Rosemont, Illinois.And July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In the face of yet another senseless act of violence and intolerable loss in the orthopedic community, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) stands united in support of greater protections for physicians and other healthcare professionals who have been increasingly threatened, attacked, and killed in recent months. .
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family Benjamin M Mack, MD, FAAOS, the patients, the Campbell Clinic staff and the entire Collierville community during this difficult time of grief and pain. Dr. Mack was a medical professional, fellow, and valued member of our orthopedic organization, and his commitment to healing and dedication to the well-being of his patients has impacted countless lives. The AAOS chief said his death leaves an irreplaceable void Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, FAAOS. “We cannot stand by as threats of violence against our members and their patients proliferate with little consequence. The doctor’s office should be a safe haven for physicians, healthcare teams, and patients, and we must do everything we can to prevent these tragedies now and in the future.”
Maintaining the safety of patients and doctors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of injuries from violent attacks against medical professionals grew 63% from 2011 to 2018, and hospital safety managers say aggression against staff escalated as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in 2020. In the 2022 Work Environment and Culture Survey Of all AAOS members, four out of 10 participants reported experiencing some form of violence within the past 12 months.
“The increase in workplace violence, along with its effects on healthcare workers and the inevitable consequences for society in a big way, is a major concern for AAOS and all healthcare stakeholders,” Bozic added.
In response to this crisis, AAOS has developed a Workplace Violence Toolkit to ensure orthopedic practices and health care facilities remain places of rest, healing, and learning. Dr. Buzek also acknowledged that advocacy efforts toward passage of important legislation such as the SAVE Act, which aims to protect health care workers from assault and intimidation, is imperative and will be a focus of AAOS’ 2023 Orthopedic Advocacy Week that will happen later this month.
About AAAS
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is the world’s largest medical association for musculoskeletal specialists. AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, comprehensive education to assist orthopedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every professional level to best treat patients in their daily practices. AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint diseases, treatments, and related musculoskeletal health care issues; He leads the health care debate about quality improvement.
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Source American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons