MSK Connect: an AOA podcast



MSK Connect show artwork
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.

Episode one: Presidential handover and reflections on ASM 2024

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. 


Episode two: Diversity in orthopaedics — a practical necessity 

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.


Episode three: 2024 AOANJRR Annual Report and reflections on 25 years of Australian joint replacement reporting

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. 

Download the 2024 AOANJRR Annual Report on the AOANJRR website


Episode four: All about the ACE (Academy for Clinical Excellence in Orthopaedics)

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.