Spengler elected to head Orthopaedic association
Dr. Dan M. Spengler, professor and chair of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, was chosen as 2nd president-elect of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) during the June meeting in Palm Beach.
Founded in 1887, the AOA is the oldest orthopaedic association in the world and, according to Spengler, the most prestigious, boasting a select membership of approximately 900. The AOA’s goal as an organization is “to identify, develop, engage, and recognize leadership to further the art and science of orthopaedics.” In an effort to realize this goal, the AOA sponsors advanced courses on leadership for its members and sponsors fellowships and recognition awards for young orthopaedists.
“This is a tremendous honor,” Spengler said. “The society brims with tradition, and for me, it’s the who’s who of orthopaedics.”
To be placed onto the AOA’s leadership track is a special distinction for Spengler because he is the first person from Vanderbilt, and Nashville, to be elected to this position. Chosen by the members of the AOA, Spengler will serve on the leadership committee until he ascends to the role of president of the association in 2004. He will head the annual meeting that is scheduled to meet in Boston that year.
As president, Spengler will be expected to develop initiatives that will affect the field of orthopaedics positively.
“I have a superb opportunity to impact orthopaedics in our country since the AOA has a commitment to enhance the quality of patient care in the United States as well as abroad,” Spengler said.
In 2004, Spengler will also serve as a representative of the association at conferences around the globe. Trips to South Africa, London, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia are typical during a presidential year, Spengler said.
At Vanderbilt, Spengler, an 18-year veteran, stays busy with administrative responsibilities, teaching, and research, but he spends the majority of his time working on clinical studies. In his clinical practice, Spengler focuses exclusively on the management of patients with a wide variety of spinal disorders.