AAOS Now Podcast

This episode explores the importance of leadership development in healthcare and orthopaedics, featuring insights from Duke sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and professor Dean Taylor, MD, FAAOS. Dr. Taylor, chair of the Feagin Leadership Program and a retired Army colonel, shares the origins and impact of the Feagin Leadership Program with host and West Point classmate Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, FAAOS. Dr. Taylor highlights the program’s role in fostering patient-centered leadership not just in orthopaedics, but across the medical spectrum. He defines what healthcare leadership is and outlines the skills and traits that are essential for healthcare leaders – including emotional intelligence and self-awareness – and how these translate into clinical practice and team dynamics. 

Dr. Taylor also reflects on his relationship with the late Dr. John Feagin, whose legacy inspires the multidisciplinary Feagin program, and emphasizes the value of embracing diverse perspectives to improve healthcare outcomes. Listeners gain practical advice about enhancing their leadership skills and learn about resources such as the annual leadership forum and the nonprofit Healthcare Leadership Foundation, which are aimed at advancing leadership education in medicine.

Host: Richard Schaefer, MD, MPH, FAAOS

Guest: Dean Taylor, MD, FAAOS

This episode offers valuable insights into leadership development for orthopeadic surgery residents, exploring the parallels between military and medical hierarchies, strategies for effective leadership, and actionable tips for residents (and medical students) to distinguish themselves at every stage of their training. Drawing on extensive experience as both a military officer and a residency program director, Joseph N. Daniel, DO, FAAOS, discusses the importance of adapting leadership styles to individuals, the merits of democratic leadership, and the critical role of delegation and team-building in shaping successful surgeons and leaders. Dr. Daniel also explains which qualities the most inspirational leaders possess and what he looks for in his chief residents. Whether or not you think of yourself as a leader, Dr. Daniel’s advice can help you optimize your training and gain valuable people skills to take with you into practice.

Host: Rex Lutz, DO

Guest: Joseph N. Daniel, DO, FAAOS

This episode explores the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in orthopedic surgery, highlighting practical applications, current challenges, ethical considerations, and what the future holds. Dr. Peter Schilling, MD, MSc, co-founder of the Dartmouth Center for AI Research in Orthopedics, joins host Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, to discuss topics ranging from federated learning to the use of digital scribes in clinical practice. Dr. Schilling shares insights on how AI is shaping patient care, transforming the doctor-patient relationship, and driving research advances. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions and concerns about AI as this technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday practice and research.

Host: Doug Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOSGuest: Peter Schilling, MD, MSc

This episode explores the multifaceted nature of innovation in orthopedic surgery, from creative problem-solving in clinical practice to collaborating with industry on new device development. Dr. Robert Orfaly hosts a conversation with Dr. Amy Ladd, Chief of Stanford's Chase Hand & Upper Limb Center, a recognized leader in the field whose career includes pioneering research in thumb CMC arthritis, patents, and instrument design.

Dr. Amy Ladd shares her perspective on fostering intellectual curiosity early in one's career, the process of turning a simple idea into intellectual property, and the evolving relationship between academic institutions, industry, and orthopedic surgeons. Practical advice is given for trainees, mid-career surgeons, and anyone inspired to pursue innovation, with stories ranging from creating specialized surgical instruments to applying motion analysis technology from upper limb research to optimizing golf swings. The episode also discusses the importance of networking across disciplines and the realities of developing and commercializing new medical devices, emphasizing that creativity and collaboration are central to advancing patient care.

Host: Robert Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Editor in Chief, AAOS Now 

Guest: Amy Ladd, MD, FAAOS, Chief of Stanford's Chase Hand & Upper Limb Center; Chief of the Children’s Hand Clinic at Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanfordand; and the Elsbach-Richards Professor of Surgery and Professor, by courtesy, of Medicine (Immunology & Rheumatology) and Surgery (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), at Stanford University Medical Center

Production and Editing: MK Quinn Media

This episode provides a comprehensive preview of the 2026 AAOS Annual Meeting, set to take place in New Orleans. Special guests Dr. Matthew Provencher, Chair of the Annual Meeting Oversight Committee, and Dr. Michael Leddy, Chair of the Board of Counselors, join host Dr. Stuart Fischer to discuss the meticulous planning required for one of the world’s largest medical gatherings. They cover new data-driven changes aimed at maximizing attendee engagement, including more efficient session lengths and the elimination of ICL registration fees, making education more accessible than ever.

The episode highlights the importance of member feedback in shaping the meeting’s offerings, plans for innovative features such as an advanced navigation app, and exciting technological upgrades for hands-on learning. With expert insights and local perspective, the hosts share everything attendees can look forward to -- from educational sessions and networking opportunities, to unique New Orleans attractions and tips for making the most of time in The Big Easy.

Host: Dr. Stuart Fischer

Guests: Dr. Matthew Provencher, Chair, Annual Meeting Oversight Committee; Dr. Michael Leddy, Chair, Board of Counselors

Production and Editing: MK Quinn Media