Dr. Ned Amendola Elected as New President of AAOS: A New Era in Orthopaedic Leadership

Dr. Ned Amendola: New President of the AAOS

In a notable announcement, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has appointed Dr. Annunziato (Ned) Amendola, MD, FAAOS, FRCSC, DABOS, as its new president. This change in leadership is set to commence following the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting scheduled to take place in San Diego. Dr. Amendola, a recognized figure in orthopaedic surgery and the current chief of sports medicine at Duke University, succeeds in his role after serving the organization as vice president for two years.

Dr. Amendola expressed his gratitude in his acceptance speech: “It is a great honor to serve as the 93rd president of the AAOS and represent our members during this exciting time of growth and innovation.” He outlined his commitment to equipping members with the necessary tools, resources, and support needed to offer outstanding musculoskeletal care to patients. His approach focuses on fostering collaboration within the musculoskeletal community and specialty organizations to stimulate progress and enhance the future of orthopaedic surgery.

Leadership Experience

With nearly thirty years of experience in orthopaedic medicine, Dr. Amendola's leadership is characterized by his consistent dedication to the advancement of patient care and education. His prior roles at AAOS, including chair of educational committees and serving on the AAOS Board of Directors, have paved the way for impactful changes within the organization. Notably, he was involved in various initiatives aimed at strategic planning and programming to optimize educational resources available to members.

Before taking on the presidential role, Dr. Amendola was a key figure in shaping the AAOS's educational offerings, influencing both the Annual Meeting Program Committee and various project teams during his time on the Board. His leadership extends beyond AAOS, having made significant contributions to organizations such as the Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) and having held leadership positions in the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and among international bodies dealing with orthopaedic sports medicine.

A Pioneer in Sports Medicine

At the forefront of innovation, Dr. Amendola has made meaningful contributions to the field of sports medicine. His focus on arthroscopic and biologic repair techniques for managing cartilage issues has substantially transformed how medical professionals address injuries, particularly in the ankle and knee regions. He balances clinical practice and research, with over 300 peer-reviewed publications and several notable awards, including the Excellence in Research Award and the Kappa Delta Ann Doner Vaughn Award from the AAOS, reflecting his commitment to enhancing patient care through advanced methodologies.

Dr. Amendola began his medical career in Canada, where he took on key positions including president of the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine. His academic journey continued in the United States, where he eventually accepted the directorship of sports medicine at the University of Iowa before transitioning to Duke University in 2015.

Looking Ahead

As AAOS continues to be the leading voice for musculoskeletal health with over 39,000 members, Dr. Amendola's presidency marks a crucial chapter in its mission to improve patient outcomes through education and collaboration. His vision for the AAOS involves not only supporting surgeons in their practice but also consistently addressing and advancing the quality of healthcare discussions impacting orthopedic procedures.

This transition in leadership comes at an opportune moment as the orthopaedic community anticipates new developments and innovations under Dr. Amendola's direction. His tenure as president promises to be marked by a sustained commitment to improving patient education, mediating collaborative efforts across specialties, and addressing the unique challenges facing modern orthopaedic practices.

In conclusion, Dr. Ned Amendola's rise to the presidency of AAOS heralds a new age of leadership in orthopaedic surgery, built on a foundation of collaboration, dedication, and a clear focus on enhancing patient care through education and innovation.