AANA Celebrates 15 Years of Excellence in Military Orthopaedic Education
Posted 3/20/2025
Rosemont, IL – [March 31, 2025] – The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) proudly celebrates the 15th anniversary of the AANA/SOMOS Lab Course, an exclusive hands-on training program dedicated to advancing the skills of military orthopaedic surgeons. Since its inception in 2009 and the first course kicking off in 2010, the course has provided cutting-edge education and immersive training in arthroscopic surgery, benefiting hundreds of military orthopaedic surgeons across all branches of service.
Over the past 15 years, the AANA/SOMOS Lab Course has evolved to meet the unique demands of military orthopaedic surgeons, integrating lab experiences, faculty engagement and expanded procedural offerings, including arthroplasty. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, technical excellence, and real-world application, the course has left a lasting impact on attendees, improving patient care for service members and veterans alike.
“The AANA/SOMOS course has been a game-changer for military orthopaedic surgeons,” said a 2021 course participant. “The techniques and knowledge I gained directly translated to better outcomes for my patients in active-duty and post-service care.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Growth
Since 2010, the AANA/SOMOS Lab Course has trained almost 600 registrants, with instruction led by a distinguished faculty of AANA leaders. Attendees have represented several branches of the military, with participation from Army, Navy, and Air Force surgeons.
Each year, the course has featured influential keynote speakers, including Ret. Admiral and Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona, General George Joulwan, Retired Navy SEAL Cpt. Tom Chaby, and 2024’s keynote, Medal of Honor recipient MSGT Earl Plumlee. These esteemed speakers have provided invaluable leadership insights and inspiration, reinforcing the vital role of orthopaedic surgeons in military medicine.
Advancements in Training: Tailored Learning and Expanded Focus
One of the most significant enhancements to the AANA/SOMOS Lab Course has been the move toward individualized lab experiences, allowing participants to focus on procedure-specific training with dedicated faculty support. This shift has led to improved skill acquisition and a more impactful learning experience. Additionally, the incorporation of arthroplasty techniques has broadened the scope of the curriculum, ensuring military surgeons are well-prepared to address the complex needs of their patients.
The Future of Military Orthopaedic Education
As AANA celebrates this milestone, the organization remains committed to advancing orthopaedic education and innovation for military surgeons. Looking ahead, the course will continue to evolve, integrating the latest surgical advancements, refining training methodologies and fostering a strong community of military orthopaedic surgeons. AANA looks forward the 2025 AANA/SOMOS Lab Course on August 1-3, 2025 at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This year’s course will feature keynote speaker Bruce Gillingham, M.D., RADM MC USN (Ret).
“AANA is honored to collaborate with SOMOS in delivering this exceptional educational experience,” said AANA CEO, Laura Downes. “The dedication and skill of our military orthopaedic surgeons are unmatched, and we are proud to support their mission by providing exclusive training opportunities.”
For more information about the AANA/SOMOS Lab Course and future educational opportunities, please visit www.aana.org.
About AANA
The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) is a global leader in arthroscopic surgery education, dedicated to advancing minimally invasive orthopaedic techniques through cutting-edge training and research.
Media Contact:
Christine Nogal, MBA, CAE
Chief Operations and Business Development Officer
christinen@aana.org
847-993-2063