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2026 Annual AOC Connect
Business & Leadership Symposium

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

AOC Connect Distinguished Lecturer Judith F. Baumhauer MD MPH

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

Who we are: Farshid Guilak is part of the AOC Connect Team.

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

AOC Connect Distinguished Lecturer Mark Vrahas MD MHCDS

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

“The AOC meeting is the most valuable 2 days of the year. The agenda is always power-packed and well-balanced—a perfect combination of information and inspiration. I learn so much during open discussions with our colleagues on all the topics that challenge us in academics today—clinical, operational, strategic, educational, and leadership.”

Monte Hunter, MD
Professor and Chair, Milton B Satcher Distinguished Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Director Augusta University Jaguar Sports Medicine

“I just wanted to take a second to tell you how much I enjoyed my time on Friday and Saturday. The topics and organization of the weekend were first rate. Beyond that, having access to the quality of leaders that were present, is truly special for ascending leaders like me. It says a lot about you, and your program, that you attract the caliber of attendees that you did. I greatly look forward to the next AOC event.”

Jack Shilling, MD
Director, Joint Replacement and Reconstruction Program, Cooper University Healthcare

“The Philadelphia AOC meeting was outstanding and very important topics germane to the academic mission was discussed. I think all attendees got a great deal of useful and actionable information to take back home.”

James D. Kang, MD
Thornhill Family Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Chairman, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

“The UF Faculty that attended were extremely enthusiastic about the future of the organization, the sharing of information among programs this weekend, and what is possible in the future for AOC participant institutions. This was very beneficial for our emerging leaders from UF.”

Andrew Duncan, MBA, MS, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC
Chief Administrative Officer, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, UF Health Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Institute

“This should be part of a mandatory curriculum for every person in the top 5 leadership positions in every Academic Orthopedic Department or PM&R Academic Department in the nation. The vision of the most accomplished and visionary leaders in Academic Orthopedic practices was remarkable. It is really a privilege to learn from the best of the best. Outstanding meeting!”

Academic Orthopaedic Chair

“The AOC Business and Leadership Symposium provided me critical, practical information that will undoubtedly benefit our Department and our Musculoskeletal Service Line. Lessons learned from leaders willing to openly share their knowledge and experience will positively impact financial performance as well as faculty wellbeing. This meeting is a must for those charged with leadership of orthopedic groups within complex academic environments.”

Thomas Hunt, MD
Wilhelmina Barnhart Endowed Chair & Professor, Joseph Barnhart Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine

“Thanks for organizing and chairing a very unique meeting for me. It’s rare I get to sit with so many chairs of academic ortho programs. Nevertheless many of their issues, concerns, and problems affect us all. As chief of ortho at one of the Sinai hospitals the entire meeting was of interest to me.”

Edward Yang, M.D.
Chief of Orthopedics Mount Sinai Queens Hospital, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sina

“I truly enjoyed the meeting and found it extremely valuable. You can count on me being a regular participant.”

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

“I really enjoyed the meeting and it is striking how well organized it was, but more importantly, how you had managed to establish such a collaborative and collegial environment as a microcosm in a field that is sometimes very competitive. It was great to see everyone sharing important and personal insights on so many critical topics.”

Farshid Guilak, PhD
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Research Shriners Hospitals for Children – St. Louis

“Congratulations on a fabulous meeting. You run a very professional, impressive, and collaborative event. One of the things that impressed me so much is the culture that you have built, where everyone truly shares their best practices, including little insights and pearls, in such a collegial manner. It was a pleasure to participate and learn from such a great group!”

Lou Soslowsky, PhD
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery & Bioengineering, Vice Chair for Research, University of Pennsylvania

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.

2025 Symposium Gallery

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