The New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (NYSSOS) is sharing the information below concerning the upcoming vote to amend the Bylaws of the AAOS which will have an impact on governance and voting within the AAOS organization.
NYSSOS leadership has been involved in trying to amend these recommendations over the past 6-8 months. While some adjustments to the initial recommendations have been made for which we are thankful, NYSSOS remains concerned with several provisions:
- The proposed changes give the Board of Directors the right to remove any Fellow with or without cause by simple majority vote.
- The Board of Councilor's structure, composition, and duties will be subject to Board approval.
- The proposed changes eliminate the Board of Councilors’ formal authority under the bylaws to submit resolutions to the Fellowship.
- The Board of Councilors will no longer have a seat on the nominating committee.
Following a thorough review by the NYSSOS Board, NYSSOS recommends a NO vote on the proposed bylaw changes from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). We stand in alignment with our colleagues at both the California and Florida Orthopaedic Societies, who also oppose the current version of the proposed changes.
We encourage you to review all of the proposed amendments carefully and vote when the ballots are released. For questions or clarifications, AAOS leadership is available at governance@aaos.org or you may contact NYSSOS at info@nyssos.org.
Summary of Concerns
We recognize the need for modernization and organizational efficiency, however we remain concerned about the implications these changes may have on democratic governance and member representation. We agree that it is important to adapt to current and future circumstances, but it is critical to remember the purpose of AAOS is to support the members.
With that in mind, we find the suggested changes may have consequences and affect the members of the AAOS in several ways:
- The proposed changes give the Board of Directors the right to remove any Fellow with or without cause by simple majority vote. While the AAOS states this is intended for rare or extreme circumstances, this is an over-reach of power and lacks appropriate checks and balances. The concern is that this will stifle discussion and discourage members from voicing dissent, all values of a healthy, democratic organization.
Cited in: Proposed Association Bylaws Article 2, Section 2.4: Resignation and Removal “The Board of Directors may terminate the membership of any member with or without cause by a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors.”
- The Board of Councilors (BOC) was created to give members and state societies a voice in AAOS. While the BOC is currently advisory, the proposed changes would decrease the ability of the BOC to serve in its purpose and loses its independence from the Board of Directors.
Cited in: Proposed Association Bylaws Article 10 Advisory Groups The BOC and BOS shall be aligned under the Board as advisory councils. Their structure, composition, and duties will be subject to Board approval.
Learn More about the AAOS Board of Councilors: https://www.aaos.org/about/meet-aaos/leadership-governance/board-of-councilors/
Anyone interested in learning more about the proposed AAOS governance changes can visit the website: https://www.aaos.org/about/meet-aaos/proposed-governance-changes/
What is the Board of Councilors:
The
Board of Councilors (BOC) represents the grassroots of the orthopaedic
profession. Its 90-plus members are elected by state and regional
orthopaedic societies. They also represent Puerto Rico, the U.S.
military, Canada, and four regional societies. The BOC serves as an
advisory body to the AAOS Board of Directors and a resource to AAOS
committees.
In
addition, the BOC manages AAOS' relations with the state and regional
orthopaedic societies. This includes conducting a wide range of programs
to strengthen and support the state and regional societies
organizationally.
