In April, Thomas Arend Jr. was named CEO of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Since then, he has been implementing new initiatives in order to provide high quality musculoskeletal care to patients.
Mr. Arend recently spoke with AAOS Now about the future of AAOS. Here are seven key points from the interview:
1. In the first six months, Mr. Arend made plans to reach out directly to staff and members in order to learn about the organization and the environment of orthopedic medicine.
2. Mr. Arend hopes to focus on the AAOS strategic plan, the culture of the organization and its governance in order to grow over the next three to five years.
3. AAOS needs to critically evaluate whether current initiatives represent unique value propositions for the Academy.
4. The Academy may expand its quality role in order to ensure its members' success in a value based healthcare environment.
5. Clinical data registries are an important component of quality in orthopedics. AAOS is evaluating its current data analytics, education, government relations, clinical practice guidelines, appropriate use criteria and performance measures to succeed in a value based healthcare environment.
6. As for staff members, AAOS will drive a culture that is based on teamwork and its strategic plane.
7. Mr. Arend stressed the importance of continued education to succeed in orthopedics and ensure members stay involved.