Volunteer Voices: Spotlight on Matthew Slater
Our inaugural Volunteer Voice comes from Matthew Slater, LVN, MHA, DHA. Matthew is the Administrative Director of Orthpaedic Surgery at University of San Diego Health in LaJolla, California. Matthew volunteers in several capacities for AAOE. He was recently recognized for his service on the Education Council. Appreciation to Matthew for his volunteerism and for sharing his favorite AAOE resource, insights on the profession, and his experience serving on a council.
Which AAOE member benefit or resource do you utilize most often and why? "The AAOE Collaborate platform is an incredible resource—offering instant access to industry leaders across every facet of orthopedic practice leadership, regardless of size, location, or role. The ability to share insights and receive trusted, real-time feedback from peers is invaluable. While I absolutely love the energy of in-person conferences, this platform keeps that sense of connection and shared expertise going all year long."
Why are you enthusiastic about the orthopedic practice profession? "Orthopedics is where innovation, precision, and impact collide. It’s a space where we restore not just movement but joy, independence, and quality of life. What fuels my enthusiasm is the privilege of leading and improving operations that directly shape a patient’s experience—from their first call to the last post-op check. Add to that the chance to build more diverse, equitable teams that reflect the communities we serve—and it becomes more than a job. It becomes a mission."
What experiences or encouragement about serving as an AAOE volunteer would you like to share with your peers? "Serving as an AAOE volunteer has been one of the most professionally rewarding experiences of my career. It connects you to a network of passionate, visionary leaders who are not only driving operational excellence in orthopedics but also pushing boundaries to make our field more inclusive, efficient, and patient-centered. If you’re someone who wants to shape the future of orthopedic care, share ideas freely, and grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, this is the place to be. We invite you to join AAOE’s volunteer community: aaoe.net/volunteer You don’t have to have it all figured out—just show up ready to engage, listen, and lead. My volunteer service makes me feel inspired, connected and empowered. Being part of the Education Council has deepened my respect for lifelong learning and the power of collaboration. Together, we have built programs that didn’t just check boxes—they sparked change."
Thank you, Matthew, for your leadership, vision, and commitment to our organization!