MSK Connect

In part two, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo, and researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi return to discuss the findings of the RASCAL study, one of the most ambitious orthopaedic trials ever conducted in Australia. Chris and Sam break down the design of the study, inclusion criteria, and key results, comparing robotic and computer-assisted surgery, and kinematic versus mechanical alignment. Finishing off the episode, the discussion turns to the launch of the new AOA Academy of Clinical Excellence and its goals of strengthening orthopaedic research and patient care in Australia.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first half of this two-part episode, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo is joined by fellow researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi.  The pair unpack the origins and purpose of the AOA Clinical Studies Unit, from its beginnings with the landmark CRYSTAL trial, through to current national studies targeting infection prevention, pain management, ACL injury, and device innovation. Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Orthopaedic Association First Vice-President Dr Andrew Wines sits down with President Dr Mark Moroney to map out the activities, projects, initiatives, and events planned in 2026 during Mark's term.  Mark shares his background as an orthopaedic surgeon in Ipswich, spanning a broad practice of  paediatrics, hip and knee arthroplasty, and details his passion for teaching trainees.  Mark and Andrew then go on to discuss priorities for 2026 including strengthening member engagement, progressing the Academy of Clinical Excellence, the digital upgrade of the AOANJRR, and a preview of the 90th anniversary celebration at the 2026 ASM in Mark's hometown of Cairns.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Orthopaedic Association's John Cunningham is joined by Chris Kane from the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association and Carmen Wong from the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Radiologists to unpack one of the most pressing issues in digital healthcare - fast, secure access to medical imaging. Together, they explore how unified standards, shared advocacy, and government collaboration are driving progress toward a national image exchange. The discussion also touches on AI in radiology, patient data security, and why breaking down silos between professions is essential to improving care and productivity across Australia’s health system. Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of season two, we welcome Australian Orthopaedic Association General Director Susi Tegen as our season two host, and welcome back AOA Scientific Secretary Dr Kenneth Cutbush and President Dr Scott Fletcher.  Scott shares his journey from small-town Smithton near Burnie in Tasmania to AOA President, reflecting on the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Scott then speaks on coming back to Tassie and welcoming his colleagues to the 2025 AOA ASM in Hobart, and how the theme of 'Connection' is explored throughout the program.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of season one, host Ally Keane, Australian Orthopaedic Association national education and training executive manager discusses two key topics shaping the future of orthopaedics in Australia: surgical training selection and continuing professional development (CPD).  Covering Selection, Ally speaks with Chair of Education and Training Dr Chris Kondogiannis about the AOA 21 process, including recent changes and tools, and the push for fairness, diversity, and workforce alignment. On CPD, Ally speaks with Chair of Professional Conduct and Standards Dr Sue Liew about the new CPD model, its impact, and why CPD goes beyond compliance.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Keep an ear out for season two, launching in August.  aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Australian Orthopaedic Association General Director and Rural Advocate Susi Tegen speaks with three experienced regional orthopaedic surgeons from across Australia; Dr Arvind Puri and Dr Chris Morrey, both based in Cairns, North Queensland, and Dr Ric Angliss from Geelong in southwestern Victoria. Chris, Arvind, and Ric reflect on the unique opportunities and challenges of practicing outside Australia's major population centres, the impact of the AOA Regional Orthopaedic Surgery Strategic Plan on the changing landscape of rural training, and the importance of building strong support networks for both the surgeons and the communities they serve.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes of the AOA podcast, MSK Connect, are released on the second Friday of the month.  Stay tuned for episode four, live on Friday 11 July.   aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Academy Steering Committee Co-Chairs Professor Richard Page and Professor Michael Schuetz, and Registry Executive Manager Strategy and Advocacy Kathy Hill discuss ACE — a ground-breaking initiative set to enhance orthopaedic research in Australia.  Beginning as an idea between AOA Research Committee Chair Michael Schuetz and Shoulder and Elbow Society of Australia President Richard Page three years ago, ACE aims to facilitate the connection of academic research-based institutions to fill the gaps between specialities and organisations, focusing on prioritising large projects projected to have wide-ranging positive impacts on care provided across Australia.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes of the AOA podcast, MSK Connect, are released on the second Friday of the month.  Stay tuned for episode four, live on Friday 11 April.   aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Registry Clinical Director Professor Paul Smith examines the findings of the Australian Orthopaedic Association's 2024 AOANJRR Annual Report, which also marks the 25th anniversary of the publication. Paul is joined by Deputy Registry Clinical Director Professor Chris Vertullo, Assistant Deputy Registry Clinical Director Dr David Gill, and Clinical Advisor Dr Peter Stavrou, who offer key insights across their respective specialities of knee, shoulder, and foot and ankle.  The clinical directors reflect on the findings of the 2024 Annual Report and analyse them within the wider context of the past 25 years of Registry Annual Reports and their expectations for the Registry's future reports. The results of advances in technology, techniques, and devices — including robot-assisted surgery and 3D printed prostheses — are now being reported, with their impact upon revision rates and wider implications expected to be reported over the next few years.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes of the AOA podcast, MSK Connect, are released on the second Friday of the month.  Stay tuned for episode four, live on Friday 14 March.   aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, AOA Second Vice-President Dr Andrew Wines interviews two trailblazers at the forefront of the push for a more diverse and inclusive orthopaedic workforce, Dr Jennifer Green, founder and past president of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance, and Dr Danielle Wadley, outgoing Orthopaedic Women's Link Committee chair. Jennifer and Danielle explain the direct and proven relationship between increased diversity and improved outcomes for both practitioners and patients, and discuss the positive impact of practical tools like visible role models, allyship, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives like the biannual country-wide OWL workshops.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released on the second Friday of the month. Stay tuned for episode three, live on Friday 17 January.  aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inaugural episode Immediate Past President Michael Johnson, President Scott Fletcher, and Vice-President Mark Moroney debrief on the 2024 ASM with the theme ‘Making data the solution’, and discuss the critical role of the Registry in data collection and synthesis.  Scott details his approach to his presidency and the next ASM in Hobart, with the theme of ‘Connection'. Special guests John Tuffley, Peter Myers, Chris Morrey, Michael Schuetz, Jennifer Green, Danielle Wadley, Andrew Wines, Peter Moore, Durga Bastiras, and Sam MacDessi pop in to share their key takeaways from the event.  Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released on the second Friday of the month. Stay tuned for episode two, live on Friday 13 December.  aoa.org.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MSK Connect is the official podcast of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, bringing you expert insights and conversations on the latest advancements in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal health. Hosted by AOA Scientific Secretary, Ken Cutbush, this podcast connects you with leading orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss key issues shaping the future of the field. In Season 1, we’ll explore critical topics such as the impact of the National Joint Replacement Registry on patient outcomes, the importance of diversity and inclusion in healthcare, and the unique challenges of rural health and education. Whether you're an orthopaedic surgeon, a healthcare professional, or simply passionate about musculoskeletal health, MSK Connect is designed to keep you informed and engaged. Tune in for valuable insights into orthopaedic training, career development, and the evolving dynamics of healthcare in Australia. Subscribe now to stay up-to-date with every episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.