Tony Rankin, MD, Elected President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - March 6, 2008) - As a young man and orthopaedic surgeon, Edward Anthony (Tony) Rankin, MD, was guided by his father and those who mentored him on the importance of service to his country and his profession. Today, Dr. Rankin was elected president at the 75th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "It is a real honor and privilege to serve in this capacity," Rankin said. "I think my father would be as proud of me today as I am of my own son, who works right beside me."

Dr. Rankin graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and the Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He completed his internship and residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and is currently chief of orthopaedic service at Providence Hospital, clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery at Howard University College of Medicine and clinical associate professor (Community and Family Medicine) at Georgetown University School of Medicine, all located in Washington, D.C. Dr. Rankin specializes in adult-reconstruction and hand surgery.

"My involvement with the Academy over the years has meant a tremendous amount to me," Rankin noted. "I have actually been involved with the Academy almost continuously since becoming a member in 1975." Dr. Rankin has served on numerous committees, the Communications Council, the Board of Councilors, the Board of Directors (At-Large 1996-1998, Secretary 2002-2005, Presidential Line 2006) and was Editor of the AAOS Bulletin 2002-2006.

Col. Charles Walter (Walt) Metz, who was Dr. Rankin's chief of orthopaedics at Walter Reed Army Hospital, was very active in the Academy. Dr. Charles Epps, his senior associate at Howard University, and the first black president of the American Orthopaedic Association, was also a tremendous influence on Dr. Rankin's involvement with the Academy.

"I got the impression from both those men that it was really important to contribute and to give back to the organization with which you work. I was shown that together we can do so much more than the individual. It is an opportunity to work at a high level and have a meaningful effect on the practice of orthopaedics and our patients. I am proud to have had the privilege of partnering with Tony these past few years," said Jim Beaty, MD, and AAOS outgoing president, "and I could not be more pleased to have him as our new President."

During Dr. Rankin's year as president, he hopes to concentrate on three important areas: advocacy, unity and diversity. "We really want to help all our members understand the importance of advocacy and being engaged in this time of increasing change and challenge in the health-care arena," Rankin said. "Tony is a great leader for orthopaedics in every area, with a very special interest in advocacy on behalf of our patients, our members and the public," commented Dr. Beaty.

As for promoting diversity, Dr. Rankin plans to continue a close relationship with the AAOS Diversity Advisory Board, the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society and the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, who, he said, "will all work to keep the issue of diversity at the forefront of medicine for the benefit of all of our patients. I will also work to increase the numbers of minority and female orthopaedic surgeons, and educate our AAOS members in culturally competent care that is patient-centered. These are tools to address some of the health disparities cited by the Institute of Medicine and others."

The recipient of numerous honors and awards, Dr. Rankin is a five time recipient of a Certificate of Commendation from the government of the District of Columbia, and has been recognized by Georgetown University/Providence Hospital with their Teaching Excellence Award for 10 consecutive years, and by Howard University with the Teaching Excellence Award. Also, a decorated member of the U.S. Army-Dr. Rankin was bestowed with the prestigious Bronze Star Award (Vietnam), and the Army Commendation Medal. He received the Medical Society of District of Columbia Meritorious Service Award for work with the Unity Healthcare Homeless Shelter and the Children's Orthopaedic Clinic, D.C. General Hospital, and was named an Affiliate of the Daughter's of Charity in recognition of long term service to the poor and underserved. Dr. Rankin has also been cited by the Best Doctors of America.

When asked about the Academy's 75th Anniversary, Dr. Rankin remarked, "The Academy has experienced tremendous growth and progress in its first 75 years. Our members have made incredible strides, bringing to the forefront amazing technological advancements, with one important goal: to bring movement, quality of life, and the best orthpaedic care to all our patients. I will certainly do my best to continue to serve my fellow orthopaedic surgeons, improve the care of our patients and the practice of orthopaedics heading into the next 75 years. The best is certainly yet to come."

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Contact Information: For more information, contact: Lauren Pearson C: (224) 374-8610 O: (847) 384-4031 Catherine Dolf C: (847) 894-9112 O: (847) 384-4034