AANA Hosts Three MAST Events in Q4 2025
AANA Hosts MAST Visiting Professorships and Mini Fellowship in Fall 2025
AANA continued its commitment to advancing military orthopaedic education through the Military Advanced Surgical Treatment (MAST) program with a series of Visiting Professorships and a Mini Fellowship held throughout fall 2025. This program brings experienced arthroscopic leaders into military training environments, supporting hands-on learning, mentorship and collaboration among faculty, residents and staff.
Visiting Professorship at Womack Army Medical Center, September 24-26
From September 24-26, 2025, AANA Second Vice President Joseph Tauro, M.D., FAANA, served as an AANA Visiting Professor at Womack Army Medical Center, hosted by Christopher Belyea, M.D., M.B.A., FAAOS and the Womack Cape Fear Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program. The program focused on arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques through direct instruction, case-based discussion and resident engagement.
“The AANA/MAST/SOMOS Visiting Professor program is one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had with AANA,” said Dr. Tauro. “The attending staff was exceptional and the residents were enthusiastic, highly intelligent and eager to learn. It was a unique opportunity to focus on teaching arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery, and as always, I learned as much as I taught.”
Dr. Belyea emphasized the value of the experience for trainees: “Hosting Dr. Tauro was an invaluable opportunity for our residents. The hands-on instruction in arthroscopy, physical examination and surgical anatomy will directly enhance our ability to care for military servicemen and women.”
Visiting Professorship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, November 17-21
From November 17-21, 2025, AANA President John Kelly IV, M.D., FAANA, served as a Visiting Professor at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, hosted by Scott Feeley, M.D. Throughout the week, Dr. Kelly participated in clinics, the operating room, surgical skills labs, journal club and Grand Rounds.
“The time spent at Walter Reed was filled with meaning and purpose,” said Dr. Kelly. “The military surgeons were deeply committed to providing exceptional care to our nation’s veterans and were highly receptive to shared experience and discussion.”
Dr. Feeley noted the impact of the program on the department. “The MAST program continues to be a phenomenal opportunity for the development of military orthopaedic surgeons. Hosting Dr. Kelly allowed staff and trainees at all levels to benefit from his expertise, mentorship and perspective. We are grateful to AANA, SOMOS and MAST for supporting these educational opportunities.”
Mini Fellowship at Boston Bone and Joint Institute, December 1-12
Rounding out the fall programming, AANA hosted a Mini Fellowship at the Boston Bone and Joint Institute from December 1–12, 2025. Hosted by AANA Immediate Past President Alan Curtis, M.D., FAANA, the fellowship welcomed Mini Fellow Brett Brazier, D.O., for a focused experience centered on observation, reflection and continued professional growth.
“After entering independent practice, this mini traveling fellowship provided an important opportunity to step back and observe with intention,” said Dr. Brazier. “It allowed me to identify subtle techniques, workflow efficiencies and clinical nuances that reinforced the importance of continued learning throughout one’s career.”
Through these Visiting Professorships and Mini Fellowship experiences, AANA and its partners continue to strengthen surgical education, mentorship and collaboration within the military orthopaedic community while advancing arthroscopy and minimally invasive surgery worldwide.
These events underscore AANA’s dedication to fostering collaboration, mentorship, and innovation within the orthopaedic community. Programs like the MAST Visiting Professorship and Mini Fellowships create meaningful opportunities to advance the field and support the professional development of military and civilian surgeons alike.