This week, doctors and researchers from the hospital are in Charlotte, North Carolina attending the annual Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) meeting. Known as the premier medical organization within pediatric orthopedics, POSNA brings together specialists from around the world to discuss the latest research and treatment techniques in the field. Attendees collaborate with one another, share knowledge and discuss leading-edge innovations to ultimately bring better care to children with orthopedic conditions. 

The meeting begins with an education pre-course titled, “Improving Patient Care Through Wellness, Teamwork, and Organizational Changes.” It involves discussions and case presentations regarding how orthopedic surgeons can improve team dynamics, efficiency and the overall culture of care delivery. Chief of Staff Emeritus J.A. "Tony" Herring, M.D., and Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., are making presentations during the course and participating in Q&A panels. 

Each year, Scottish Rite Hospital is one of the leading contributing institutions – bringing world-renowned research to share with colleagues from across the globe. With 23 projects selected for presentation, hospital staff have the opportunity to discuss their most recent projects in various research areas. Those areas include:

• Trauma
• Spine
• Hip
• Foot and Ankle
• Sports Medicine
• General Orthopedics
• Quality and Safety
• Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction

Staff are also involved with the subspecialty day meetings – serving as co-chairs, moderators and presenters. These one-day breakout sessions are focused on specific aspects of pediatric orthopedics. Hand surgeon Chris Stutz, M.D., is leading the hand session, while pediatric orthopedic surgeon and director of resident education Anthony I. Riccio, M.D., is overseeing the foot and ankle session. “We have the opportunity to share our innovations with other leaders in the field and truly make an impact on a child’s life, both through what we teach and what we learn,” says Riccio. “It’s wonderful to have our surgeons leading and participating in so many of the educational offerings at this international meeting.”

In addition to the research being presented and the educational courses our staff are teaching, doctors along with former hospital fellows and residents are receiving esteemed awards and grants.

Dr. Herring has been selected to be inducted in the inaugural POSNA Hall of Fame. It is comprised of the 31 previous recipients of the POSNA Distinguished Achievement Award, which Herring received back in 2008. The organization acknowledged Herring for his leadership in developing the hospital as one of the premier centers in pediatric orthopedics and for his dedication to training fellows from the United States and across the globe. Dr. Sucato, and the rest of the orthopedic staff, are honored to work alongside such an influential leader. “We support one another and work together to improve the lives of children with orthopedic conditions,” says Sucato. “Dr. Herring has devoted his career to the hospital, his patients and to everyone he has worked with – we are proud to call him our own!” 

Below are the research grant and award winners:

2019 Huene Memorial Research Award
Medical Director, B. Stephens "Steve" Richards, M.D.
Opportunities to Optimize Ponseti Brace Wear Compliance and Success”

2019 POSNA Basic Science Research Grant
Assistant Chief of Staff Emeritus, Charles E. Johnston, M.D.
Thoracic Volume Expansion by Ventral Directed Costo-sternoplasty

2019 POSNA Clinical Research Grant
Co-Director Center for Excellence in Limb Lengthening, David A. Podeszwa, M.D.
Are Patients as Active as They Say: Subjective/Objective Activity Measures

Learn more about the hospital’s research.