The Editors appreciate Dr. Mandell's clarification of these important points.

To The Editor:

The November 2006 issue of JBJS contains an important editorial entitled “Professionalism in Publishing”(1). I applaud the JBJS for emphasizing the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ mandatory Standards of Professionalism (SOPs) on publishing and reporting. Thank you for raising awareness of the AAOS Professional Compliance Program (PCP), the SOPs on Research and Academic Responsibilities, and the AAOS grievance procedure.

With respect, I wish to point out that this editorial contains a procedural error related to grievances and their appeals as well as a couple of statements which may lead to some confusion. Near its end, the editorial states, “(w)hen the AAOS Board of Directors makes a recommendation for action, either the grievant or the respondent may file an appeal”(1). Actually, the Board of Directors receives recommendations on professional compliance actions from the AAOS Committee on Professionalism and, if there is an appeal, from the AAOS Judiciary Committee. However, Board decisions are final regarding any professional compliance actions taken against Fellows or Members. Board decisions take effect immediately and are not subject to further review, consideration, or appeal. Appeals are heard by the Judiciary Committee before consideration by the Board of Directors.

The editorial notes, “While the AAOS guidelines are intended for AAOS Fellows…”(1) The term “guidelines” may imply to some individuals recommendations that readers can consider, and perhaps modify, to fit their needs. The SOPs on Research and Academic Responsibilities set out baseline mandatory minimum standards of acceptable conduct – not guidelines. Also the SOPs apply not only to Active, Inactive, and Emeritus AAOS Fellows, but also AAOS Members including over 4000 Residents and Candidates. Fellows and Members (except International and Honorary) make up the sole population that can become Grievants and Respondents.

I sincerely hope that contributors to JBJS will not be parties to grievances filed with AAOS for alleged violations of the SOP. However, AAOS is working hard to assure that all grievances will be heard and adjudicated under a system that ensures fairness and due process to both the Grievant and Respondent.

The author(s) of this letter to the editor did not receive payment or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, educational institution, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the author(s) are affiliated or associated.

Reference:

1. Brand RA, Jacobs JJ, Heckman JD. Professionalism in Publishing. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006;88:2323-2325.