HONOLULU — During the opening session of its 2017 Interim Meeting, the American Medical Association (AMA) presented Karen L. Hackett, FACHE, CAE, former chief executive officer of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), with the Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors a medical association executive who has contributed substantially to the goals and ideals of the medical profession.

“During her 14-year tenure at AAOS, Karen Hackett has led innovation and change that are positively impacting the lives of Americans everywhere,” said AMA President David O. Barbe, M.D. “Under her leadership, the organization has, among other things, embraced quality initiatives, clinical practice guidelines and performance standards to advance the quality of orthopaedic care for patients.”

As CEO, Hackett worked with AAOS’s board of directors and executive management team to oversee a staff of more than 200 employees, and she oversaw the planning, construction and opening of the new Orthopaedic Headquarters and state-of-the-art Orthopaedic Learning Center (OLC). She helped lead the development of a number of quality initiatives, including the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC), and other performance measures.

Hackett strategically enhanced both member and external communications with award-winning, nationally recognized public service campaigns that educate the public and media about what orthopaedic surgeons do and the value they bring to society. She helped to grow membership to 38,000 and fostered unity among various orthopaedic specialties and industry stakeholders.

Prior to her role at AAOS, Hackett was the executive vice president and chief operating officer at the American College of Healthcare Executive (ACHE). She is board-certified in healthcare management and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.