Iowa Orthopaedic Society IOS

Iowa Orthopaedic Society IOS

Mary A. Bechler, FACMPE
3817 Chippewa Court
Sioux City, IA 51104

712-239-1687 (office)
712-253-0983 (cell)

712-226-2687 (fax)
email: mbechler@cableone.net

The Iowa Orthopaedic Society was organized in 1939 with nine members. The society was formed to advance orthopaedic surgery in the state. Active membership is limited to those physicians who had passed both Part I and Part II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons exam and the osteopaths who are certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic surgery.

Today, the society has approximately 165 members. The current purpose is to network physicians within the state, to promote educational programs, to keep a "thumb on the pulse" of third-party reimbursement, and to be proactive in the legislative arena.

Meetings are held in the Spring and Fall and are usually held in conjunction with the Iowa Medical Society and the Department of Orthopaedics, University of Iowa.

What is Orthopaedics?
Orthopaedics is a field of medicine that encompasses the surgical and non-surgical treatment of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

What is an Orthopaedist?
An orthopaedist is a medical doctor who has completed four years of medical school and a minimum of five years of specialty training in an accredited orthopaedic residency program. Certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons requires peer review of performance and training and passing a comprehensive oral and written examination. Orthopaedists also continue their education by taking continuing medical education and home study courses to maintain a high level of skills and competence.

What do Orthopaedists treat?
Orthopaedists treat a broad range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. A combination of medical, physical and surgical treatment methods may be employed to restore function and minimize disability. For patients with complex injuries or deformities, the coordination of many health care professionals is often required, including physicians, therapists, nurses and orthotists. The specialty of orthopaedics includes knowledge and treatment of:

• trauma - injuries such as fractures, dislocations and torn ligaments spine - acute injuries, chronic degenerative disorders and deformity total joint replacement hand, elbow and shoulder injuries and disorders foot and ankle injuries and disorders sports injuries oncology - tumors of bones, joints, tendons and muscles pediatrics - injuries and disorders bone and joint infection arthritis and bursitis osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases congenital deformities such as spina bifida, clubfeet and dislocated hips
• certain disorders of the neuromuscular system such as cerebral palsy
• rehabilitation

2009 IOS Iowa Orthopaedic Society, SPRING MEETING, Des Moines, Iowa Apr 17 2009

2010 IOS Iowa Orthopaedic Society, Spring Meeting, West Des Moines, IA USA Apr 16 2010

2011 IOS Iowa Orthopaedic Society, Fall Meeting, Coralville, IA Dec 2 - 3 2011

2012 IOS Iowa Orthopaedic Society, Spring Meeting, West Des Moines, IA April 13 2012