretary Dr Kenneth Cutbush and President Dr Scott Fletcher. 

Scott shares his journey from small-town Smithton near Burnie in Tasmania to AOA President, reflecting on the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Scott then speaks on coming back to Tassie and welcoming his colleagues to the 2025 AOA ASM in Hobart, and how the theme of 'Connection' is explored throughout the program. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In the final episode of season one, host Ally Keane, Australian Orthopaedic Association national education and training executive manager discusses two key topics shaping the future of orthopaedics in Australia: surgical training selection and continuing professional development (CPD). 

Covering Selection, Ally speaks with Chair of Education and Training Dr Chris Kondogiannis about the AOA 21 process, including recent changes and tools, and the push for fairness, diversity, and workforce alignment. On CPD, Ally speaks with Chair of Professional Conduct and Standards Dr Sue Liew about the new CPD model, its impact, and why CPD goes beyond compliance. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Keep an ear out for season two, launching in August. 

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In this episode, Australian Orthopaedic Association General Director and Rural Advocate Susi Tegen speaks with three experienced regional orthopaedic surgeons from across Australia; Dr Arvind Puri and Dr Chris Morrey, both based in Cairns, North Queensland, and Dr Ric Angliss from Geelong in southwestern Victoria.

Chris, Arvind, and Ric reflect on the unique opportunities and challenges of practicing outside Australia's major population centres, the impact of the AOA Regional Orthopaedic Surgery Strategic Plan on the changing landscape of rural training, and the importance of building strong support networks for both the surgeons and the communities they serve. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes of the AOA podcast, MSK Connect, are released on the second Friday of the month. 

Stay tuned for episode four, live on Friday 11 July.  

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In this episode Academy Steering Committee Co-Chairs Professor Richard Page and Professor Michael Schuetz, and Registry Executive Manager Strategy and Advocacy Kathy Hill discuss ACE — a ground-breaking initiative set to enhance orthopaedic research in Australia. 

Beginning as an idea between AOA Research Committee Chair Michael Schuetz and Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia President Richard Page three years ago, ACE aims to facilitate the connection of academic research-based institutions to fill the gaps between specialities and organisations, focusing on prioritising large projects projected to have wide-ranging positive impacts on care provided across Australia. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes of the AOA podcast, MSK Connect, are released on the second Friday of the month. 

Stay tuned for episode four, live on Friday 11 April.  

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In this episode Registry Clinical Director Professor Paul Smith examines the findings of the Australian Orthopaedic Association's 2024 AOANJRR Annual Report, which also marks the 25th anniversary of the publication. Paul is joined by Deputy Registry Clinical Director Professor Chris Vertullo, Assistant Deputy Registry Clinical Director Dr David Gill, and Clinical Advisor Dr Peter Stavrou, who offer key insights across their respective specialities of knee, shoulder, and foot and ankle. 

The clinical directors reflect on the findings of the 2024 Annual Report and analyse them within the wider context of the past 25 years of Registry Annual Reports and their expectations for the Registry's future reports. The results of advances in technology, techniques, and devices — including robot-assisted surgery and 3D printed prostheses — are now being reported, with their impact upon revision rates and wider implications expected to be reported over the next few years. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes of the AOA podcast, MSK Connect, are released on the second Friday of the month. 

Stay tuned for episode four, live on Friday 14 March.  

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