Strategic partnership aims to empower PGY5 orthopaedic residents with critical tools, mentorship, and resources for a successful transition into practice

ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) announced that Tenet Healthcare (Tenet) and United Surgical Partners International (USPI) have joined as a foundational sponsor of the inaugural AAOS Launchpad Program. This strategic collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting early-career orthopaedic surgeons and driving transformative solutions in musculoskeletal healthcare.

The AAOS Launchpad Program is a 20-month initiative designed to guide postgraduate year 5 (PGY5) orthopaedic surgery residents through the critical transition from residency to practice. The program equips participants with tools to navigate fellowship, prepare for Parts I and II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery examination, and build a strong foundation for long-term success.

"This sponsorship marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons," said Anthony Priore, chief marketing, communications and membership officer, AAOS. "The commitment shown by Tenet and USPI reinforces the value of investing in education, innovation, and long-term excellence in musculoskeletal care."

"At Tenet, we believe that investing in orthopaedic surgeons early in their careers is essential to advancing patient care and innovation in musculoskeletal health," said Philipp Ludwig, President, Tenet Physician Resources. "Partnering with AAOS on the Launchpad Program allows us to help ensure the next generation of physicians will thrive in today's evolving healthcare landscape."

AAOS Launchpad was introduced as a pilot program at the AAOS Annual Meeting in San Diego in March 2025 and will continue with three cohorts of PGY5 resident member participants over the next three and a half years. Launchpad is designed with scalability in mind. Following the pilot phase, AAOS envisions expanding the program to include all PGY5 and PGY4 residents.

About Tenet Health
Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a diversified healthcare services company headquartered in Dallas. Our care delivery network includes United Surgical Partners International, the largest ambulatory platform in the country, which operates ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals. We also operate a national portfolio of acute care and specialty hospitals, other outpatient facilities, a network of leading employed physicians, and a global business center in Manila, Philippines. Our Conifer Health Solutions subsidiary provides revenue cycle management and value-based care services to hospitals, health systems, physician practices, employers, and other clients. Across the Tenet enterprise, we are united by our mission to deliver quality, compassionate care in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.tenethealth.com.

About AAOS
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level best treat patients in their daily practices. AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal health care issues; and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.

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SOURCE American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons