Background
The Resident Assembly (RA) is an advisory body to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) on issues of importance to orthopaedic residents. In addition, the RA provides a forum to allow orthopaedic residents to embrace their roles as patient advocates and life-long learners. The AAOS Resident Assembly aspires to be an integral and meaningful part of AAOS. The Resident Assembly directly reports to the AAOS Membership Council and works closely with this group on all matters of Membership.
A Resident Delegate is a member appointed by his or her orthopaedic residency program at the discretion of its Program Director to represent that program and his/her fellow residents.
Each orthopaedic residency program will have one vote on issues brought forth to the Resident Assembly, cast by its Resident Delegate at the AAOS Annual Meeting.
Should the Resident Delegate be unable to attend, a substitute may be appointed by the orthopaedic residency Program Director. Notifications of substitutions shall be submitted no less than 14 days prior to the meeting.
The individual orthopaedic residency program is responsible for funding the attendance of its Resident Delegate to the Resident Assembly Annual Meeting and confirming the Resident Delegate’s understanding of responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Attend the Resident Assembly Annual Meeting at the AAOS Annual Meeting as the voting representative for his or her orthopaedic residency program
- Encourage fellow residents to get involved in the AAOS
- Apply to at least one Resident Assembly Committee during their term
- Reply to Resident Assembly communication requests which require votes or input on various issues and advisory opinions
- Communicate about the Resident Assembly during the Annual Meeting as well as any additional conferences or meetings held throughout the year to their respective orthopaedic residency program
- Receive and distribute correspondence from the Resident Assembly and AAOS to residents in their orthopaedic residency programs
- Encourage other orthopaedic residents to complete any AAOS survey
- Be knowledgeable about this document and comply with all Resident Assembly Rules
- Advise their Resident Assembly committee of any issues or concerns of their respective orthopaedic residency program
- Communicate about the AAOS Resident Assembly Annual Meeting as well as any additional conferences or meetings held throughout the year to their respective orthopaedic residency program
- Receive and distribute correspondence from the AAOS Resident Assembly and AAOS to residents in their orthopaedic residency programs
Commitment
Delegates should expect to commit approximately 20 hours each year to the Resident Assembly.
Term
Delegates shall serve a two-year term. If the delegate's residency ends before the term end date, the term will automatically end when residency ends and the program will be asked to appoint a new delegate.
Eligibility and Selection of Resident Delegates
Each orthopaedic residency program may identify one member to represent the respective program as its Resident Delegate. The selection of the Resident Delegate will be determined on a program-by-program basis but must occur prior to the annual meeting. The term of the Resident Delegate will continue for a period of two years or graduation, whichever is sooner, unless the resident or program chooses to end their term prior to this date.
Each orthopaedic residency program shall establish its own procedures to select its Resident Delegate; however, it is recommended that selection should involve other trainees. The orthopaedic residency program is responsible for notifying the AAOS of its chosen delegate and confirming the Resident Delegate’s understanding of his/her responsibilities. The Resident Assembly Executive Committee will monitor term lengths, and notify delegates and participating programs of impending term expiration.
If a Resident Delegate becomes an Officer of the Resident Assembly, that individual shall be deemed to have resigned from his or her Resident Delegate position and his or her respective orthopaedic residency program shall appoint a new Resident Delegate to participate in the Resident Assembly. If a program is unable to fund the travel of a second resident to the Resident Assembly business meeting, the new officer can serve the dual role as a Resident Delegate for voting purposes at the Annual Meeting.