The AAHKS Board of Directors approved the formation of a new committee last month that will build from the Fellows Orthopaedic Continued AAHKS Learning (FOCAL) initiative. After elective surgery halted due to the Coronavirus pandemic, AAHKS leaders quickly created daily online courses for surgeons in fellowship training. The FOCAL Committee’s work will build on this popular initiative and focus on improving the adult reconstruction fellowship training programs around the United States.

FOCAL Committee Members

  • William G. Hamilton, MD, Chair
  • Cara A. Cipriano, MD, MSc
  • Eric M. Cohen, MD
  • Michael A. Mont, MD
  • Thomas G. Myers, MD
  • Vivek M. Shah, MD

Mission

The FOCAL Committee shall plan and oversee programs and activities that enhance adult reconstruction training as the foundation for providing excellent patient care over an entire career.

Objectives

  • Address educational gaps in the current system of adult reconstruction fellowship training
  • Research and advocate for improvements in adult reconstruction fellowship training
  • Achieve 100% membership and strong affinity for AAHKS among fellows in training

Composition

The FOCAL Committee shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, and four Members. Two of the four committee members shall have experience as adult reconstruction fellowship training directors. Two of the committee members shall be young arthroplasty surgeons who completed fellowship training within five years of initial appointment. Education Council leaders will act as a mentors and advocates for the committee. All terms shall be for two years with the possibility of two terms of service. Two of the initial appointees will be assigned one-year terms to stagger the terms and provide continuity.