AAOE Honors Sam Santschi with 2026 Award of Excellence for Lifetime Achievement

Louisville, KY, April 20, 2026 - The American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE) is proud to announce Francis "Sam" Santschi, JD, CMPE, from Diana L. Kruse, MD, as the recipient of the 2026 Award of Excellence for Lifetime Achievement, presented at the AAOE 2026 Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual whose dedication to AAOE and the orthopedic community spans more than a decade, leaving an impact that will be felt for generations.

For over ten years, Sam Santschi has been a steady, trusted leader within AAOE, serving in board roles, leading committees, and holding the organization’s highest elected office. During some of AAOE’s most challenging moments, including the COVID pandemic, he provided calm, decisive leadership that guided the organization forward while preserving its mission and community. A passionate advocate for education and transparency, he has shared his expertise through national publications, annual conferences, and advocacy efforts. His legacy of mentorship has inspired countless members to step into leadership, serve on the board, and lead this organization at the highest level.

ABOUT AAOE

The American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE) is a nonprofit association developed exclusively for executives, administrators, and professionals managing musculoskeletal practices. Founded in 1969 and serving more than 1,300 members nationwide, AAOE exists to help members improve their professional lives and the lives of everyone in their practice, through meaningful relationships, education, and practical tools. AAOE’s resources include peer networking, certificate programs, benchmarking data, and the AAOE Annual Conference, the only national conference dedicated to the business of musculoskeletal care. Musculoskeletal practice professionals can explore membership at aaoe.net/membership.