Highlighting the leaders
shaping the future of academic orthopaedics
Each month, the AOC Leadership Profile Series highlights three leaders from across our consortium who are shaping departments, influencing culture, and advancing patient care in meaningful ways. Through candid reflections on strategy, challenges, mentorship, AI, and more, this series offers a rare look inside the mindset of those leading academic orthopaedics forward. At the AOC, we believe the collective wisdom of our membership is one of our greatest assets. By sharing stories, lessons learned, and perspectives across institutions, we strengthen the entire network.
We are proud to feature this month’s leaders and grateful for the trust they place in our community.
Cynthia Emory, MD, MBA
Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Dr. Cynthia Emory brings a steady, thoughtful approach to leading within a large and evolving health system. In this profile, she reflects on the challenge of effective communication in complex organizations and the impact it has on engagement, trust, and daily operations. She shares how building accountability, strengthening leadership teams, and navigating large-scale system integration have shaped her department over the past several years. Her perspective emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and maintaining composure in moments that require decisive leadership.
Kyle W. Roberts, MBA
Associate Director – Sports Medicine
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Sports Medicine Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute
Kyle Roberts brings a team-centered approach to operational leadership in academic sports medicine. In this profile, he reflects on the challenges of fragmented research funding and the importance of building stable, high-functioning programs that support both clinical and academic priorities. He shares recent successes, including the development of a multidisciplinary sports nutrition program and a now-profitable surgical skills lab that supports training across specialties. His perspective emphasizes relationship-building, clarity, and creating environments where teams feel supported to perform at their best.
Brett Estervig
EVP and General Manager, US Orthopedics
Smith+Nephew
Brett Estervig brings a structured, team-focused approach to operational leadership in academic medicine. In this profile, he reflects on the importance of aligning people, processes, and priorities to improve performance across complex systems. He shares how building strong relationships and creating clarity within teams can drive more consistent outcomes and long-term success. His perspective emphasizes communication, accountability, and developing environments where teams can perform at a high level.