Dr. Wilford K. Gibson Named 94th President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists is proud to announce that Dr. Wilford K. Gibson has been named the 94th President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), one of the highest leadership positions in the orthopaedic profession.

Dr. Gibson officially assumed the role following the 2026 AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans. His election reflects decades of dedication to advancing orthopaedic surgery, advocating for patients, and serving both the medical community and the profession at the national level.

Leading the Nation’s Largest Orthopaedic Organization

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world’s largest organization of musculoskeletal specialists, representing more than 39,000 orthopaedic surgeons and allied healthcare professionals. As president, Dr. Gibson will help guide the Academy’s mission of advancing musculoskeletal health through physician education, patient advocacy, research, and quality improvement.

“It is a privilege to serve as president of the AAOS,” said Dr. Gibson. “AAOS is strongest when we work together to engage our members, serve our profession, and advocate for our patients. I look forward to leading with a service driven mindset that strengthens our culture, amplifies our collective voice, and advances excellence in musculoskeletal care.”

A History of Leadership

Dr. Gibson’s appointment is the culmination of more than a decade of leadership within the AAOS. Before becoming president, he served as Second Vice President and First Vice President as part of the Academy’s four year leadership progression.

His previous national leadership roles include:

• 2nd Vice President (Board of Directors) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2024-2025)

• Chair, Advocacy Council AAOS (2017-2021)

• Member, Gov. Ralph Northam, Virginia Surprise Medical Bill Task Force, Define Commercial Reasonable Rate, (2020-2021)

• Co-chair, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Orthopaedic Total Joint Quality Improvement Committee, (2018-current)

• AAOS PAC Executive Committee, (2012-2021)

• Member, SOMOS Membership Committee, (2020)

• Alternate Member, AAOS Nominating Committee, (2020)

• Chair, Advocacy Resource Committee AAOS, (2014-2016)

• Past Chair, Board of Councilors AAOS, (2014-2015)

• Secretary, Chair-elect, and Chair Board of Councilors, (2011-2014)

• AAOS Board of Directors, (2011-2014)

• Virginia Councilor, AAOS Board of Councilors, (2008-2012)

• President, Seaboard Medical Association, (2010-2011)

• President, Virginia Orthopaedic Society, (2007-2008)

• President, Norfolk Academy of Medicine, (2002-2003)

• Delegate, Medical Society of Virginia, (1999-current)

• AO/ASIF Faculty Member North America, (1994-current)

Throughout these roles, Dr. Gibson has worked alongside physician leaders across the country to strengthen patient care, improve access to orthopaedic services, and advocate for policies that benefit both patients and healthcare providers.

A Career Built on Service

Long before becoming a national leader, Dr. Gibson developed a passion for service during his distinguished career in the United States Navy.

After completing his surgical internship at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, he served aboard the USS Nassau during Caribbean and Mediterranean deployments. His military service earned numerous honors, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Navy “E,” and Sea Service Ribbons.

Following his military deployments, Dr. Gibson completed his orthopaedic residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and advanced fellowship training in orthopaedic trauma before leading the Orthopaedic Trauma Service at the medical center.

These experiences laid the foundation for a career centered on leadership, education, and exceptional patient care.

Caring for Patients in Hampton Roads

While Dr. Gibson now serves on the national stage, his commitment to patients in Coastal Virginia remains unchanged.

As a partner at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists, he specializes in advanced hip and knee replacement surgery using patient specific planning, robotic assisted technology, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. His goal is to help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Gibson volunteers as a team physician for Old Dominion University football and basketball, helping student athletes stay healthy and perform at their highest level.

Dedicated to Education and Mentorship

Education has been a defining part of Dr. Gibson’s career.

He previously served as Chief of the Division of Orthopaedics at Eastern Virginia Medical School and continues to mentor future orthopaedic surgeons as an Associate Professor. He also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

His dedication to teaching reflects his belief that advancing orthopaedic care begins with investing in the next generation of physicians.

Looking Ahead

Orthopaedic medicine continues to evolve through new technology, innovative surgical techniques, and advances in patient care.

“Orthopaedic surgery faces a complex, rapidly evolving landscape,” Dr. Gibson said. “Building on my predecessors’ strong foundation, I am eager to meet these challenges as opportunities to strengthen our profession, improve patient care, and advance musculoskeletal health together.”

As President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Gibson will help lead conversations surrounding physician advocacy, healthcare policy, education, quality improvement, and the future of musculoskeletal care.

Congratulations from Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists

Everyone at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists congratulates Dr. Wilford K. Gibson on this extraordinary achievement.

His election as the 94th President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reflects a lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to improving the lives of patients. We are honored to have Dr. Gibson representing our practice, our community, and the orthopaedic profession on the national stage.

We look forward to supporting him as he leads one of the world’s most respected medical organizations while continuing to provide exceptional orthopaedic care to patients throughout Hampton Roads.

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About Dr. Wilford K. Gibson

Dr. Wilford K. Gibson is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and partner at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists. He specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery using patient specific planning, robotic assisted technology, and minimally invasive techniques. In addition to caring for patients in Hampton Roads, Dr. Gibson is an educator, mentor, volunteer team physician for Old Dominion University, and now serves as the 94th President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.