April 7, 2009, COLUMBIA, Mo. - Four orthopaedic surgeons from University of Missouri Health Care were recently inducted as fellows of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons at the organization's annual meeting in February.

The new AAOS fellows are Brett Crist, MD, FACS, co-director of orthopaedic trauma services at University Hospital and assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery; Gregory Della Rocca, MD, PhD, FACS, co-director of orthopaedic trauma services at University Hospital and assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery; Daniel Hoernschemeyer, MD, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at University Hospital and assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery; and Richard White, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with University of Missouri Sports Medicine and assistant professor of clinical orthopaedic surgery.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system that includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

With more than 35,000 members, the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. The academy is the largest medical association for musculoskeletal specialists. Members have completed medical school, five years of specialty study in orthopaedics in an accredited residency program, passed a comprehensive oral and written exam and been certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.