AOS Executive Roles & Responsibilities


The Alberta Orthopaedic Society is a not for profit organization under the Societies Act.

The objects of the Society are to advance scientific research, education, professional and economic well-being of its members.

Membership Benefits

Become a member today and join your colleagues in supporting the important work the Alberta Orthopaedic Society (AOS) does on behalf of its members. Your membership helps advance the mission and advocacy efforts of the Society.

 

The AOS advocates for the interests of orthopaedic professionals, promotes excellence in orthopaedic care, and negotiates agreements on behalf of its members. In collaboration with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), the Society ensures its members’ needs are addressed within the broader provincial healthcare landscape. Representing a significant portion of the orthopaedic community in Alberta, the AOS is dedicated to advancing the field and supporting its members.  

The AOS played a key role in negotiating a separate agreement with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB), addressing the unique needs of orthopaedic specialists in treating injured workers. This agreement includes provisions for timely reporting and incentives to ensure efficient service delivery in both office and hospital settings.

Apply for Membership


The AOS offers Practicing and Non-Practicing membership categories. Individuals should apply for the appropriate membership category based on the definition for each. The membership cycle is November 1st to October 31st annually.

Practicing Membership (voting)

Practicing members have the privilege to vote and hold office in the Society.   For those applying in the first year of practice, membership dues will be reduced by fifty percent (50%) of the full Practicing membership fee. Full dues will apply starting in the second year of practice.   Practicing membership is required in order to access any negotiated AOS-WCB Agreements and Value Added Benefits.   A Practicing member must meet the following criteria:

➥   Completed training in an approved program in Orthopaedic Surgery

➥   Registered, licensed and in good standing with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta

➥   Practicing orthopaedic surgeon in Alberta

Non-Practicing Membership (non-voting)

Any Practicing member retiring from operative, clinical, and administrative practice is eligible for Non-Practicing membership. To initiate the transfer, the member must notify the Executive Director of the Society in writing.   For detailed information about membership criteria and pricing, please contact us at [email protected] or 403.607.9521. To apply for Society membership, please complete the Membership Application Form.

Pay Membership Dues

Where to Pay my Membership Dues?

Log in to the Membership Portal to pay your AOS dues.

Where to renew my Membership Dues?

Renew your 2025 membership by logging into the Membership Portal.  

o    Reconcile your AOS membership dues.

o    A receipt will be emailed to you once your transaction is complete.

o    When renewing your membership, all AOS members have the option to receive the quarterly AOS Newsletter. Simply add this option to your cart before checking out.

AOS Executive Roles & Responsibilities


The Alberta Orthopaedic Society is a not for profit organization under the Societies Act.

The objects of the Society are to advance scientific research, education, professional and economic well-being of its members.

AOS Executive Committee

The Board

What is the Function of the AOS Executive Committee?

o The Board serves a three year term and there is no maximum number of consecutive terms an individual may serve.

o The Board meets at designated times every other month (5 times per year) with one annual general meeting in the fall.

o The President may call an ad hoc emergency meeting if the circumstances require it.

o The Board member accepts the position with the complete understanding that attendance at meetings is mandatory to maintain Board status, no exceptions.

o Failure to do so may result in being removed from their position on the Board.

What are the Duties and Responsibilities of the AOS Executive Committee?

o Uninsured Services contract negotiations

o Schedule of Medical Benefits negotiations

o Value Added Benefits contract negotiations

o Professional relationship with the COA, AMA, AH, ABJHI, BJHSCN, WCB, Chartered Surgical Facilities (CSF) and Departments of Surgery

o Liaise with AHS regarding the RFP process

o Maintain legal and financial relationships

o Oversee all financial operations: main operating account, VAB funds and MD Management portfolio

o Host Executive Committee meetings every other month, annual AOS AGM and ad hoc emergency meetings if needed

o Ongoing AMA Section business and AMA Representative Forum delegate

o AMA Committees

o Maintain annual Directors and Officers Insurance Policy

o Ensure tax compliance and annual CRA tax returns

o Alberta Registries Annual Return filing

o Oversee Board membership and term renewals & nominations

o Responsible for ensuring the Society Bylaws are maintained and followed

o Maintain (legal) AOS Record Book

What are the Ongoing Projects and Specialty Committees?

o Case Based Rate Initiative (CBRI)

o Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI) o Specialty Access Bundle (SAB)

o Rapid Access Clinics (RACs)

o Specialty Care Alliance (SCA)

o Chartered Surgical Facilities (CSF)

o Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA)

Ministry of Health Lobbying

Function

o Meet and interact with Health Minister, Deputy Minister of Health and associated Deputy Ministers

o Tripartite meetings with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services

o Hire consultants for lobbying, designing care models, and helping with negotiation strategies

o Market and promote the Alberta Orthopaedic Society brand within the government and general public

Provincial Value-Added Benefits (Zones Program Funds)

Function

o Negotiate the AHS-AOS MOU

o Administer guidelines and manage value-added benefits for all five (5) zones

o To serve in an advisory capacity to the Alberta Orthopaedic Society and its membership

o To provide an environment for information exchange between zone members of the AOS and AHS

o Provide support for upcoming negotiations with AHS and/or vendors should the current paradigm change

Overview of Duties & Responsibilities

o Review applications for reimbursement not covered under current guidelines

o Invoice AHS quarterly for the Value Added Benefits and distribute to the appropriate zones

o Review and process claims reimbursements for Zone Program Funds

o Recommend a reporting and accountability structure for dispersion of funds

o Communicate the above processes to AOS Executive and pre-identified AHS representatives

o Maintain signing authority for Zones Program Funds bank accounts

Alberta Medical Association (AMA)

Function

o Deal with allocation increases to the physician services budget

o Advocate for section members both inside and outside the AMA

o Fund section and committee meetings

o Attend Representative Forum (RF) meetings

Get In Touch

Address

Medicine Hat, Alberta

Office Hours

Monday to Thursday

10:00am – 4:00pm

Phone Number

403.607.9521

Medicine Hat, AB, Canada

Innovation, Education, Excellence


We are Advancing Orthopaedics and Empowering Surgeons

© 2025 AOS - All Rights Reserved

Photographs kindly provided

by Steve Kwan