Embargo for Release:             March 12, 2010
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Richard J. Barry, MD, Elected Chair of Academy
Board of Councilors

NEW ORLEANS—Orthopaedic surgeon Richard J. Barry, MD, of Davis, Calif., was elected chair of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Board of Councilors (BOC) at its 2010 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

“I am deeply honored to become the chair of the AAOS Board of Councilors,” said Dr. Barry.  “I look forward to working with the BOC so that we can continue finding ways to provide sustainable, quality patient care.”

Dr. Barry currently is senior managing partner at Valley Oak Orthopedics in Davis, specializing in the treatment of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of spinal conditions, with a particular interest in spine microsurgery. He also serves on staff at various hospitals and surgical centers in the Davis area.

One of his many goals as BOC chair is to “clarify the strategic vision of the future of the profession of orthopaedic surgery.” Dr. Barry adds, “All members of our profession need to engage in this discussion as we currently face the potential for major changes in health care delivery. We must unite now to strengthen the voice of orthopaedic surgeons so that our ability to serve our patients is protected.”

After serving in Vietnam as a U.S. Air Force pilot, Dr. Barry earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi in Jackson, Miss., and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle. He then returned to the Air Force as chief of the Orthopaedic Clinic at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Active in several professional societies, Dr. Barry is a member of the AAOS Board of Directors and president of the California Orthopaedic Association. He also is a fellow of the AAOS, the American College of Surgeons and the North American Spine Society.

In addition to receiving numerous honors, such as the California Orthopaedic Assocation Founder’s Award, Dr. Barry has authored more than 20 scientific papers and presentations.

The BOC was founded in 1973 by members of AAOS concerned about “the totality of orthopaedic life.”  BOC members represent orthopaedists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Military, Puerto Rico and Canada and four of the regional orthopaedic societies. The responsibilities of the BOC are to establish and maintain communication with the AAOS Board of Directors and members; serve as a representative, deliberative body in matters of concern to all orthopaedic surgeons, which include reviewing, debating and making recommendations regarding AAOS resolution, standards of professionalism and bylaws proposals; and be an effective and authoritative policy-making body in matters of concern to orthopaedic surgery.

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