Pride Ortho 3rd Annual Meeting @ AAOS 2026

Join us at the Pride Ortho Annual Meeting during AAOS 2026!

This is a unique networking experience where you can connect with professionals who share your passion for LGBTQ+ inclusivity within orthopedics. 

We will also be hosting social events during the week. All events are free of charge.

Membership is not required to attend, but we encourage donations and membership to maintain high quality programming.

Click here to check your membership status or sign up to become a member! 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Meeting Agenda

Presidential Address and State of the Society

LGBTQ+ Ally Awards

Medical Student IDEA Grant Awards

Research Symposium

Committee Updates

Keynote Presentation and Fireside Chat with Dr. David S. Shapiro

(Lunch will be served)

We are please to announce this year's keynote speaker will be David S. Shapiro, MD, MHCM, FACS, FCCM!

Dr. Shapiro is a trauma surgeon, physician executive, and educator whose career began in an unusual way—in the operating room. He now enjoys being in the boardroom almost as much as his desire for the OR, trauma room and the ICU. Board‑certified in General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, and Hospice & Palliative Care Medicine, he has built a reputation for clinical excellence, systems leadership, and innovative approaches to trauma care and emergency preparedness. In addition, he has led programs in quality improvement, high reliability, and advocacy in multiple spaces, from hospital-associated violence intervention programs and non-government agencies to representing surgery on Capitol Hill, contributing to and writing legislation in his multiple states in New England and in DC, and now advocates with another group—the Association of Out Surgeons and Allies.

Most recently Dr. Shapiro was the Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Medical Affairs at a Level I urban trauma center, and made sure to meet his goals of adding diversity to his team. Today, he owns a consultancy called MEDIC, a medical education, documentation, innovation, and legal resource for medical schools, hospitals, the legal community and medical staffs, and is the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma chair for the state of Connecticut, in addition to being recently named the American College of Surgeons Program Leader for the Stop the Bleed program. His leadership emphasizes evidence‑based protocols, seamless coordination across specialties, and a relentless focus on patient outcomes. Beyond the hospital walls, he has shaped trauma systems at the state and national level, and served as President of the American College of Surgeons Connecticut Chapter and the Society of Critical Care Medicine Northeast Chapter President. Dr. Shapiro has also contributed to something close to his mind and heart—the experience of the LGBT2SQIA+ surgeon and surgical learner. In this realm, he has introduced the concept of the beacon to the milieu of mentorship and sponsorship, and highlights some of this concept with groups nationwide. Lastly, he was the founding advisory chair of the Association of Out Surgeons and Allies, helping everyone understand that advocacy starts with the individual, not with a committee. Under each of these hats, he has advanced policy frameworks, strengthened program and system readiness, and championed collaboration across institutions.

Dr. Shapiro’s career reflects a deep commitment to education and mentorship. He has spent several years each as medical director of a PA program, and as an Assistant Dean for Medical Education, and has helped to guide curriculum design, simulation‑based training, and learner‑centered assessment strategies that prepare the next generation of clinicians for the realities of frontline care. His learner‑centered philosophy emphasizes authentic assessment, reflection, and inclusivity, ensuring that students not only master technical skills but also develop the judgment and resilience required in high‑stakes environments. He spent seven years as the Editor‑in‑Chief of Connecticut Medicine and was the co‑editor and author of After the ICU a book about critical illness recovery. He has been asked to contribute to dozens of protocols and processes, extending his influence to thought leadership.

Known for blending rigor with creativity, Dr. Shapiro uses imaginative exercises—whether drawing on pop culture, humor, or classical lore—to engage learners and colleagues. This playful side complements his strategic leadership, fostering team cohesion and keeping learning lively even in the most serious contexts. Energized and purposeful, he continues to drive meaningful change through evidence‑based action, collaborative engagement, and a steadfast commitment to advancing trauma care and emergency preparedness.