The extensive efforts of Mary I. O’Connor, M.D. have been honored by The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) in the form of the 2023 Diversity Award. This accolade recognizes members who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding commitment to making orthopedics more representative of, and accessible to, diverse patient populations.
A renown advocate for diversity in medicine, surgery and orthopedics, Dr. O’Connor is professor emerita of orthopedics at Mayo Clinic, as well as past professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine. She is co-founder and CMO of Vori Health, an award-winning, nationwide, virtual specialty medical practice designed to enhance the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
“I am honored to receive the AAOS Diversity Award and accept it on behalf of all who are striving to make our profession one that provides the best care for every patient. We know that health disparities are real and impact those we serve,” Dr. O’Connor said. “Our continued efforts to increase the diversity of our profession and address our own biases remain essential to progress.”
After an orthopedic residency and fellowship in orthopedic oncology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, she joined Mayo Clinic in Florida and served in various leadership roles throughout the organization. In 2015, Dr. O’Connor became the inaugural director of the Center for Musculoskeletal Care at Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Health. In 2021, she ventured into entrepreneurship as co-founder of Vori Health.
Dr. O’Connor, a former U.S. Olympic rower who was the first female surgeon in The Knee Society, chairs the Executive Leadership of Movement is Life, a multidisciplinary coalition whose goal is to eliminate racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in musculoskeletal health.
Her messages on diversity equality reach a larger audience via her quarterly column in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, titled, “Equity360: Gender, Race, and Ethnicity.” In addition, she has written a comprehensive book that breaks down self-care for women: “Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health” (Mayo Clinic Press 2022).
“Over your years of service to the field,” asked OTW, “what changes regarding equality most give you hope for the future?”
Dr. O’Connor: “The change that I believe is most impactful is the recognition by leaders in our profession that diversity of our orthopedic workforce matters on many levels: to attract the ‘best and the brightest’ to our profession and to better serve our communities. The AAOS Board and the Boards of many specialty societies now are engaged. For example, AAHKS [American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons] created a Diversity Award last year and just released a fantastic video featuring seven Black female arthroplasty surgeons (there are only eight in the country). Evolving the diversity of our profession is essential.”
“We also need to focus on health equity and addressing the disparities our patients face—these efforts require multiple stakeholders (policy makers, community leaders, religious leaders, etc.). We have known for years that bundled payment models promote ‘cherry picking’ of health patients and ‘lemon dropping’ of unhealthy patients. This is not a just healthcare policy. Orthopedic surgeons should be leaders in addressing musculoskeletal health disparities and I invite all to join our Movement is Life National Caucus on Nov 30-Dec 1 in Washington, DC to advance our efforts!”
As for what she might say to young women or other underrepresented groups who are seeking to follow in her footsteps, Dr. O’Connor noted, “I speak with young aspiring orthopedic surgeons all the time. I encourage them to follow their dreams. Orthopedics is a wonderful and rewarding profession. I tell them that they can do it—regardless of their sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Work hard and be responsible. Don’t expect anything to be given to you. Always do right by the patient. Understand your personal values and align with them—as that gives your efforts the most meaning. At the end of the day, we all want to find meaning in our work.”
