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from ASES President, Dr. Anthony Miniaci.

The Critical Importance of Communication

As you recall, the theme of this year’s presidency has been Adapting to Change. This month, I’d like to focus on a topic that deserves far more attention than we typically give it:

Communication

As a big Formula One fan, this point was driven home to me recently while watching a particularly tight race. One driver needed a pit stop completed in under three seconds to maintain track position. The car came in, and a highly orchestrated pit crew changed tires, refueled, and made adjustments—all in just two seconds. The driver returned to the track and maintained position.

Watching that team work together in perfect unison made me realize that such success could only happen through precise coordination—where every member knew exactly what the others were doing and when. In other words, it was a powerful example of the importance of communication.

We often pay lip service to the value of communication in highly functioning organizations and among individuals, but we don’t always reflect on just how crucial it truly is. The coordination required between the driver and every member of the pit crew was essential to success. The same holds true for any organization: clear, timely communication among teammates and colleagues is critical to high performance.

This reality has been reinforced by recognizing that many of our members do not regularly rely on traditional forms of communication such as newsletters or email. Yet effective communication remains essential if we are to move forward together, understand one another, and achieve our organization’s mission, vision, and goals.

Leading by Example

I am a clear example of someone who has had to adapt. Prior to this year of my presidency, I had little to no social media presence and did not actively use those platforms, as most of you are aware. However, recognizing the responsibility of my role—and the need to connect with all segments of our membership—I decided to engage.

What I discovered has been eye-opening: an overwhelming response and meaningful feedback from many of you across a variety of platforms. This experience has strengthened my belief that we must meet our members where they are—and increasingly, that means embracing newer forms of communication alongside our traditional channels.

Taking Action on Communication

For that reason, we have launched an initiative led by our Technology Committee, chaired by Drs. Howard Routman and Alex Aleem, and guided by our Marketing Associate, Bridgette Heschel, to examine:

• How we communicate
• Who we communicate with—our various constituencies, including members, patients, and business partners
• What forms of communication work best for each constituency and demographic

While many of us still rely on traditional methods, social media and newer platforms are becoming increasingly important and will continue to grow in significance. We must ask ourselves: How do we best share our message—not only with our members, but also with our patients, the public, insurance companies, and government agencies—about the value of what we do?

Looking Ahead

As we continue this year focused on adapting to change, I have asked our group to examine all of our communication processes—including our website, LINK, and committee activity—to better understand how we deliver our message to everyone. This review may include surveys, consultations, and guidance to help us improve and modernize our approach.

I encourage each of us to reflect on how we communicate and how open we are to new ways of connecting. Communication is more than a tool—it is the foundation of collaboration, understanding, and progress.



In the months ahead, you will see opportunities to share your preferences and ideas about how we can improve our communication efforts. Your input will help shape a strategy that is inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of our diverse membership.

By strengthening how we communicate, we strengthen our ability to serve our members, advocate for our profession, and fulfill our mission. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to adapt, grow, and move forward—together.

Anthony Miniaci, MD, FRCSC

President, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons

The ASES 2026 Specialty Day provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for shoulder and elbow surgeons to connect, collaborate, and learn directly from some of the most respected national and international leaders in the field. Whether you’re a practicing surgeon, researcher, or trainee, this program offers invaluable insights into the latest advancements and emerging trends shaping the future of shoulder and elbow care.

This year's program, developed by Course Co-Chairs Thomas R. Duquin, MD and

Jennifer Tangtiphaiboontana, MD, features a dynamic lineup of sessions designed to inspire learning and discussion. Attendees will experience lively debates, engaging case presentations, and interactive panel discussions focused on key topics such as tendon tears, fractures, instability, arthritis, and basic science. These sessions go beyond theory—providing practical, evidence-based knowledge you can apply immediately in your clinical practice.

We’re pleased to announce that early registration and housing are now open for the 16th International Congress on Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, ICSES 2026, taking place in Vancouver, Canada from September 22-25, 2026.

ICSES 2026 will feature:

• A comprehensive scientific program highlighting the latest advances in shoulder and elbow surgery
• Presentations from leading international experts and global thought leaders
• Instructional courses and panel discussions focused on improving patient care
• Opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues from around the world

Registering early allows you to take advantage of discounted registration rates and secure accommodations in advance—helping you plan a smooth, cost-effective conference experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to lock in savings and secure your place at one of the premier international meetings in shoulder and elbow surgery.

The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons is partnering with the Orthopaedic Research Society on the 2026 Clinician Scholar Career Development Program (CSCDP) for residents and fellows. The CSCDP is an annual two-day training workshop for orthopaedic residents in their PGY2-PGY5 years, surgeons in fellowships, and junior faculty (through year three) who have the potential and desire to become orthopaedic clinician scholars. Clinician scholars advance the field of orthopaedics through innovative research and peer-reviewed funding. ASES will sponsor 2 member applicants interested in pursuing this opportunity.

If you are interested in participating please complete the application form below by February 28th, 2026. You can view more details about the program on the ORS website, however, members that wish to be sponsored by ASES must apply through the link below.

If selected, all program-related expenses, 2-nights hotels, roundtrip economy airfare and all meals will be covered up to a maximum of $2,500 to attend the two-day training workshop.

If you have any questions please contact us via email at info@ases-assn.org.

Join ASES on Thursday, March 26th, for an exciting new book club! We’ll be discussing personal wellness and the novel "Wellness" by Nathan Hill. The conversation will include special guest Dr. Mark Frankle. The book is available in various formats on Amazon as well as at your local library.



• Date/Time: Thursday, March 26th at 7pm CT
• Topic: "Wellness" by Nathan Hill
• Special Guest: Dr. Mark Frankle



We hope you can join us! Register by clicking below.

Sincerely, 

ASES Member Experience Committee

There’s a lot of fresh content waiting for you—be sure to check out the latest updates now available at the link below. Recently added resources include new episodes of the ASES Podcast, on-demand webinars, and a growing library of brand-new technique videos covering topics such as pain management, subscapularis-sparing arthroplasty, augmented UCL reconstruction, and more.

We’re also excited to highlight updates in the Fellows’ Corner, featuring content tailored specifically to fellows and early-career surgeons, with educational resources and insights to support training and professional development.

If you haven’t explored the platform recently, now is a great time to jump back in and catch up on the newest educational offerings!

Registration will open next month for the ASES 2026 Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty Course, taking place May 29–30, 2026, at FIVE Labs Las Vegas.

This hands-on, implant-agnostic lab course offers a comprehensive educational experience led by elite faculty from diverse backgrounds. Designed to support skill development and practical learning, the course provides valuable instruction for surgeons seeking to refine techniques in revision shoulder and elbow surgery.

The course is co-chaired by Vahid Entezari, MD, MMSc; Surena Namdari, MD, MSc; and Jason E. Hsu, MD, and is open to both members and non-members.

Call for Submissions for the 2026 ASES Fellows’ Day will open this upcoming Monday, February 2.

ASES Fellows’ Day will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Innovation Hotel in Naples, Florida. This non-CME educational program will feature short podium presentations, poster sessions, and - new for 2026- selected technique video presentations by fellows whose submissions are accepted, along with presentations from ASES faculty focused on practical aspects of starting a practice and remaining engaged in the Society.

New for 2026: In addition to traditional abstract submissions, we will now be accepting technique video submissions, which will be incorporated into the program. Fellows are eligible to submit both abstracts and technique videos for consideration.



The symposium is chaired by Drs. Eric Wagner and Peter Chalmers. ASES President Dr. Anthony Miniaci, along with other members of ASES leadership, will participate in the program.

Outstanding submissions will be recognized with the following awards:

• Cofield Award – Highest-rated podium presentation
• Hawkins Award – Highest-rated poster presentation
• ASES Video Technique Award – Highest-rated technique video presentation

The Hawkins and Cofield Awards are named in honor of Drs. Richard Hawkins and Robert Cofield, whose longstanding dedication to medical education and research in basic science, biomechanics, and clinical outcomes continues to influence clinical decision-making through Codman’s End-Result Idea.

Separately, Arthrex will be hosting its own Fellowship Forum at its Naples facility during the same week on June 11-12th. Each event has its own registration process, and organizers manage attendance independently. Fellows are welcome to participate in either or both programs and taking part in one will not affect eligibility for the other.

We encourage fellows to submit a project completed or currently in progress during fellowship.

To learn more, please visit the link below.

The Early Career Engagement and Mentorship Subcommittee invites all ASES members to the 4th Annual ASES Mentor/Mentee Meeting (MMM), taking place April 30–May 2, 2026, at The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop in Chicago, IL.

Through panel-based discussions and small-group sessions, attendees will gain practical insights into leadership development and the non-surgical aspects of being a surgeon.

Meeting highlights include:

• Mentoring and networking with peers and ASES leaders
• Leadership and non-clinical skill development
• Sessions on industry collaboration, technology and innovation, financial wellness, and work-life integration
• A special social event at Wrigley Field in a private suite during a Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game

Thanks to a generous grant from Catalyst OrthoScience to the ASES Foundation, all travel, hotel, and food expenses are fully covered. Space is limited—early registration is encouraged.

Note: Registration limited to members based in US and Canada.

ASES Research Grant

Each year, the society issues a call for proposals encouraging new investigators to apply for seed and start-up funding for promising shoulder and elbow research projects. Grants of up to $20,000, for work to be performed over 12-24 months, are considered. Only orthopaedic surgeons acting as principal investigators are eligible to apply. All applications are reviewed and graded by the ASES Research Committee.

Candidate Research Grant – supported by Stryker

In an effort to provide research assistance to Candidate members, the ASES will offer an annual grant of $10,000 to the most deserving applicant. This grant was started thanks to the generosity of 4 donors. Dr. Felix Savoie, Dr. Anthony Romeo, Dr. Matthew Ramsey, and Dr. William Levine.

PJI Research Grant

The ASES PJI Grant is designed to provide supplementary funds, or funding for pilot studies which will lead to larger foundation or government grants. The focus can be on any aspect of scientific study that affects the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of shoulder prosthetic joint infection. A grant of up to $10,000, for work to be performed over 12-24 months, will be considered. Only orthopaedic surgeons acting as principal investigators are eligible to apply.

The application/instructions for these grants can be found via the links below.

Instructions and Guidelines

Grant Application (Word)

Grant Application (PDF)

Applications for all 3 grants are due by February 20, 2026. Completed documents should be submitted to ASES at the link below.

https://ases.secure-platform.com/site/solicitations/103012/home

What is National Shoulder and Elbow Week?

ASES Foundation created National Shoulder & Elbow Week in 2021 as an opportunity to increase awareness nationally and especially in local communities about the impact that shoulder and elbow health care has on our society. Since 2021, this initiative has hosted 51 events across the US, which has resulted in $743k given as grants supporting 56 research projects to the surgeons who organize and host these events. It provides fellowship among local leaders, surgeons, patients, and industry partners to learn about the latest advancements in shoulder and elbow care.

Click a city below to learn more and register!

Birmingham, AL (Thursday, May 14)

Houston, TX (Friday, May 15)

Louisville, KY (Thursday, May 14)

Memphis, TN (Thursday, May 14)

Minneapolis, MN (Tuesday, May 12)

New Orleans, LA (Friday, May 8)

New York, NY (Thursday, May 14)

Seattle, WA (Saturday, May 9)

Looking back on 2025, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters, members, and friends of the ASES Foundation. This year, your generosity and engagement helped us continue advancing shoulder and elbow care through research, education, and mentorship.

Thanks to you, 2025 was another remarkable year:

• $637,000 donated to support Foundation programs
• 35% member-donor participation
• 490 members engaged through donations, volunteerism, and NSEW attendance
• 33 fellows supported through educational and research programs
• 8 National Shoulder and Elbow Week events hosted

Your contributions directly fuel initiatives that shape the future of our specialty, from fellowship grants to multi-centered studies and early career programs.

Thank you for making 2025 a year to remember. We look forward to building on this momentum together in 2026 through volunteerism, giving, and participation in the many programs that advance our field.

Episode 144 - Kristoff Goson and Zimmer-Biomet

Episode 145 - Death of the Anatomic

The ASES Podcast is now available on

Spotify, YouTube, the ASES LINK and the ASES 365 App!

Did you know your compensation for shoulder and elbow surgery was recently cut by 2.5%!

The 2.5% work RVU efficiency adjustment from the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule took effect January 1, 2026, applying to most non-time-based services, and reducing RVU payments by 2.5%.



But wait! There’s more! CMS intends to implement similar additional cuts every three years, going forward.

The rationale from CMS is that they believe that surgeons today are more efficient than in the past, so they cut the payments. However, recently published data* indicates there has not been an efficiency gain in procedure times. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the proposed efficiency adjustment is not supported by empirical surgical time data, as analysis of intra-service times from 1.7 million surgeries across 249 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and 11 specialties showed that overall operative times increased by 3.1 percent from 2019 to 2023, with 90 percent of CPT codes having longer or similar operative times in 2023 compared to 2019. This, along with increasing costs of doing business as well as increased requirements to comply with increased regulatory oversights, makes many surgeons feel that these cuts in payments are doubly problematic and will lead to consolidation or closure of practices and decreased patient access to care.

Help us fight back! The ASES Advocacy Committee exists to advocate for improved patient access to high quality orthopedic care and for the needs of patients and surgeons. We need to have our voices heard nationally, and the OrthoPAC is the best way to do that. Take a moment now to contribute to the OrthoPAC by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code on the right:

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/HpVIyw?utm_medium=qr&utm_source=qr&vid=1offco

The ASES Advocacy Committee goal is 100% participation by our members. Donate $5, $50 $100 or more.

*Childers CP, Foe LM, Mujumdar V, Mabry CD, Selzer DJ, Senkowski CK, Ko CY, Tsai TC. Longitudinal Trends in Efficiency and Complexity of Surgical Procedures: Analysis of 1.7 Million Operations Between 2019 and 2023. J Am Coll Surg. 2025 Nov 1;241(5):741-744.

We are pleased to announce our upcoming ASES courses and events! More information on these meetings will be provided as they become available, but in the interim, please add these important dates to your calendar:

ASES Specialty Day

March 6, 2026

New Orleans, LA

ASES 2026 Mentor/Mentee Meeting

April 29-30, 2026

Chicago, IL

The ASES Foundation's National Shoulder and Elbow Week

May 8-15, 2026

ASES 2026 Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty Course

May 29-30, 2026

Five Labs, Las Vegas, NV

ASES 2026 Fellows' Day

June 13, 2026

Naples, FL

International Day at ICSES 2026

September 22, 2026

Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia

ASES Member Dinner at ICSES 2026

September 22, 2026

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia

ICSES 2026: Vancouver

September 22-25, 2026

Vancouver, British Columbia

ASES 2026 Shoulder and Elbow Course for Residents and Fellows

November 19-21, 2026

OLC Education & Conference Center, Rosemont, IL

NEW: ASES 2027 Winter Summit (Open Meeting)

February 16-19, 2027

The Diplomat Beach Resort, Hollywood, FL



ASES 2027 Annual Meeting

October 13-16, 2027

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland (DC Metro)

ASES 2028 Annual Meeting

October 11-14, 2028

Omni Nashville, Nashville, Tennessee