Embargoed for Release: February 14, 2011

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Naomi Shields, MD Elected to Academy Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO – Orthopaedic surgeon Naomi Shields, MD was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) at its 2011 Annual Meeting in San Diego.

“This is a very important time in medicine, with many changes and challenges ahead for both patients and physicians,” said Dr. Shields.  “Being a part of this board will enable me to educate, teach and reflect upon what is important for the orthopaedic profession.”
Specializing in foot and ankle, Dr. Shields is in private practice in Wichita, Kansas, and serves as a clinical associate professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.  She earned her medical degree from Albany Medical College.  Dr. Shields then completed a four year residency at the Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and finished a foot and ankle fellowship with the Medical College of Wisconsin.

“The Academy represents the entire orthopaedic field of medicine, it’s who we are,” added Dr. Shields.  “I’m very excited and honored to be selected for this position.”

Active in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Dr. Shields just finished a term on its Board.  “It was a very interesting and informative experience,” said Dr. Shield.  “I think it prepared me very well for this AAOS Board seat.”

As a female orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Shields is very passionate about attracting more women to the profession and has been involved in the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS), an organization whose mission is to foster women into orthopaedic surgery, for numerous years.  “I went through my entire residency never knowing one female orthopaedic surgeon,” explained Shields.  “It’s important for groups like the RJOS to continue exposing orthopaedics as an attractive profession to young women.  Women can and do succeed.”

Dr. Shields is also passionate about international and humanitarian activities.  In her career, she has volunteered for eleven trips to Vietnam through AOFAS to help those in medical need.  When the earthquake hit in Haiti this past year, she joined a team, gathered supplies and went to Pierre Payen to assist the Haitians.  “Disaster response is one area of medicine that requires teamwork and sacrifice,” added Dr. Shields.  “It is a humbling experience that makes us appreciate what we have and want to give back.”

When not in the operating room or seeing patients, Dr. Shields enjoys traveling and underwater photography, playing tennis, reading, skiing and crafts. 

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