Michael L. Parks Named First Vice President of AAOS

Michael L. Parks, M.D., has been named first vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), assuming the position after the organization’s annual meeting this week in New Orleans. His appointment marks the second year of a four-year leadership progression during which he will serve as AAOS president next year.

“As I step into this role, my focus remains on advancing our profession to better serve our patients,” said Dr. Parks, an orthopedic surgeon in New York. “Together, with our new president Dr. Wilford Gibson, I look forward to supporting AAOS as we work to equip our members with the tools and knowledge needed to shape the future of orthopedic care.”

Dr. Parks brings decades of clinical excellence, leadership and advocacy to the first vice presidency. He has held numerous leadership positions within AAOS, including treasurer, Board of Directors (BOD) member-at-large, and chair of the AAOS Resolutions and Finance Committees. He has also served on the Board of Councilors, the Communications Cabinet, and the Annual Meeting Committee. His leadership was recognized with the AAOS Diversity Award in 2019 and the Achievement Award in 2012. As first vice president, Dr. Parks will continue working closely with the AAOS BOD to advance musculoskeletal health, strengthen surgeon education, and promote equitable access to high-quality orthopedic care.

A nationally recognized specialist in the surgical treatment of arthritis in adults, Dr. Parks is respected for his expertise in hip and knee reconstructive procedures. His clinical research focuses on joint replacement surgery and emphasizes reducing health disparities and addressing socioeconomic factors that affect healthcare outcomes. His insights have been featured in various publications, including New York magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Black Enterprise magazine, and Money magazine. Dr. Parks also appeared on the NBC’s TODAY show, where he discussed treatment alternatives for knee arthritis in baby boomers.

Beyond AAOS, Dr. Parks is a past president of the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation and the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has served on the BOD of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He remains actively involved in the Movement is Life Caucus, a coalition devoted to decreasing musculoskeletal health disparities.

Dr. Parks graduated from Duke University with a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry and earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Caroline in Charleston, where he received the President’s Clinical Science Award. After completing an internship in general and thoracic surgery, followed by an orthopedic residency at Duke University Medical Center, he continued his training at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York with a fellowship on the Hip and Knee Service, where he remains in practice today.

With more than 39,000 members, AAOS is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The organization advances musculoskeletal health by providing comprehensive education to help orthopedic surgeons and allied health professionals best treat patients in their daily practices. AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.