AAOE 50th Anniversary

BONES was created as a community for orthopedic practice executives to share knowledge, advice, best practices, and lessons learned with one another. Rebranded as AAOE, the association continues to grow and expand, providing a place for orthopedic practice professionals to learn, network, and grow in their career.

Whether you're a new, seasoned, or past member, you're an important part of this anniversary, which is as much a celebration of AAOE's past as it is an anticipation of our bright future!

Learn more in AAOE's 50th anniversary video, which premiered at the 2019 Annual Conference in Nashville, TN:

See additional interviews and stories below, and learn more about AAOE's history by viewing our interactive timeline!

View AAOE's Interactive Timeline

Download the Free 50th Anniversary Advice E-book

This special anniversary book includes pieces of advice for orthopedic practice professionals, collected from past and current AAOE members.

Download the pdf e-book today!


The Best of What Humanity Has to Offer

Jan Vest, MBA, CEO Emeritus of Signature Medical Group, reflects on the reason AAOE was started 50 years ago, originally founded as BONES. He explains why it's "the best of what humanity has to offer."

All About the Networking

Timothy Pella, Practice Manager, Southeast Iowa Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, reflects on the conversations he has had with other members about the start of BONES, which has since been rebranded as AAOE. He says, "It was all about the networking."

The Reunion of Eastern and Western BONES

Thomas Stearns, FACMPE, retired VP of Medical Practice Services at State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company, talks about the reunion of Eastern and Western BONES that occurred during his time as chair.

BONES 30th Anniversary

Timothy Pella, Practice Manager at Southeast Iowa Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, discusses BONES 30th Anniversary Celebration, which took place during his presidency.

BONES 2005 Conference: Support in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina

Craig Henry, MHA, Practice Administrator at Hand Center of Louisiana, tells the story of members coming together in support in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

AAOE Becomes a Standalone Association

Donald A. Schreiner, MBA, CEO of OrthoIllinois, discusses AAOE's move to Indianapolis as a standalone association, which occurred during his presidency.

AAOE's 50 Years of Evolution

George D. Trantow, FACHE, CMPE, Chief, Physician Operations at Valley View Hospital discusses AAOE's evolution during the past 50 years and why this anniversary is so significant.

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact

Jim Kidd, CMPE, CEO of Advanced Bone & Joint explains what AAOE's 50th anniversary means to him.


Learn More in AAOE's Celebrating 50 Years Blog Series

Additional Resources:

AAOE Timeline

50th Anniversary Advice Book