Lessons in Orthopaedic Leadership: An AOA Podcast

Updated: 24 Oct 2025 • 79 episodes
www.aoassn.org

Members and affiliates of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) interview guests to highlight lessons in orthopaedic leadership. Interviews include orthopaedic leaders, faculty and leaders within orthopaedic departments at academic institutions and large practices, health care system leaders, rising leaders, and other medical leaders. Thanks to @iampetermartin for his contribution of introduction and conclusion jazz music.

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A new chair’s first year can feel like drinking from a fire hose—until the patterns emerge. Dr. Doug Lundy speaks with Dr. Jennifer Wolf, Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Chicago, to unpack what truly shifts when your role becomes building others: the politics you don’t see

36 min
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The future of orthopaedic practice won’t be won by the highest offer or the loudest brand—it’ll be won by groups that can bend without breaking. Dr. Doug Lundy sits down with Dr. Alex Vaccaro of Rothman to unpack how a true megagroup navigates shrinking CMS rates, anesthesia shortages, hiring wars, and private equity. 

41 min
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Dr. Doug Lundy sits down with two leaders at the forefront of residency education: Dr. Tessa Balach, past chair of the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD), and Dr. Trent Guthrie, current CORD chair to discuss the future of Orthopaedic Education. Their conversation explores the shift toward competency-base

39 min
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Robotics emerges as another transformative force. While many surgeons remain skeptical, Dr. Chen makes a compelling case for why robotics will eventually become standard. Perhaps most exciting is the potential to address periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)—what Dr. Chen calls "the holy grail" challenge in joint replac

38 min
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What makes a great orthopaedic leader? Dr. Alex Ghanayem, fresh off his term as the 137th President of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), shares candid reflections on leadership, legacy, and the future of orthopaedic surgery in this thought-provoking conversation with podcast host, Dr. Doug Lundy.   Dr. Ghanay

33 min
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Moving beyond typical discussions of value-based care, Dr. Mather reframes the entire conversation. "Value-based care is financial innovation to solve important healthcare problems," he explains. These problems extend far beyond cost control to address clinician burnout, prior authorization burdens, care gaps, declinin

36 min
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