The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Your Orthopaedic Connection
Diversity and Culturally Competent Care
Press Room
Culturally Competent Care Media Tour

Coming to a city near you!
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is committed to culturally competent care of patients. From September through November, orthopaedic surgeons from throughout the United States are available to talk about how positive health care outcomes can be enhanced just by thinking about communication in a new way.
Slated DatesStateCityAAOS Spokesperson
2007September 24-28New YorkNew York City
Albany		Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD
Toni M. McLaurin, MD
2007September 25-27New JerseyTrenton
Newark		Stuart Hirsch, MD
2007October 3-5Washington, DCDCTony Rankin, MD
2007October 8-9IllinoisChicago
Springfield		Melvyn A. Harrington, MD
2007November 5-9CaliforniaLos Angeles
Sacramento
San Francisco		Ramon Jimenez, MD
Amy Ladd, MD
2007November 12-14New MexicoAlbuquerqueWilliam R. Martin, III, MD

Resources
Culturally Competent Patient Care Fact Sheet (PDF)
The basics of cross-cultural education for health care providers and keys to improving quality of care for all Americans; includes AAOS contact information.
Culturally Competent Patient Care Press Release (PDF)
As the demographics of America’s patient population rapidly become more diverse, the cultural competence of physicians is imperative to enhancing positive health care outcomes. Recent legislative action across the U.S. underscores the need for culturally competent care in all areas of medicine. New Jersey was the first state to pass a law that ties cultural competence education to medical licensure. California and New Mexico have enacted similar legislation, Illinois has legislation currently pending and other states are following suit. Learn about how the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is taking the lead in preparing physicians to meet the needs of a changing U.S. patient population.
Patient Tip Sheet (PDF)
Patients who get involved with their health care get better results. When you speak up, ask questions, and communicate honestly and directly with your doctor, the risk of errors and misunderstanding goes down. Remember, as the patient, you are the most important person in the room! The following tips will help ensure a successful visit with your doctor.
Biographies
Learn more about the orthopaedic surgeons who are spokespersons for Cultural Diversity in Orthopaedics.