“As a new member of the ORS, I am excited about the potential to contribute as a volunteer. I am particularly interested in leveraging my experience to support the ORS’s initiatives, such as organizing educational events or mentoring younger researchers. I would also like to highlight the contributions of Bruno C. Menarim, whose work in the same field has been invaluable. His dedication to promoting orthopedic research through innovative work has not only increased awareness but also inspired many to get involved in volunteering.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed working on the DEI committee. Great experience trying to make ORS a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.”

“I have been volunteering with the ORS since the 2020 Annual Meeting, where I was onboarded onto the Public Outreach Committee. Since then, it’s been highly rewarding to work closely with my colleagues, peers, and ORS staff on large-scale initiatives and professional development opportunities focused on science communication, STEM outreach, and advocacy. I never expected to chair a committee as a trainee, but it’s been a highlight of my academic career to date as I’ve had the pleasure of advancing broader efforts within the ORS that I feel passionate about while also onboarding exceptional folks into their first ORS volunteer positions.”

I have been a member of ORS for more than a decade. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of serving as a volunteer in various capacities, including abstract reviewer, podium session moderator, and function committee member. In my experience, ORS stands as a remarkable community that bridges the gap between academic and industrial researchers and engineers committed to advancing orthopedic research and developing solutions. Volunteering has not only provided me with ample opportunities to engage with fellow members but has also deepened my sense of involvement in this noble mission.”

“The DEIA Committee launched the ORS Underrepresented Minority (URM) Undergraduate Travel Program at the 2023 Annual Meeting. This program allows eligible undergraduate students who are interested in orthopaedics to attend the conference for free. Approximately 20 undergraduate students from around the country attended in 2023, and that number jumped to ~30 in 2024. For many of the students, the ORS Annual Meeting is the first conference of their life. Seeing the students enthusiastically absorb all of the exciting research, career development, and networking opportunities that the ORS has to offer is the best reward of all.”

“I am the Education Chair of the Meniscus Section, and being involved in Section leadership has helped me be more engaged with the community and build stronger connections at the Annual Meeting and virtually year-round. I’ve also been involved with the ORS Open Door outreach event the past two years which is an incredible experience for the ORS volunteers and the local communities.”