march 29 - To increase awareness of the effects that musculoskeletal conditions have on individuals, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is sponsoring its 2007 Research Capitol Hill Days, this week, an event promoting federal funding for musculoskeletal research.
Today, orthopaedic surgeons, patients and researchers will meet with members of Congress and personally advocate for investments in the future of musculoskeletal care.
In recent years, Congress has increased the annual spending level of NAIMS to over $500 million. While appreciative of these efforts, the AAOS encourages Congress to take steps to increase the financial support for NAIMS to levels that reflect the prevalence and day-to-day impact of musculoskeletal diseases and conditions.
To achieve this, patients will accompany their physicians hoping Congress will appropriate an additional 6.7 percent in funding over fiscal year 2007. Approximately 30 patients along with 45 physicians and researchers will be speaking with legislators from their congressional districts and/or states about the need for increased musculoskeletal funding. The patients, ranging from children with bone cancer and brittle bone disease to adults with fragility fractures and traumatic onset paraplegia, will tell their personal stories, highlighting how advancements in orthopaedics have impacted their lives.