Embargoed for Release:             February 26, 2009
For more information, contact:

Catherine Dolf   C: (847) 894-9112 or O: (847) 384-4034  dolf@aaos.org
Lauren Pearson  C: (224) 374-8610 or O: (847) 384-4031  lpearson@aaos.org

Michael L. Parks, MD, Elected to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board of Directors

LAS VEGAS – Orthopaedic surgeon Michael L. Parks, MD, was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), at the 2009 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.  He will serve the Academy as Member-at-Large for the “under 45 year old” Board position.

Dr. Parks specializes in the reconstruction of arthritic conditions affecting the hip and knee.
He is currently assistant attending orthopaedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery and assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Cornell Weill School of Medicine in New York.

After earning an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Duke University in North Carolina, Dr. Parks graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston. Completing his internship in general and thoracic surgery, followed by an orthopaedic residency at Duke University Medical Center, Dr. Parks continued his training at Hospital for Special Surgery with a fellowship on the Hip and Knee Service.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve on the Academy’s Board of Directors,” said Dr. Parks.  “With the ever increasing demands from our aging population and decreasing resources, the Academy’s role in advocacy and education becomes more important.  It is my hope to bring the perspective of an urban practicing orthopaedist to the Board, while working to strengthen the reach of our organization.”

As an Academy Fellow, Dr. Parks serves on the Board of Councilors and is past Chair of the Board of Councilors Bylaws Review Committee. He is also a member of the Leadership Development Committee.  “Dr. Parks’ ideas and perspectives are always well thought out, well expressed, and respectful of others who have differing opinions,” said Thomas C. Barber, MD, Chair-Elect of the Academy’s Board of Councilors.

Dr. Parks is an active member of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA), the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), and the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society.  He is a guest reviewer for the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and is also the author of research papers and book chapters.

“With the constant changes evident in today’s health care environment, it is essential that we as orthopaedic surgeons remain involved locally, in our individual medical centers and communities, as well as nationally to bolster our ability to perform our craft,” notes Dr. Parks.  “Only through our involvement will we advance ourselves and our ability to care for the patients whom we serve.”

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