Suggestions When Applying for CAP Positions

Message from John J. Callaghan, Chair, Committee Appointment Program Committee

The leadership of the AAOS encourages each one of its members to apply for a position on one of the many Councils/Cabinet, committees, subcommittees, oversight groups, and advisory boards. It is our goal to have as many of our members involved in the governance structure as possible. Each year when we review the applications for open positions, our goal is to appoint as many individuals as possible who have not been previously involved. However, it is also equally important to match the most qualified individuals with the specific positions available. Based upon the discussions at the CAP Committee, we would like to assist our members in deciding which positions to apply for. We hope that you will find the following suggestions helpful.

First, the most important factor is to apply for a position in your area(s) of interest. Not only will this maintain a high level of involvement in the committee’s activities, but it will also allow your energy and enthusiasm to be best utilized. It is equally important for your experience and expertise to be consistent with the position you are applying for. For example, if you have a strong background in clinical research, then applying for a position on one of the committees within the Council on Research, Quality Assessment, and Technology would be appropriate. The same approach extends throughout the other areas of education, advocacy, and communications.

Second, if this is the first time that you are applying for a position and you are early in your career, we would suggest that you consider applying for membership on a subcommittee or committee. The subcommittees involved in preparing the different examinations (OITE, the Self-Assessment Exam, etc.) would be a reasonable choice.

Third, if you are interested in a position as a committee chair, it will be important to have had previously served on that committee or on a committee in a related area (i.e., within education or advocacy, etc.). This will indicate that you have the experience and expertise to assume a more important leadership position.

Fourth, positions on a Council/Cabinet are generally filled by individuals who have served on committees or other subgroups within the Council/Cabinet or as a chair of a committee or subgroup within the Council/Cabinet.

Fifth, Council/Cabinet chair positions are selected by the Presidential Line. Although we encourage members to apply for any position of interest, for Council/Cabinet chair positions we have found that the most qualified individuals are usually those who have been a member of the Council/Cabinet previously or who have been active on committees or subgroups that are part of the Council/Cabinet.

When you apply for a position, we suggest that you consider contacting the chair of that particular governance unit so he or she will be aware of your interest, commitment, and expertise. E-mail is probably the best method of contacting these individuals.

Although our goal is to involve as many new members in AAOS activities as possible each year, we always have many more applicants than positions. Therefore, we encourage you to reapply if you do not receive an appointment with your first application. As Chair of the Committee Appointment Program Committee this year, I would be happy to hear from you if have any questions or concerns. Our goal is to support our members who want to get more involved as well as to provide the most talented and committed members for AAOS activities.