Arthroplasty Today and team learning

The orthopaedic joint replacement team is very different today than even a decade ago. Although the surgeon is still the leader, excellent outcomes depend on the help and interactions of physician assistants; nurse practitioners; office, floor, and operating room nurses; surgical technicians; physical and occupational therapists; and medical assistantsdto name but a few. Medical student and resident support may be part of the team if the practice is affiliated with an academic program. One of the most important elements of a successful joint replacement team is “buy-in” from each member that they make a substantial contribution to the ultimate result. A keystone in that accountability is specialty education. Depending on their particular area of expertise, joint replacement education of these team members can be complex, expensive, and subsequently lacking. The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) has recognized the need for educating joint replacement team members in specialty content and offers ongoing educational opportunities that make a career in joint reconstruction rewarding and successful. The 26th AAHKS Annual Meeting in November 2016 will mark the sixth year of the Orthopaedic Team Member Course.