Virginia Surgeon Wilford K. Gibson Takes Leadership Role at AAOS

Dr. Wilford K. Gibson Appointed First Vice President of AAOS

Wilford K. Gibson, a prominent orthopaedic surgeon from Virginia, has recently been appointed as the first vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). This leadership role was unveiled during the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting held in San Diego, marking a significant step in Dr. Gibson's career as he prepares to take on the presidency in 2026. His extensive experience and dedication to orthopaedic care solidify his position in shaping the future direction of the organization.

A Journey of Commitment and Advocacy

Dr. Gibson expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am deeply honored to serve the AAOS. Throughout my career, I've been committed to advancing orthopaedic care, advocating for patients, and mentoring the next generation of surgeons." As he embarks on this new journey, he aims to uphold the AAOS' core mission of delivering high-quality musculoskeletal care.

With a service history at the AAOS that spans over a decade, Dr. Gibson has held several key leadership positions. His former roles include chair of the Board of Councilors from 2014 to 2015 and chair of the Advocacy Council from 2017 to 2021. Dr. Gibson's contributions in promoting patient outcomes have been recognized, and he was honored by the AAOS as the Congressional Ambassador of the Year in 2022 for his advocacy efforts.

Foundation in Military Service

Dr. Gibson's leadership path in orthopaedic care traces back to his military service. He completed his surgical internship at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, where he was later deployed aboard the USS Nassau. His military operations included diverse geographical regions such as Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Throughout his service, he received multiple accolades, such as the Navy Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Upon returning to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for residency in orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Gibson’s commitment to advancing musculoskeletal health continued. He underwent fellowship training in orthopaedics at Tampa General Hospital in Florida and subsequently led the orthopaedic trauma service back at NMCP.

Advancing Standards in Patient Care

As a well-regarded authority in orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Gibson held the position of chief of the Division of Orthopaedics at Eastern Virginia Medical School from 1994 to 2001. He remains committed to educating the future generations of medical practitioners. His leadership within the Virginia Orthopaedic Society has also been noteworthy, earning him the 2014 President's Award and the 2015 Career Lifetime Achievement Award.

In his current role as a partner at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists, Dr. Gibson specializes in patient-specific hip and knee replacements, with a focus on employing robotics and minimally invasive surgical techniques. In addition to his role in private practice, he contributes as a volunteer team physician for the Old Dominion University football and basketball teams, further demonstrating his commitment to community engagement.

In academia, Dr. Gibson serves as an associate professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School and as a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia and completed advanced fellowship training in pelvis and acetabulum surgery at LA County-USC Medical Center.

About the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

The AAOS, home to over 39,000 members, stands as the largest medical association dedicated to musculoskeletal specialists worldwide. As a leader in the advancement of musculoskeletal health, the AAOS is committed to providing extensive education and resources to empower orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at all stages of their careers. It remains a vital source of information on bone and joint conditions, treatment methodologies, and other critical issues in musculoskeletal healthcare. The AAOS champions quality improvement and ongoing discourse within the healthcare community.

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