From Attendee to Lecturer: A Journey Through 20 Years at AAOS

That day, as usual, I clicked on the email from the AAOS committee. Its contents were unusual. Beginning with “You are invited to the 2024 AAOS ICL as a lecturer,” this email excited me. My first visit to AAOS was about 20 years ago as a young surgeon from a foreign country. I have presented several talks at podium sessions and purchased the ticket for ICL, but being invited as a lecturer was the last thing I expected. Now, it’s time to complete the final stage of this journey.

The lecture was scheduled for Thursday, so I took the opportunity to visit wineries with my friends and fellows. We visited two of the most famous wineries, 'Opus One' and 'Joseph Phelps.' With a rental car and light rain, we headed to Opus One as our first venue. The wine was excellent, living up to its renowned reputation. The second winery, Joseph Phelps, was even more impressive. It had a wide garden with a greenish scent; feeling the breeze and light rain, the wine tasted even better. With my dearest companions, the winery tour was a happy moment.

The next day, I went to Muir Woods, where I had been 20 years ago. It was poignant to think that I never expected to be in those woods again, this time as a lecturer with my young fellows who aspire to be like me. I was deeply moved, seeing the same huge, steady trees that had stood there for 20 years.

On the day of the lecture, I rushed to the convention center because of the early start time. On the way, I stopped by a local coffee house with a nice aroma. I greeted familiar faces, Dr. Muh and Dr. Mihata. I presented on biceps rerouting—undoubtedly my signature technique—and my new technique, ‘Acromiograft,’ as a rescue technique for large to massive rotator cuff tears. The audience's questions were numerous, more than I expected. I concluded with a case combining BR and Acromiograft.

Since the lecture was on Thursday and I planned to leave on Friday, I had only one day left after the ICL. I had a lovely lunch with Jong-ho Kim and Sung-hyun Cho, my beloved fellows, by the sea of San Francisco, near its famous red bridge. As a teacher, as someone who has walked this path before, I want to be a guiding light so that they go further than I have. I want to tell our young generation: 20 years ago, I was in the AAOS audience like you, purchasing the tickets for ICL, listening to lectures, seeking advice, and filled with the passion for research. Now I am a leader, a lecturer, a guide. It’s your turn now. Look further, dream bigger, and take your steps with confidence. You will be the next protagonists at AAOS, 20 years from now.

Yang-Soo Kim MD, PhD
Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea