What an honor to begin 2026 with an inspiring conversation with Sports Medicine legend, and AAOS President Dr. Annunziato "Ned" Amendola!

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, his legacy work at Duke, AAOS, NBA shoe consultancy, mentorship, cartilage replacement, even Italian food!!

What a towering figure in sports medicine and foot and ankle care at Duke University, where he serves as a distinguished professor, chief of sports medicine, and executive director of the James R. Urbaniak, MD, Sports Sciences Institute.

Since joining Duke in 2015 he has served as head team physician and chief medical officer for Duke Athletics, providing exceptional care to elite athletes while advancing innovative treatments for knee and ankle injuries.

Internationally renowned for pioneering arthroscopic and biologic resurfacing techniques that have transformed cartilage repair and rehabilitation, Dr. Amendola has authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles, secured numerous research grants, and earned prestigious honors such as the Excellence in Research Award, Cabaud Memorial Award, O'Donoghue Award, and the Kappa Delta Ann Doner Vaughn Award. His leadership culminated in serving as President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), where he has championed excellence in musculoskeletal care and mentored countless surgeons worldwide.

Beginning his journey in Canada with training at the University of Western Ontario and fellowships in sports medicine and foot and ankle surgery, he previously held key roles including director of sports medicine at the University of Iowa. His contributions have earned him additional accolades like the Achilles Award from ISAKOS, the Roger Mann and Leonard Goldner Awards from the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, and induction into the AOSSM Hall of Fame.

Join us (and Skeletoni) at the next AAOS meeting: https://www.aaos.org/

Clinic: https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/annunziato-ned-amendola-md

Please support our Sponsor, Anika Therapeutics: https://anika.com/

Duke World Games: https://ryortho.com/2026/01/duke-health-is-warming-up-early-and-ortho-is-leading-the-charge/

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What a Happy New Year, Duke Surgeon and AAOS President, Dr. Ned Amendola!