William J. Robb III, MD, of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute in Glenview, received the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 2017 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award. The award honors late orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tipton, who passed away in 2005.
Here are eight highlights:
1. AAOS presented the award at its annual meeting in San Diego on March 16, 2017.
2. The highest leadership honor, the William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award recognizes those who demonstrate "outstanding leadership qualities that have benefitted the orthopaedic community, patients and/or the American public."
3. During his tenure as AAOS Patient Safety Committee chair, Dr. Robb established a new safety culture in the AAOS by restructuring the committee via a merger with the AAOS surgeon and surgical team communications program. Additionally, Dr. Robb reorganized the Orthopeadic Safety Summit program in 2012.
4. He also co-chaired the first National Surgical Patient Safety Summit in 2016, drawing more than 100 healthcare professionals.
5. In the 1980s, Dr. Robb helped Evanston (Ill.) Hospital obtain national recognition for creating a standardized clinical pathway for total knee replacement care.
6. He has served three terms on the Academy board of directors, and was president of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
7. Dr. Robb also volunteered for various AAOS positions, including the nominating committee; patient education committee chair; board of councilors and specialty societies chair; and AAOS secretary.
8. Specializing in reconstructive knee surgery, Dr. Robb is a founder of the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute.