As we turn the calendar to a new school year, I find myself reflecting on one of the most enduring truths in sports and in life: Success always comes back to the team. In the words of legendary University of Michigan coach, Bo Schembechler, it’s “The Team, The Team, The Team!” His famous rallying cry resonates deeply with all of us in sports medicine. Whether we are working with athletes on the field, collaborating in the operating room, partnering with colleagues in the clinic, or engaging in research, our effectiveness and impact depend on our ability to function as a team.
The fall sports season highlights the idea of “team” even more. We watch athletes rely on one another for strength, resilience, and success. The same is true in our profession. Each of us is part of multiple teams—our athletic teams, our office teams, our operating room teams, and our research teams. Within AOSSM, we also have teams that make us stronger: the dedicated professional staff, the Board of Directors, and most importantly, our team of members. Together, we form a community bound by a shared commitment to advancing sports medicine and improving the lives of athletes at every level.
As President of AOSSM, I believe it is essential not only to work within our teams but also to take care of them. That means supporting one another, mentoring the next generation, celebrating successes, and stepping up to help when challenges arise. It also means remembering that we are stronger together than we could ever be individually.
This year carries special significance for AOSSM. We are in our 54th year as a society and are looking forward to our 2026 Annual Meeting in Seattle. In recognition of this milestone, we are embracing the Roman numerals LIV (much like the Super Bowl does!) while also giving them special meaning for our organization. This year at AOSSM, LIV stands for Lead, Inspire, Value.
- Lead. Our members are leaders in their institutions, communities, clinics, and locker rooms. We lead in surgical innovation, advancing research, and setting the standard for athlete care across the globe. Leadership is not just about position; it is about service, accountability, and vision.
- Inspire. Each of us has the opportunity to inspire those around us—our patients, our athletes, our colleagues, and especially our trainees. Inspiration comes not only from big moments of achievement but also from the quiet consistency of showing up, working hard, and modeling excellence. By mentoring the next generation of sports medicine physicians, we ensure that our society continues to thrive.
- Value. AOSSM provides tremendous value to its members through education, research, and professional development. But just as important, we must recognize the value in each other. Every member of our Society, regardless of where they are in their career, contributes something vital to our collective success. By valuing one another, we strengthen the bonds that make this Society exceptional.
I am honored to lead AOSSM this year as we launch toward LIV, and I encourage each of you to think about your teams and your role within them. How can you lead? How can you inspire? How can you bring value to those around you? These questions will shape the work we do together in AOSSM this year and beyond.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable team. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together—because in the end, it’s always about The Team, The Team, The Team.
