Thurs. Oct. 1 – Sat. Oct. 3 Nashville, TN
PLEASE NOTE: You must be an AOC Connect Member to attend.
Not a member? Register now for your free account.
The #1 Event for Orthopaedic Clinical and Administrative Teams
Bring your Clinical & Administrative Leadership Teams to our top-rated Business & Leadership Symposium for Orthopaedic Chairs, Vice Chairs, Division Chiefs, Faculty Leaders, and Administrative Leaders. This meeting promises high-level engagement and is attended by Presidents and Past Presidents of the major orthopaedic associations.
100% of attendees at our last Symposium indicated “I am HAPPY I attended the AOC Business & Leadership Symposium”.
96% rated the Agenda Topics “A” or “A-“
95% rated the Speakers “A” or “A-“
93% rated the Networking and Engagement Opportunities “A” or “A-“
98% rated the OVERALL MEETING “A” or “A-“
The Symposium is for members only. Join today!

2026 Symposium Highlights
Day 1 of the AOC Annual Symposium is off to a powerful start.
Specialized research & clinical operations programming
Based on overwhelming feedback from last year’s Symposium exit polls, we are pleased to introduce two new specialized tracks designed to meet the unique needs of our members leading research and clinical operations within academic orthopaedic departments.
Research Programming
At the request of our AOC leaders in research, this year’s Symposium will feature a dedicated three-hour track focused on advancing and optimizing research enterprises within academic orthopaedics. This session will be organized and facilitated by Farshid Guilak, PhD, Mildred Simon Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, and Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, AOC, and Rachel Seymour, PhD, Associate Dean for Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Vice Chair of Research and Professor, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute.
Designed specifically for Vice Chairs of Research, Directors of Research, and others overseeing orthopaedic research, this track will utilize feedback from our 300+ AOC research leaders to shape topics and structure, ensuring that the content directly addresses their operational and strategic priorities.
Value Proposition + “Telling the Research Story”
- Value proposition for research in orthopaedic surgery
- Impact on patient outcomes, innovation, and reputation
- Alignment with academic and health system priorities
- “Learning to tell the research story”
- Communicating impact to leadership, funders, and collaborators
- Framing research as value (clinical, financial, societal)
Building a Research Program
- PhD vs MD-led research programs
- Building infrastructure
- Getting started vs scaling
- Core resources (personnel, data, regulatory support)
- Staffing the research program
- Start-up packages and faculty expectations
Breakout: Building the Research Program
Funding Models for Research
- Grant funding
- Alternative funding streams
- Working with industry
- Philanthropy and donor engagement
Building a Sustainable Research Ecosystem with the Department or Service Line
Linking Research and Quality
- Strategies for linking research and quality within an academic health system
Incorporating Learners
- Summer research programs
- Medical students, residents, and fellows
- Partnerships with graduate/basic science programs
Clinical Operations Programming
In response to strong demand from our members with primary roles in clinical operations, we are also offering a dedicated three-hour Clinical Operations Track focused on advancing and optimizing all aspects of orthopaedic clinical performance. This session will be organized and facilitated by John Bonini, Director of Clinic Operations, Duke University Orthopaedic Surgery.
Tailored for those overseeing clinic access, orthopaedic urgent care, DME, registration, scheduling, and overall operations, this track will serve as a deep dive into best practices, practical solutions, and peer networking. While clinic operations topics will continue throughout the broader Symposium agenda, this session provides an exclusive forum for focused discussion, problem-solving, and sharing what works (and what doesn’t) in operational leadership.
2026 Distinguished Presenters

Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MPH
Associate Chair of Academic Affairs and Professor, Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Rochester

Scott Boden, MD
Executive Vice President for University Clinical Affairs and Dean, Indiana University School of Medicine

John Bonini
Director of Clinical Operations, Duke University

David Bumpass, MD
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Amy Burklund, MS
Chief Administrative Officer, Iowa

Thomas Donaldson, MD
Chair, Loma Linda University

Darin M. Friess, MD
Associate Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, OHSU

Grant Garrigues, MD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

Daniel Goltz, MD, MBA
Orthopaedic Surgeon - Shoulder & Elbow Specialist, Rothman Orthopaedics

Farshid Guilak, PhD
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Research, Washington University

Catherine Humphrey, MD, MBA
Associate Chief Medical Officer, University of Rochester Health System

Joseph Hsu, MD
Chief, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

Alek Johnson, MHA
Director of Cast Room & Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

C. Benjamin Ma, MD
Chair, University of California, San Francisco

Brandon A. McMahon
Director of Operations II, Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern Medical Group

Reid McMullan
Senior Director of Advanced Practice for Ambulatory Services and Strategy at Stanford Health Care

Amanda Olderog, MHA
Senior Director of Operations, Ortho, Spine, Wound Care and Surgical Services, University of Colorado Hospital

Kyle Potter, MD
Chair, University of Pennsylvania

Tamara Scerpella, MD
Chair, University of Wisconsin

Rachel Seymour, PhD
Vice Chair for Research and Professor, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute

Rafael Sierra, MD
Chair, Division of Hip and Knee, Mayo Clinic

Carrie Swigart, MD
Chief of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery for Yale Medicine Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale

Kevin Varner, MD
Chair, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Mark Vrahas, MD, MHCDS
Levin/Gordon Distinguished Chair in Orthopaedics in honor of Myles Cohen, MD; Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Nick Wiscons
Director, Clinical Operations, Washington University

William Vasileff, MD
Associate Professor Orthopaedic Surgery, Associate Medical Director Supply Chain/Value Analysis, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Location
Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza
2100 West End Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203
Hotel Information
The AOC has a LIMITED # of DISCOUNTED ROOMS at Lowes Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza and AOC Symposium Attendees can make their reservations online using the link below. Attendees can call 800-336-3335 to change their reservations.
The Loews Nashville Hotel is currently sold out during the Symposium. Attendees may wish to explore these nearby alternatives:
- Hampton Inn Nashville/Vanderbilt 1919 West End Avenue — approximately a 6-minute walk from the Loews. A practical, value-friendly choice with complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
- Kimpton Aertson Hotel 2021 Broadway — approximately a 8-minute walk from the Loews. An upscale option offering an on-site restaurant, spa, fitness center, and seasonal rooftop pool.
- Graduate by Hilton Nashville 101 20th Avenue North — approximately a 6-minute walk from the Loews. A lively boutique hotel with two restaurants, a fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
These hotels are not part of the official AOC room block. Rates and availability are controlled by each property and may change, so we encourage attendees to reserve promptly.
Please note: Registering for the 2026 AOC Business & Leadership Symposium prior to reserving your hotel room is highly recommended but not required. However, AOC will be cross-checking the Loew’s hotel list against registered attendees. Room reservations are subject to cancellation if not registered for the 2026 AOC Business & Leadership Symposium.
2026 SYMPOSIUM PRICING
Practicing Surgeons & Orthopaedic Administrators: $650
Early Bird — 20% OFF Until April 15, 2026
Lock in your spot early and save! Take advantage of our lowest registration rate before prices increase. Perfect for individual attendees or small teams who know they’ll be joining us in Nashville.
Department Table — 33% OFF Until May 15, 2026
Bring your leadership team and sit together at your own reserved table. Save 33% when you register 8 attendees at once. You can update attendee names anytime up to one week before the Symposium.
PLEASE NOTE: You must be an AOC Connect Member to attend.
Not a member? Register now for your free account.




























































































