We have a new series on OrthoBuzz, “Inside JBJS,” that goes behind the scenes to introduce readers to members of the JBJS community. In this second installment, we caught up with Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MPH, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. Baumhauer is the current JBJS Board of Trustees Vice-Chair and, in 2026, will take the reins as Board Chair, succeeding Dr. Leesa Galatz upon completion of her term. Dr. Galatz was the featured guest in our inaugural post in this series.
In this interview, Dr. Baumhauer discusses her journey with JBJS, the Board’s role in advancing musculoskeletal care, and current challenges and innovations in publishing. She invites readers to join the JBJS team.
How did you first get involved with JBJS and why?
I first discovered JBJS back in graduate school at Middlebury College in 1983. I remember spending hours reading The Journal and being fascinated by how research could change patient care. My first JBJS paper came out in 1999, under Henry Cowell, MD, PhD as Editor, and I’ll never forget the thrill of seeing it in print. Later, mentors like Jim Heckman, MD encouraged me to review for The Journal, and Marc Swiontkowski, MD inspired me with his commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient-reported outcomes. When I was asked to join the Board of Trustees, it was an easy Yes. JBJS has always stood for quality, collaboration, and impact—values that match my own.
What are the responsibilities and goals of the JBJS Board?
The Board helps set direction and priorities for the organization, making sure everything we do supports the mission of advancing musculoskeletal care. We oversee strategy, finances, and governance, but we also serve as JBJS ambassadors, sharing the value of The Journal with colleagues, residents, and students who rely on it to help guide patient care.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities today as a researcher, surgeon, or author?
There’s more competition than ever, with many specialty journals and limited research funding. Even great ideas can struggle to move forward without support.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in publishing right now?
The pace of publishing is faster, and readers expect quicker access to information without sacrificing quality. There’s also growing attention on transparency, diversity in authorship, and open access. JBJS is responding by innovating, using digital platforms, educational tools, and new formats that connect the suite of JBJS products and research directly to learning and patient care.
How have you or JBJS changed in your tenure on the Board?
JBJS has become more global, more data-driven, and more focused on education. One of the biggest shifts is how we use The Journal as a teaching resource. The JBJS team has developed new courses, digital materials, and learning modules that make JBJS content come alive for learners at all stages.
For me, serving on the Board has reinforced how publishing shapes our profession, not only by sharing great science but by mentoring, teaching, and inspiring the next generation. JBJS continues to evolve, but its heart remains the same: advancing knowledge that improves our patients’ lives.
Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies?
Outside of work, like most orthopaedists, I like to exercise (run, hike, bike), travel, and spend time with my family (3 strong, independent daughters and one tolerant husband).
Anything else you’d like to share with readers?
Research and education are best done in teams. Come join the JBJS team as a reviewer, educator, learner, mentor, researcher.
Thank you, Dr. Baumhauer!
Stay tuned for more posts in this new series.
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