The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field and practice of arthroscopy, a surgical procedure that enables a surgeon to examine the inside of a joint in a minimally invasive way. AANA is a membership-driven organization that offers many benefits, including access to a wide variety of resources such as the Quarterly Newsletter and the Annual Meeting. The organization also focuses on providing ongoing training to members through hands-on courses at the Orthopaedic Learning Center. Additionally, members are invited to participate in motor skills training and cognitive skills training at the annual Fall Course. 

The AANA is also concerned with bettering arthroscopy training, evaluating its courses, and using collected data to improve future curricula. Additionally, the organization strives to develop the most effective teaching techniques possible. 

About the author: Dr. Anthony Schepsis is an active member and Master Instructor of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and a regular lecturer and instructor of advanced arthroscopic surgery for the shoulder, knee, and patellofemoral joint. Presently, Dr. Schepsis is a member of the surgicall team at Coastal Orthopedics in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Anthony Schepsis, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon at Coastal Orthopedics in
Beverly, Massachusettsand the Lahey health system, a Professor of Orthopedic
Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine, and a member of the
International Patellofemoral Study Group (IPSG). As a master instructor of
arthroscopic and open shoulder and knee surgeries, Dr. Anthony Schepsis
contributes to IPSG through information sharing and the advancement of the
science into knee disorders, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The
International Patellofemoral Study Group is a professional association for
medical doctors, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists who study and
research patellofemoral disorders, or pain and dysfunction between the human
knee and femur (thighbone). Founded in 1995, IPSG is a nexus and general forum
for knee specialists to share information, collaborate on research, and develop
new methods of diagnosis, treatment, and therapy for painful conditions
affecting the patellofemoral joint. IPSG organizes annual conferences in
locations worldwide to showcase new breakthroughs in patellofemoral-joint
studies, and the group holds interim meetings at the annual conference for the
American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons.                           

Held once every two years on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, the Evaluation & Treatment of the Injured Athlete is a five-day course organized and directed by Dr. Schepsis. It is fully accredited for continuing medical education and boasts a nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty. The course is intended to benefit orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. Sessions are held each day in the morning, allowing students the afternoon to interact with their colleagues, study, and enjoy their time in the Vineyard. The course was designed in consideration of the American Board of Medical Specialties Six Core Competencies, and increases participants' mastery of Medical Knowledge, Professionalism, and Patient Care. 

Participants are encouraged to stay at the conference site, which changes yearly. In 2011, the course was held at the Harbor View Resort, which included access to a private beach. 


About the author: Dr. Anthony Schepsis is the founder and Course Director for the Evaluation & Treatment of the Injured Athlete. Dr. Schepsis formerly served as Director of Sports Medicine at Boston Medical Center, but recently resigned to pursue an opportunity with Coastal Orthopedics, part of the Beverly Hospital in Beverly, Massachusetts. He maintains his Professorship of Orthopedic Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine.

Sports medicine is a medical practice associated with the assessment and treatment of athletic injuries. Doctors involved in sports medicine work closely with related professionals, including physical therapists, massage therapists, and personal trainers. The types of sports-related ailments commonly encountered include hypertension, muscle and joint injuries, amenorrhea, and heart ailments.

There are several subtopics associated with the practice of sports medicine, including preventative measures, clinical education, rehabilitation and reconditioning, and immediate care. A team physician is considered the most critical player in the sports medicine team, coordinating and overseeing the performance of Certified Athletic Trainers and Therapists. Team physicians are responsible for ensuring athletes’ aptitude for performance through analysis of medical history, approving return to activity after a player injury, and collaborating with trainers and therapists in developing departmental sports medicine programs. 

Anthony Schepsis has served as the team physician for Boston University, University of Massachusetts, and Northeastern University.