To The Editor:
I applaud JBJS for emphasizing the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons' mandatory Standards of Professionalism (SOPs) for publishing and
reporting in the editorial "Professionalism in Publishing"
(2006;88:2323-5) by Brand et al. Thank you for raising awareness of the AAOS
Professional Compliance Program (PCP), the SOPs on Research and Academic
Responsibilities, and the AAOS grievance procedure.
I wish to point out that this editorial contains an error related to the
procedure for grievances and their appeals as well as a couple of statements
that may lead to some confusion. Near its end, the editorial states,
"(w)hen the AAOS Board of Directors makes a recommendation for action,
either the grievant or the respondent may file an appeal." Actually, the
Board of Directors receives recommendations on professional compliance actions
from the AAOS Committee on Professionalism and, if there is an appeal, from
the AAOS Judiciary Committee. Grievants and/or respondents may appear before
the board as well. However, Board decisions are final regarding any
professional compliance actions taken against AAOS Fellows or members. Board
decisions take effect immediately and are not subject to further AAOS review,
consideration, or appeal. Appeals are heard by the Judiciary Committee before
consideration by the Board of Directors.
The editorial notes, "While the AAOS guidelines are intended for AAOS
Fellows...." The term "guidelines" may imply to some
individuals recommendations that readers can consider, and perhaps modify, to
fit their needs. The SOPs for Research and Academic Responsibilities set out
baseline mandatory minimum standards for acceptable conduct, not guidelines.
Also, the SOPs apply not only to active, inactive, and emeritus AAOS Fellows,
but also to AAOS members, including more than 4000 residents and candidates.
Fellows and members (except international and honorary) make up the sole
population that can become grievants and respondents.
I sincerely hope that contributors to JBJS will not be parties to
grievances filed with AAOS for alleged violations of the SOPs. However, AAOS
is working hard to ensure that all grievances will be heard and adjudicated
under a system that provides fairness and due process to both the grievant and
the respondent.