Abstract | March 24, 2024

The Impact of Participating in American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) Leadership Training Programs

Chista R. Irani, BS, Medical Student, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA

Rithvik Vutukuri, MS, Medical Student, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA; Mia Rumps, MS, Research Assistant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center; Mary K. Mulcahey, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe specific ways in which leadership training programs offered by the American Orthopaedic Association impact and improve leadership skills of its participating orthopaedic surgeons
  2. Identify the motivations of surgeons to attend and participate in leadership training programs
  3. Discuss how different surgical specialties can draw inspiration from leadership training programs offered by the American Orthopaedic Association

Introduction – Leadership is a critical skill for all surgeons to ensure high quality patient care and reduce surgical harm. Within orthopaedic surgery, there is a growing number of leadership training programs. However, no studies analyze the quality of these programs and their impact on advancing leadership development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of participating in four prominent leadership programs offered by the AOA, understand why orthopaedic surgeons participate in these programs, and in what ways leadership training can further improve.

Methods – Online survey was distributed by the AOA to 2,500 orthopaedic surgeons who participated in the Resident Leadership Forum, Emerging Leaders Program, AOA-Kellogg Leadership Series from 2012-2022, and/or AOA-USC Apex Leadership Certificate Program from 2019-2022. The survey included multiple-choice and open-ended questions on participant demographics, leadership roles, motivations to attend AOA programs, perceived benefits of AOA programs, and recommendations for improvements. Data was collected between July 10-31, 2023. Responses were anonymous and recorded by Qualtrics. Descriptive and graphical representations were used to analyze survey responses.

Results – One hundred and twenty-five responses were received. Ninety-one (72.8%) identified as man and 26 (20.8%) identified as woman. Ninety-four (75.2%) were White/Caucasian. Majority (109, 87.2%) were orthopaedic surgery attendings. Eighty-six (68.8%) held one or more leadership positions after participating in at least one AOA program. Ninety-seven (77.6%) had a personal desire to seek leadership training. Seventy-four (59.2%) received recommendations from their mentors to attend an AOA program. AOA programs strengthened leadership skills of “vision planning” (106, 84.8%), “organizational management” (102, 81.6%), and “mentorship” (102, 81.6%). Fewer participants strengthened their leadership skills on “emotional intelligence” (101, 80.8%) and “inclusion” (97, 77.6%). Ninety-one (72%) expanded their professional network and 71 (56.8%) built new mentorship relationships. Seventy-six (60.8%) recommended future programs to include a formal leadership curriculum that taught non-clinical and management-based leadership skills.

Conclusions – AOA leadership programs positively impact leadership development in orthopaedics and support the career success of its participants. However, mentors and program directors should encourage more female surgeons and those of color to apply to leadership training opportunities which can in turn improve leadership diversity in orthopaedic surgery.

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