Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your support throughout my Presidential year. Taking over the Presidency in the midst of a global pandemic was not something any of us could have envisioned, but as we collectively emerge on the other side of this pandemic, AANA remains an impactful and strong organization for our members and our specialty.
I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting on the organization's accomplishments, driven by the commitment of the Board of Directors, the Committee Chairs and their members and the AANA office staff. Specifically, over the last year we have many accomplishments to celebrate:
- Membership: Throughout the 2020-2021 year, our membership grew more than 10% from 5,917 to 6,558. We believe that the value derived from Arthroscopy, Arthroscopy Techniques and Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ASMAR) as well as a number of added member benefits, including opportunities for our fellows and those new to practice, have driven this increased engagement.
- The 40th Anniversary Campaign: In recognition of AANA’s 40th Anniversary we initiated a Legacy Giving campaign which will ensure sustainable advances, continued research and competence in arthroscopy and minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery for future generations of surgeons.
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Practice Service Organization: A group of our members identified initiatives that would serve our membership and worked hard to bring them to market. These enhancements include the Hawkins Foundation, Your Practice Online, Comp Recovery, Inc., the AANA Survey Portal and the Fellowship Education Series – programs that will help support members and their practices.
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AOSSM-AANA Combined 2021 Annual Meeting: On behalf of the AOSSM President, Dr. Michael Ciccotti, me, the AANA Program Chairs, Drs. Nikhil Verma and Kevin Bonner, and the AOSSM Program Chairs, Drs. Steven Cohen and Brett Owens, we are looking forward to seeing you all in Nashville for the historic AOSSM-AANA Combined 2021 Annual Meeting, July 7-11. It is time to finally get out of the house and catch up on the CME and education that we’ve missed out on for the last 14 months. Please join us and more than 1,600 of your colleagues in Nashville this July. I look forward to delivering my Presidential Address and formally welcoming AANA’s newly elected Board of Directors.
- AANA Diversity & Inclusion: The Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, a group of volunteers, completed a charge to ensure AANA is at the forefront of inclusivity. Several initiatives have been put into motion to ensure we welcome everyone and embrace the contributions of all people.
- COVID-19 Resources: During the early days of my Presidency, a time when we were experiencing unpredictable change, AANA brought together experts to create resources for practices to help persevere during an unfortunate time.
I have passed the AANA torch to Mark H. Getelman, M.D., FAANA – he is full of great ideas and energy and I am confident that he will take AANA to new heights. One thing Mark and I both understand about leadership is how imperative it is to be surrounded by a supportive, dedicated, and focused group of volunteers. None of these initiatives would have been successful without the influence and dedication of the AANA Membership. I want to personally thank you for your effort and commitment to the AANA mission. Mark, you’ve got a great group of people by your side and we are all prepared to be there for you and the organization moving forward.
Congratulations to the 2021-2022 AANA Board of Directors and Mark H. Getelman, M.D., FAANA!
All the best and see you in Nashville!
Brian J. Cole, M.D., M.B.A., FAANA
AANA Immediate Past President