Answering the Call: AOA Leading Orthopaedic Care for an Aging Population

Stephen L. Kates, MD, presented this presidential address, entitled “Answering the Call: AOA Leading Orthopaedic Care for an Aging Population,” at the Annual Leadership Meeting of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in May 2026. The speech highlights that the field of orthopaedic surgery is facing significant challenges presented by the demographics of an aging U.S. population, including an aging surgeon workforce. By 2030, an estimated 73 million Americans will be 65 years of age or older, resulting in an increased need for orthopaedic care. Multiple workforce studies have predicted a substantial shortage of orthopaedic surgeons by 2036. The AOA offers potential solutions to these problems. The AOA offers leadership training at all career levels with the Resident Leadership Forum, the Emerging Leaders Program, and offerings for practicing orthopaedic surgeons. Strong support for orthopaedic residency programs is provided by the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors. The AOA is addressing the critical issues facing the profession through the Critical Issues/Educational Programming Committee and its symposia and publications. Targeted direct patient care to proactively manage bone health is promoted through the AOA Own the Bone Program. Lastly, the AOA provides guidance to late-career orthopaedic surgeons who wish to remain engaged in patient care, teaching, or mentoring junior colleagues as an alternative to complete retirement. Through these potential solutions, the AOA will “answer the call” in helping to address the significant challenges that the specialty will face over the next decade.