In a recent article in JBJS, Escalera et al. provide an informative overview of the American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons (AALOS). Since its founding more than 15 years ago, the organization continues to build on efforts to enhance diversity in the field of orthopaedics, ultimately leading to improved musculoskeletal care, and access to care, for the growing U.S. Latino population. (The authors note that, for conciseness, the term Latino is used in the article to describe those who identify as Latino/a/x/e and/or Hispanic.)
Read the article at JBJS.org:
The American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons: Our History, Achievements, and Future Goals
The article discusses how the AALOS came to be, stemming from a recognition of health disparities within the Latino community and the need for more Latino orthopaedic surgeons, and with early supporters including the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society. The original mission statement: “To provide the opportunity for collegiality, advancement, education, and social justice for Latino orthopaedic surgeons and the minority population they represent.” The authors add that the mission “has translated into efforts to mentor medical students interested in orthopaedics, promote the advancement of orthopaedic surgeons sympathetic to our mission, and directly provide orthopaedic services to underserved communities.”
Furthermore, the authors write that “the reach for AALOS membership has been extended to include all orthopaedic surgeons who provide care to the Latino community.”
Details of the recently launched AALOS Medical Student Program are shared in the article along with the larger aims of the organization as membership expands. Among these:
- Strengthening the existing network of Latino orthopaedic surgeons, orthopaedic residents, and interested medical students.
- Providing continued mentorship and resources for members.
- Retaining Latino trainees in the field of orthopaedic surgery.
The authors note that the success of the AALOS is in large part due to a diverse membership and partnerships with other organizations.
Read the article here: The American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons: Our History, Achievements, and Future Goals
For more information, visit the AALOS website: American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons