Faculty members from Duke Orthopaedics joined orthopaedic leaders from across North Carolina and the nation for the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC) and Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C. The event brought together members of the AAOS Board of Councilors and Board of Specialty Societies to engage in advocacy and organizational business.
Representing Duke and the broader orthopaedic community were: Ned Amendola, MD, FAAOS – President, AAOS, Duke University Health System; Chris Belyea, MD, MBA – Womack Army Medical Center; Paul Bruning – Duke University Health System; Kevin Coates, MD – President, NOLC; W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center; Malcolm DeBaun, MD – Duke University Health System; Michael Marushack, MD – Past President, NOLC; EmergeOrtho; Lucas Romine, MD – EmergeOrtho; W. Alan Skipper, CAE – NOLC; and Erica Taylor, MD, MBA – Duke University Health System.
Advocacy in Action
The AAOS NOLC experience on Capitol Hill provided orthopaedic surgeons with the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and share direct insights on patient care, surgical innovation, and healthcare policy.
Members in attendance valued exchanging ideas and perspectives with U.S. House and Senate representatives, including: Rep. Alma Adams; Sen. Ted Budd; Rep. Don Davis; Rep. Chuck Edwards; Rep. Valerie Foushee; Rep. Virginia Foxx; Rep. Pat Harrigan; Rep. Mark Harris; Rep. Richard Hudson; Rep. Brad Knott; Rep. Addison McDowell; Rep. Tim Moore; Rep. Greg Murphy, MD; Rep. Deborah Ross; Rep. David Rouzer; and Sen. Thom Tillis.
Dr. Ned Amendola stated, “The primary goal of our AAOS NOLC event in Washington, D.C., is to strengthen the ability of orthopedic surgeons to deliver comprehensive patient care and help advance musculoskeletal care across the country. It’s an honor for me to represent the AAOS, as well as NC and Duke, on Capitol Hill. We had a strong group of representatives from North Carolina. Given the ongoing issues with healthcare funding, research support, and liability reform, we need to keep advocating for policy changes that impact the entire orthopaedic community and patient care.”
Dr. Malcolm DeBaun reflected on the experience: “I was honored to represent the J. Robert Gladden Society and the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association to share the perspective of an orthopaedic trauma surgeon on Capitol Hill. Advocacy is about building relationships and being part of solutions—promoting excellence in patient care through strong narratives and reasoned dialogue.”
Dr. Erica Taylor remarked, “It was an honor to represent Duke Orthopaedics, North Carolina, and the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society alongside AAOS on Capitol Hill at the NOLC. Advocacy can sometimes feel distant from our daily practice, yet the voices and experiences of clinicians and surgeons must be fully represented to policymakers. At this year’s NOLC, we addressed longstanding issues such as prior authorization and Medicare payment reform, while also exploring new opportunities for government support. The sessions reminded me that advocacy involves not just policy, but also building relationships, sharing a clear vision, and collaborating for the benefit of our patients, communities, and colleagues. It was a meaningful and memorable experience that highlighted the true impact of our profession when we speak with one voice.”
A Unified Voice for Orthopaedics
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration across institutions and specialties in advancing orthopedic care nationwide. Duke Orthopaedics faculty played a key role in shaping discussions around access, innovation, and the future of surgical education.
As the AAOS continues to strengthen its advocacy efforts, Duke remains committed to supporting national leadership and policy engagement that benefits both patients and providers.
