Please join me in congratulating Alison P. Toth, MD, on her appointment as the Duke University Health System Surgeon-in-Chief! Dr. Toth was selected for this role following an extensive search process. This position will oversee the entire Duke Heath System operative platform.

This Veterans Day, I invite you to join me in honoring the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—in our military. They demonstrate an unwavering dedication to defending our freedoms.

Today, we also extend our deepest gratitude to the medical professionals who tirelessly care for and heal our veterans, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

This November, the Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Department proudly honors Native American Heritage Month. This celebration recognizes the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities. We are especially proud to highlight members of our department who represent Native American heritage, including Dr. Mike Bolognesi, a member of the Lumbee Tribe.

Each of us plays a vital role in shaping our future. By exercising your right to vote, you’re not just choosing leaders—you’re advocating for better healthcare policies, stronger communities, and a brighter tomorrow.

At Duke Orthopaedics, our mission is to transform lives, and that commitment extends to our participation in the democratic process.

Please join me in celebrating Medical Assistants Week. Our department has a dedicated group of Medical Assistants whose unwavering commitment to care makes a difference every day. The theme for this year's celebration, chosen by the American Association of Medical Assistants, is "Bridging the Gap between Patients and Quality Care"—a powerful reminder of their critical role in healthcare.

At Duke Orthopaedics, we recognize chiropractic care profoundly impacts health and wellness. Joint manipulation, a key component of chiropractic practice, has ancient roots. Evidence of its use dates to 1552 BC in the Edwin Smith papyrus, where Ancient Egyptians described treating bone-related injuries.

October is National Physical Therapy Month—a time to celebrate, acknowledge, and commend the outstanding work of our dedicated Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), educators shaping the next generation of experts, and researchers working on future advances.

Please join me in recognizing, celebrating, and thanking our Physician Assistants (PAs) during National PA Week. Our PAs provide the highest quality care for our patients and community. Their contributions are a cornerstone of healthcare, especially in our department. We are grateful for their tireless work for our patients and our department.

The annual State of the Department event highlighted a year of new research, national and international accolades, innovative training, expert patient care, community outreach, and new partnerships. More than 1,000 clinicians, faculty, staff, students, and trainees worked together to achieve success.

Newsweek ranks specialty hospitals worldwide. I am delighted that Duke ranked in the top 25 this year for the first time! The ranking is determined by a survey in which orthopaedists worldwide recommend the best hospitals. It also factors in accreditation data and patient-reported outcome measures.

This is a testament to your great work, the stellar outcomes of our patients, and your international reputation!

Congratulations on this incredible recognition.