Dr. Douglas Abeles on Orthopedic Surgeon Advocacy

(Newswire.net — April 5, 2017) Castro Valley, California — Recent upheavals in government have encouraged a leading orthopedic surgeon to speak out on behalf of his profession. Dr. William Mahoney, MD, the incoming president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), asked his peers to band together at his introductory speech. Dr. Douglas J. Abeles, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, agrees that those in his branch of medicine provide a greater voice in professional advocacy. Both physicians believe that by coming together, orthopedic surgeons can work together as a larger, more efficient unit. “Professional advocacy is the duty of anyone who believes in the greater good of their chosen profession,” says Dr. Abeles. “By working together, our organization can be stronger and more vocal in issues that affect our practices.” To learn more about the AAOS’ incoming president, visit https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aaos/63919.

Many in the field of orthopedic medicine believe that practitioners too often organize themselves among surgical subspecialties. This dilutes the power an organized, cohesive group can have on professional advocacy issues. The recent election and pending changes to the American healthcare system make it more important than ever for orthopedic surgeons to learn to band together. Maloney stated that the healthcare system is in a state of flux as the incoming Presidential administration makes substantial changes to insurance coverage for U.S. citizens. Those changes, in turn, trickle down to the operation of medical practices across the country. The AAOS recognizes 23 subspecialties; the incoming president suggested that his fellow surgeons learn from the actions of the business world and in other medical disciplines in creating a stronger, more singular unit in order to advance the field. Maloney also implored orthopedic surgeons throughout the United States to become more active in politics and in community programs.

The incoming president presented several topics of interest for event attendees. Some of the professional advocacy issues addressed at the AAOS annual meeting include recertification procedures and subspecialty certifications as well as accreditation for orthopedic fellowships. Dr. Douglas Abeles believes that the new Academy president will continue the strong advocacy work of his predecessor, Gerald Williams, MD. “The AAOS has set the stage for professional advocacy over the past several years,” says Dr. Abeles. “Now it is our responsibility to step up and make our profession stronger and more politically active than ever before.” To learn more about Dr. Abeles and his Castro Valley, California clinical practice, visit https://newswire.net/newsroom/pr/00095059-dr-douglas-abeles-bone-stem-cells-fracture-repair.html