#USA #New York #AAOS #Orthopaedic Surgeons #Kevin Plancher

Urgent Call to Action: Why AAOS Members Should Vote NO on Bylaw Changes

In a recent statement, Kevin Plancher, MD, MPH, FAOA, FAAOS, urged all active and emeritus members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) to cast a NO vote on proposed Bylaw amendments. Plancher, a former Chair of the Board of Specialties and a member of the AAOS Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021, emphasizes that these extensive changes pose a serious risk to the rights and legacy of the Fellows.

The Concerns About Proposed Changes

The current proposals are not merely technical adjustments, but represent a profound shift in power dynamics within the organization. According to Plancher, enacting these changes would effectively transform the Fellowship into a mere membership, stripping long-standing members of rights they have held for decades. Dr. David Teuscher, the 83rd Past President of AAOS, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the proposed amendments would create barriers to participation and stifle alternative viewpoints within the Academy.

Key Risks of the Proposed Bylaws Changes

1. Removal of Members Without Cause: This provision could lead to arbitrary dismissals, undermining the community's trust.
2. Stripping the Right to Propose Resolutions: Members may lose their voice in how the organization is run.
3. Elimination of Candidacy Outside the Nominating Committee: This limits who can be nominated for positions of leadership, creating an exclusive circle.
4. Silencing Emeritus Members: The proposed bylaws would remove voting rights from those who have contributed significantly to the Academy.
5. Centralized Power: There are concerns that the Board of Directors would gain unprecedented authority, marginalizing key bodies such as the Board of Specialty Societies and the Board of Councilors.
6. High Threshold for Fellow Proposals: Members would need to secure thousands of votes to propose changes, while the Board can act with a simple majority.

Context of the Vote

The urgency of this situation is heightened by recent trends at AAOS events, including a notably low turnout at the 2025 Annual Meeting, raising questions about member engagement. Furthermore, the withdrawal of key orthopedic companies from the exhibit hall underscores growing discontent with the direction of the Academy.

A Call for Change in Leadership

Voting NO is not only a resistance to the proposed changes but also an opportunity to call for a reevaluation of leadership within the Academy. Plancher insists that a NO vote is essential to maintain the values of representation, collaboration, and excellence that have historically defined the AAOS.

Staying Informed and Taking Action

Members are encouraged to educate themselves on these changes and consider the opinions of various orthopedic associations, all of whom are advocating for a NO vote. If you have received your ballot, now is the time to act. A NO vote will preserve the integral rights of each member and ensure that discussions about potential changes remain open and constructive.

Your voice matters. Protect the future of the AAOS by voting NO on these proposed Bylaw changes. While change can sometimes be necessary, it should never come at the cost of diminishing the rights and representation of members who have dedicated their careers to the field of orthopaedics.

Let’s work together to safeguard the integrity of our Academy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the upcoming vote presents a critical juncture for AAOS members. Voting NO is a statement of commitment to maintaining the Academy's foundational values and ensuring that it remains an organization where every member can contribute their voice and influence its future direction. Remember, the power to shape the AAOS lies in the hands of its members, and now is the time to wield that power wisely.