Martin Becomes AAOS Medical Director

America’s orthopedic surgeons have a new Medical Director.

William R. Martin III, M.D., is the new Medical Director of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

The Academy made the announcement on May 18. Martin, a member of the Academy’s Leadership Fellows Class of 2004, previously served on the organization’s Council on Advocacy and the Diversity Advisory Board.

Medicine, Science and Government

Martin said he will adopt what he calls a “tripod” of new responsibilities at the AAOS office in Washington D.C., focusing on medical affairs, research and scientific affairs, and government relations. The new role is effective June 1, 2010.

Acting as Medical Director marries my passion for orthopedics with my keen desire to work in administration and health policy development, ” said Martin in a press release. “I may not be operating on patients, but being an orthopedic surgeon with a passion for advocacy will serve the Academy very well.

“We are so fortunate to have such a motivated and dedicated new Medical Director, especially during this period of opportunity and challenges within the changing healthcare landscape, ” said the Academy’s Chief Executive Officer Karen L. Hackett, CAE, FACHE. “Dr. Martin’s continued involvement in advocacy for AAOS, for orthopedic patients and for other medical organizations has definitely prepared him for his newest endeavor in Washington.”

Tufts and Loyola

Martin graduated from Tufts University and received his medical degree from Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University. He earned a general surgery internship, followed by an orthopedic residency at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He completed an adult foot and ankle reconstruction fellowship and postgraduate work in public health at the University of North Carolina.

Martin becomes the Academy’s Medical Director at a pivotal moment in healthcare as payers, patients, regulators, and lawmakers try to figure out how to slow the nation’s skyrocketing healthcare costs. All segments of healthcare are going to have to demonstrate their value and cost effectiveness to assure access for their patients. 

The Medical Director of AAOS will play a crucial role in defining the benefits of orthopedic procedures for patients as well as for convincing medical students to go into a field that is expected to experience a shortage of providers.