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.
MaCalus V. Hogan, MD, MBA
Chair
University of Pittsburgh – UPMC
Dr. MaCalus Hogan reflects on strengthening culture, advancing research, and building long-term excellence within a leading academic orthopaedic department. In this profile, he shares how expanding the Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center and fostering collaboration across a large health system are helping shape the future of orthopaedic care. He discusses the importance of investing in people, sustaining trusted professional networks, and maintaining alignment across complex organizations. His perspective on AI emphasizes thoughtful adoption that accelerates discovery while keeping ethics and patient-centered care at the forefront.
Kelly Rosenfeld, MHA, FACHE
Associate Vice President – Musculoskeletal Service Line
Atrium Wake Forest, Department of Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation at Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Kelly Rosenfeld reflects on the operational realities of leading within a large academic health system, from workforce and infrastructure challenges to sustaining surgeon engagement and productivity. In this profile, she shares how strategic growth, regional expansion, and a strong focus on education, research, and quality have shaped orthopaedics at Atrium Health Wake Forest. She discusses the importance of meaningful professional partnerships, thoughtful delegation, and building new pathways for funding and philanthropy. Her perspective on AI underscores its growing role in healthcare leadership and day-to-day operations.
Stuart Simpson
CEO
ThinkSurgical
Stuart reflects on the challenges and opportunities of scaling innovation within the orthopaedic technology space. In this profile, he shares how building a high-performing team, establishing a regulatory pathway for an open robotic platform, and maintaining disciplined execution are driving ambitious growth goals. He discusses the importance of balancing vision with clear operational planning, while recognizing the role of strong partnerships between industry and academic medical centers. His perspective on leadership, AI, and personal growth emphasizes focus, adaptability, and learning to define success beyond work alone.