The premier educational event for orthopaedics, the AAOS Annual Meeting will be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, March 22-26, 2006.

Online registration for housing and program registration for the 2006 Annual Meeting will open on Nov. 2, 2005. Members are urged to use the online housing process to ensure they obtain the AAOS-negotiated rates. A preliminary program will be mailed to all AAOS members at the beginning of November to facilitate your planning for the meeting.

Visit the Annual Meeting page of the AAOS Web site (www.aaos.org) or call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-999-2939 for complete details as they become available.





From update letter from Dr. Weinstein dated Sept 14th, 2005:

"Hurricane Katrina has inflicted a devastating blow to millions of people in the Gulf Coast and throughout the country. The images and the stories coming out of New Orleans and the Gulf region have inspired and challenged all of us. Despite their losses, our members and the other residents affected by the storm are moving on, planning to rebuild and go forward with their lives. They set an incredible example.

Our partners in industry, both large and small, rely on the Annual Meeting for the opportunity to interact with orthopaedic surgeons and inform them of new or improved products and services. Our members visit the technical exhibits to keep apprised of new products and services. Finally, the revenue generated by the Annual Meeting is used to support programs, products and services that members want —including efforts to achieve Medical Liability Reform, initiatives to guarantee access to specialty care, the Expert Witness/Professional Compliance program, and a full range of educational programs.

The Annual Meeting also affords us an opportunity to support the relief efforts. Most members we have heard from have expressed a desire to move forward. Just a few days ago, Barry L. Reimer, MD, chair of the Louisiana State University residency program, posted his thoughts to the Academy’s online Katrina discussion group. In part, he said: "It is imperative that our Annual Meeting go on. This is too important an event to miss. This meeting is where we interact and make plans for the year. It is the major academic and political venue for most of the orthopaedic community. It is the trade show for our industry colleagues, a very important factor. If this meeting were not so valuable, it would not be so well attended."

We are very mindful of Barry and our other members in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who are suffering to an extent that is hard to fathom. As we move forward with our planning for the meeting, we will not forget their need for assistance in rebuilding. We are committed to supporting our members and orthopaedic residents who have lost so much in the disaster and are developing appropriate methods of providing relief aid to the area. You can be assured that the AAOS will take an active role in the relief and reconstruction efforts.

Please continue to check the AAOS Web site (www.aaos.org) or call our toll-free line at 1-800-999-2939 for the latest information regarding the meeting. The AAOS chat room on Hurricane Katrina also provides members with an opportunity to request help with housing, equipment and staff as well as to offer assistance to those in need: http://www.aaos.org/katrina

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support. We look forward to seeing all of you in Chicago, March 22-26, 2006!"

Stuart L. Weinstein, MD
President Karen Hackett, FACHE, CAE
CEO, AAOS