What began with the passing of the gavel evolved into a presidency grounded in a commitment to creating lasting value for every member of AOSSM. From left: Immediate Past President Christopher Kaeding, MD; Eric McCarty, MD.
As I enter the final months of my presidential year, I have found myself reflecting on the theme that has anchored these messages throughout AOSSM’s 54th year — LIV. Beyond the Roman numerals symbolizing 54, LIV has represented the principles of Lead, Inspire, and Value. Of these three pillars, value may be the most personal, the most nuanced, and perhaps the most enduring.
Value is deeply personal. What holds significance for one individual may not hold the same meaning for another. Yet within organizations like AOSSM, there are shared sources of value: education, mentorship, collegiality, purpose, and community. When people feel valued within a Society, they invest in it. They participate, engage, volunteer, and help it thrive. I hope AOSSM provides that sense of belonging and significance for every member. Just as importantly, I believe we should strive to provide value for one another, recognizing both the inherent worth of each person and the unique value each individual brings to our profession and Society.
For me, AOSSM has long been my professional home. It has provided the education, mentorship, and community that helped shape me as a surgeon, team physician, and leader. It has been a place to collaborate, share, teach, and learn. I continue to be inspired by a remarkable group of orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and sports medicine professionals who share a commitment to caring for athletes and advancing our field.
AOSSM has given me opportunities to grow not only clinically, but also as a leader. The relationships and professional network developed through this Society have been among the greatest gifts of my career. That network exists for every member at every career stage and it remains one of the defining strengths of AOSSM.
But value is not static; it must be continually created, reinforced, and shared. It is important for those who have been long-standing members of the Society, and possibly have retired, that they still have a sense of belonging and worth. We must recognize their efforts and the legacy they have left behind. For current members, it is essential that you continue to see the value AOSSM offers, and what you can offer to AOSSM in return. We provide resources that enhance us as surgeons and team physicians, advocacy for efforts in practice, and opportunities to help fund research. We help members become better surgeons, physicians, educators, researchers, and leaders. Just as importantly, we provide avenues to mentor the next generation.
For those entering our Society, my hope is simple but important: that you feel embraced by this professional home. That you feel welcomed. That you see AOSSM as a place where you can grow as a surgeon, clinician, team physician, educator, and researcher. There are opportunities to learn, receive mentorship, and to get involved. The Residents and Fellows Forum at the AOSSM Annual Meeting offers a glimpse into what this Society represents, but the true value is realized when you step forward: when you engage, volunteer, and contribute.
A 2025 Annual Meeting “team huddle” in Nashville with 2026 Program Chairs Armando Vidal, MD (left) and Rachel Frank, MD (right) reflects what can be accomplished together.
If I could offer one piece of advice to maximize the value of your membership, it would be this: be involved. Take advantage of the educational resources available, including in-person meetings, online webinars, and the Team Physician Series. Engage with our acclaimed journals. Volunteer for committees, task forces, and peer review opportunities. Network intentionally. Build meaningful relationships. This is a community that is willing and eager to support one another. The mentorship available here can be transformative, particularly for those early in their careers.
And that same advice extends to your career in sports medicine. Strive to get better at what you do. Every year, strive to improve something, no matter how small, from the year before. That has been my goal during this term, to elevate our Society. I’ve challenged our board and our professional staff to do the same. I now pass that challenge on to you.
AOSSM is a collegial, supportive, and deeply connected community. Embrace those relationships. Build upon them. Lean on them when needed and be willing to support others in return. Those connections will elevate your career and enrich your life in ways that extend far beyond the clinic or operating room.
In the end, the true value of AOSSM has never been found solely in meetings, journals, or committees. It has always been found in its people and in the teams we build together.
That, to me, is the enduring value of AOSSM.
As I close this chapter, I do so with immense gratitude, for the privilege to serve, for the relationships built, and for the shared commitment to excellence that defines this Society. And I leave you with four simple but meaningful charges:
Keep getting better.
Remember the team.
Never forget where you came from and always help those who are just beginning.
Always remember the small things.
