The Political Action Committee of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons endorsed fellow member Knute Buehler, MD, for Congress, according to a March 12 press release.
Dr. Buehler aims to replace Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., who is not seeking re-election in 2020.
Dr. Buehler is a two-term member of the Oregon House of Representatives and the third AAOS member running for Congress this year to be endorsed by the Orthopaedic PAC.
A conservative Republican, Dr. Buehler represented Bend in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019, where he authored bills to address the opioid crisis and facilitate recovery after joint replacement procedures.
He is advocating for less government intervention and more physician leadership in healthcare. If elected, he plans to improve access to care, lower prescription drug costs and put an end to the opioid epidemic.