Paul Tornetta, III, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and director of orthopaedic trauma at Boston Medical Center, and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, has been chosen as first vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Board of Directors. His role is the second in a four-year term of volunteer service, culminating with his presidency of the AAOS in 2024-2025.
“AAOS has given so much to me over the years, and I consider it a privilege and an honor to give back,” said Dr. Tornetta. “Together with our new president, Dr. Kevin J. Bozic, I look forward to supporting the AAOS as we work to equip our members with the tools and knowledge needed to shape the future of orthopaedic care.”
OTW asked Dr. Tornetta about these tools and knowledge, to which he responded, “There are multiple things to consider … for instance advancing practice within the framework of value and quality rather than simply fee for service and employment models and education around how to learn new techniques and adopt new technology and treatment algorithms. This all starts in residency but is part of lifelong learning. The climate around us is changing rapidly and we as orthopaedic surgeons need to be out in front to advocate for our patients and for models of care that maximize our skills and talents for their benefit.”
Renowned for his teaching ability and focus on the enhancement of orthopedic education, Dr. Tornetta has chaired the Education Council for four years and was past chair of the former Evaluations Committee and Annual Meeting Committee, and a member-at-large on the Board of Directors. Indeed, Boston University orthopedic residents selected him four times to receive the annual Robert E. Leach, M.D. Resident Teacher of the Year Award.
Dr. Tornetta’s leadership and insightful contributions helped greatly in launching the AAOS Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge (ROCK) Curriculum in 2022—a collaboration between the AAOS, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Orthopaedic Association, Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors and AAOS Resident Assembly.
Dr. Tornetta, past president of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, has published more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and previously led the Orthopaedic Trauma Research Consortium. He has also served on the steering committee for trials that won the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation Clinical Research Award and Kappa Delta Award. On five occasions, Dr. Tornetta has been awarded the Bovill Award for the top paper at the annual Orthopaedic Trauma Association meeting.
Dr. Tornetta recently earned his Ph.D. from the University of Groningen, Netherlands. He earned his medical degree and completed his internship and orthopedic residency training at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, New York. After a fellowship at Hospital of the Good Samaritan in Los Angeles, he was appointed director of orthopedic trauma at Kings County Hospital Center and the University Hospital of Brooklyn.
As for his advice for future orthopedic trauma surgeons who are interested in leadership, Dr. Tornetta stated to OTW, “I think that volunteerism is a crucial aspect of professional satisfaction. I have learned more from others in all of my roles than I taught others. In my opinion leadership is not something that one should aspire to. It is more the work that can be done in these roles that is important to the field and to patients. Our best leaders are in these positions because they are passionate about service. As we discuss often in our board rounds with the residents, understanding and accepting that ‘It’s not about you’ is the hallmark of individuals who will excel in these roles.”
