Dr. Bernard Bach, director of Sports Medicine at Rush University Medical Center and a member of the private practice Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, was recognized as an inaugural recipient of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Achievement Award at the AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The AAOS award recognized Bach's volunteer efforts to support his colleagues, the Academy, and the orthopedic profession. Approximately 1 percent of the AAOS members received the achievement award.

The Achievement Award was created to encourage and honor its members for volunteer involvement and is based on three categories; teaching, research, and service. Bach was recognized for receiving 10 credits among the three categories. Bach qualified for the award with his continued service to the AAOS over the past five years.

"As a researcher, I feel honored to receive this award. This award reflects my commitment to education, research and leadership within the AAOS, and my involvement within the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine," said Bach.

Bach is the Claude Lambert-Susan Thomsen endowed professor chair of orthopaedic surgery at Rush. He has served as President of the Quigley and Herodicus Sports Medicine Societies and President of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He has also served on the national boards of the Illinois Special Olympics, and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation. He is the editor for the Journal of Knee Surgery. Bach has been repeatedly selected to Chicago Magazine's "Top Doctors" and is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in sports medicine. He was inducted into the Illinois Athletic Trainer's "Hall of Fame" in 1995. He, along with the other members of the sports medicine division, was selected and continues to be a team physician for the Chicago White Sox baseball team since 2004.

Bach has published over 500 scientific papers, abstracts, and book chapters. He serves on numerous national sports committees and editorial boards and is an educator of residents, fellows, and his patients.

About the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

With more than 35,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopedic surgeons, allied health professionals, and the public. For more information, visit their website at www.aaos.org, or for more information on the AAOS Achievement Awards Program, go to www.aaos.org/news/whatsnew/achievementawards.asp.