In the first half of this two-part episode, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo is joined by fellow researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi. 

The pair unpack the origins and purpose of the AOA Clinical Studies Unit, from its beginnings with the landmark CRYSTAL trial, through to current national studies targeting infection prevention, pain management, ACL injury, and device innovation.

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

aoa.org.au

In the first half of this two-part episode, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo is joined by fellow researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi.&nbsp;
The pair unpack the origins and purpose of the AOA Clinical Studies Unit, from its beginnings with the landmark CRYSTAL trial, through to current national studies targeting infection prevention, pain management, ACL injury, and device innovation.
Listen to the episode and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/msk-connect/id1774148895">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/00bLZzyBHNT7ELqUMrcSZC">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts.
<a href="https://aoa.org.au/">aoa.org.au</a>

MSK Connect is the official podcast of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, bringing you expert insights and conversations on the latest advancements in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal health. This podcast connects you with leading Australian orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss key issues shaping the future of the field.

MSK Connect is the official podcast of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, bringing you expert insights and conversations on the latest advancements in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal health. This podcast connects you with leading Australian orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss key issues shaping the future of the field.

MSK Connect

A deep dive into AOA's Clinical Studies Unit (part one) 

In part two, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo, and researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi return to discuss the findings of the RASCAL study, one of the most ambitious orthopaedic trials ever conducted in Australia.

Chris and Sam break down the design of the study, inclusion criteria, and key results, comparing robotic and computer-assisted surgery, and kinematic versus mechanical alignment. Finishing off the episode, the discussion turns to the launch of the new AOA Academy of Clinical Excellence and its goals of strengthening orthopaedic research and patient care in Australia. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

aoa.org.au

In part two, Australian Orthopaedic Association Clinical Director Dr Chris Vertullo, and researcher and knee surgeon Dr Sam MacDessi return to discuss the findings of the RASCAL study, one of the most ambitious orthopaedic trials ever conducted in Australia.
Chris and Sam break down the design of the study, inclusion criteria, and key results, comparing robotic and computer-assisted surgery, and kinematic versus mechanical alignment. Finishing off the episode, the discussion turns to the launch of the new AOA Academy of Clinical Excellence and its goals of strengthening orthopaedic research and patient care in Australia.&nbsp;
Listen to the episode and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/msk-connect/id1774148895">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/00bLZzyBHNT7ELqUMrcSZC">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts.
<a href="https://aoa.org.au/">aoa.org.au</a>

A deep dive into AOA Clinical Studies Unit (part two) 

Australian Orthopaedic Association First Vice-President Dr Andrew Wines sits down with President Dr Mark Moroney to map out the activities, projects, initiatives, and events planned in 2026 during Mark's term. 

Mark shares his background as an orthopaedic surgeon in Ipswich, spanning a broad practice of  paediatrics, hip and knee arthroplasty, and details his passion for teaching trainees. 

Mark and Andrew then go on to discuss priorities for 2026 including strengthening member engagement, progressing the Academy of Clinical Excellence, the digital upgrade of the AOANJRR, and a preview of the 90th anniversary celebration at the 2026 ASM in Mark's hometown of Cairns. 

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

aoa.org.au

Australian Orthopaedic Association First Vice-President Dr Andrew Wines sits down with President Dr Mark Moroney to map out the activities, projects, initiatives, and events planned in 2026 during Mark's term.&nbsp;
Mark shares his background as an orthopaedic surgeon in Ipswich, spanning a broad practice of&nbsp; paediatrics, hip and knee arthroplasty, and details his passion for teaching trainees.&nbsp;
Mark and Andrew then go on to discuss priorities for 2026 including strengthening member engagement, progressing the Academy of Clinical Excellence, the digital upgrade of the AOANJRR, and a preview of the 90th anniversary celebration at the 2026 ASM in Mark's hometown of Cairns.&nbsp;
Listen to the episode and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/msk-connect/id1774148895">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/00bLZzyBHNT7ELqUMrcSZC">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts.
<a href="https://aoa.org.au/">aoa.org.au</a>

Presidential handover and blueprint for 2026

Australian Orthopaedic Association's John Cunningham is joined by Chris Kane from the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association and Carmen Wong from the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Radiologists to unpack one of the most pressing issues in digital healthcare - fast, secure access to medical imaging.

Together, they explore how unified standards, shared advocacy, and government collaboration are driving progress toward a national image exchange. The discussion also touches on AI in radiology, patient data security, and why breaking down silos between professions is essential to improving care and productivity across Australia’s health system.

Listen to the episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

aoa.org.au

Australian Orthopaedic Association's John Cunningham is joined by Chris Kane from the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association and Carmen Wong from the Royal Australian &amp; New Zealand College of Radiologists to unpack one of the most pressing issues in digital healthcare - fast, secure access to medical imaging.
Together, they explore how unified standards, shared advocacy, and government collaboration are driving progress toward a national image exchange. The discussion also touches on AI in radiology, patient data security, and why breaking down silos between professions is essential to improving care and productivity across Australia&rsquo;s health system.
Listen to the episode and subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/msk-connect/id1774148895">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/00bLZzyBHNT7ELqUMrcSZC">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts.
<a href="https://aoa.org.au/">aoa.org.au</a>

A deep dive into AOA's Clinical Studies Unit (part one)

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