President's Message

Dr. John GarberJohn E. Garber, MD

It is a privilege to serve as president of The Clinical Orthopaedic Society during its 105th year. 2016 is a tough act to follow because of the excellent leadership of Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez, immediate past president. I am also following in the footsteps of my late father, Dr. J. Neill Garber, a longtime member who served as COS president in 1957.

This is a crucial time in the storied history of our society. Membership is down, and this attrition threatens our future. One of our goals this year is to have each of our members invite one potential new member to the Annual Meeting on September 14-16, 2017, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hopefully, these guest orthopaedic surgeons will be impressed enough by their experiences to apply for membership. The only way for a professional organization to survive through the years is to continue growing through new members.

During the year, most of the communication with our members will be through the COS website at www.cosociety.org. Members will have access to our relatively new service, a monthly column featuring diagnostic tips. News items will also be posted on the website along with membership and exhibitor information plus details about upcoming meetings.

The COS year culminates with the Annual Meeting in September. Continuing medical education credits will be offered in most subspecialty areas. Symposium sessions will include didactic lectures, time for discussion with well-known clinicians, and trademark live patient presentations. Residents are invited to present research papers with the possibility of earning a monetary award. Recently, we added electronic poster presentations during the Annual Meeting with a choice of subspecialty areas.

Social events will highlight local attractions of interest to members and their families. Indiana’s capital city is internationally known for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and several acclaimed museums. I am confident that members and their families will appreciate the affordable amenities, variety of activities and welcoming atmosphere known as ‘Hoosier hospitality’. I look forward to seeing COS members and potential new members next fall in scenic downtown Indianapolis.