Gerald Williams Jr., MD, became president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
"It is an honor to be stepping into the role of president ahead of such an exciting year in the history of the Academy," said Dr. Williams. "While medicine is facing several unique challenges, opportunities continue to surface. I look forward to working alongside the many dedicated volunteers who continue to ensure the AAOS brand provides value for our 39,000 members."
Dr. Williams is an orthopedic surgeon at the Shoulder and Elbow Center at Rothman Institute in Philadelphia. Here are five things to know about Dr. Williams:
1. Before becoming president, Dr. Williams served on the board of directors and was chair of the Continuing Medical Education Courses Committee. He held a position with the Shoulder and Elbow Evaluation Committee.
2. He is the co-founder and former president of the Mid-Atlantic Shoulder and Elbow Society and former president of the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society.
3. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Williams is a professor of shoulder and elbow surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
4. Dr. Williams earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery, as well as a fellowship in shoulder surgery, at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
5. Dr. Williams has been a consultant reviewer for journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, American Journal of Sports Medicine and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research.
"I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work alongside Dr. Williams in the Academy leadership line these past few years," said David D. Teuscher, MD, the outgoing AAOS president. "Jerry is an influential educator, leader and role model. He is a natural problem-solver and consensus builder."