Published in Letter to Membership on June 15, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
The American Orthopaedic Association joins with many throughout our great nation who are deeply troubled by recent events. As the association of leaders in orthopaedic surgery, we decry the injustice and discrimination that have impacted so many across society including our patients, staff, and colleagues. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. aptly stated: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
As orthopaedic surgeons, we have dedicated our lives to compassionately serving others and striving to provide healing and meaningful, positive change. We must continue to insist that all people, regardless of color, creed, or cause, demonstrate respect for the human dignity of every individual. We must come together with compassion to heal the wounds of any form of prejudice and work together to facilitate meaningful change. This requires that we speak out against actions that are based in prejudice and hate, and that we unite to create a world where peace, mutual respect, justice, and understanding are held in the highest regard.
Dr. King also noted: “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” We openly call upon people of goodwill everywhere to join us as healers, and to express love, compassion, and understanding towards all as we unite to abandon attitudes of discrimination, hate, or prejudice towards any group or individual. We must learn to truly value and respect all members of society.
As a leadership organization, the American Orthopaedic Association will continue its ongoing strategic focus on increasing diversity in our profession to better represent and treat our diverse population.
Sincerely,
Christopher D. Harner, MD, FAOA,
First Past President, The American Orthopaedic Association
Theodore W. Parsons, III, MD, FACS, FAOA,
President, The American Orthopaedic Association
Serena S. Hu, MD, FAOA,
First President-Elect, The American Orthopaedic Association