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.

Our environment is safe and clean due to the dozens of devoted caretakers who diligently keep our labs, clinical and surgical spaces, classrooms, and offices in order. Each day, this team upholds a standard of excellence that makes Duke shine figuratively and physically.

During International Housekeeping and Environmental Services Week, we are incredibly grateful for the daily efforts of each environmental caretaking team member serving our department.

September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this urgently important crisis, to spread hope, and to share vital information about suicide prevention. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.

Tomorrow is Juneteenth, commemorating the day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger declared the end of slavery in Texas, months after it was legally abolished. This day urges us to reflect on the lasting impact of slavery and systemic racism on communities that some of us are a part of, yet all of us serve.