Volunteer Voices: Spotlight on Priyanka Chaven

Our first volunteer voice for the new month of December is Priyanka Chaven, BSN, RN. Priyanka is a medical student at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and an Independent Healthcare consultant in Upstate New York.

A leading expert in surgical services optimization, with a specialized focus on orthopedics, Priyanka has extensive experience in both federal and commercial healthcare sectors, driving improvements in perioperative efficiency, regulatory compliance, and revenue cycle management.

She has provided strategic guidance to major healthcare institutions, including the University of Virginia Health System and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, advising on accreditation standards, surgical workflow integration, and healthcare policy implementation. Her consulting expertise spans healthcare organizations across the East Coast, where she has led initiatives to enhance surgical operations and patient care. AAOE recently recognized Priyanka for her work on the Young and New Professionals Council. Priyanka is active in AAOE and volunteers for the organization in several other capacities, including being a member of the Education Council. We honor and appreciate Priyanka’s commitment and service – and thank her for sharing these insights:

What made you decide to volunteer with AAOE, and what words of encouragement do you have for others who may consider doing so?

I volunteered with AAOE because my background in perioperative services, surgical ICU care, and orthopedic QI work showed me how closely clinical teams and administrative leaders must collaborate to support strong patient outcomes. For anyone considering volunteering, AAOE is a welcoming place to learn from orthopedic executives who collaborate closely with their multidisciplinary teams to optimize performance, elevate care delivery and support organizational excellence. My service makes me feel connected, engaged and driven.

Which AAOE benefit or service do you use most and why?

I rely heavily on AAOE’s internal forums, the Collaborate community, which enable direct engagement with orthopedic executives who partner with surgeons to advance workflow design, outcomes reporting, implant stewardship, and postoperative process improvement. This collaboration provides meaningful visibility into the strategic and operational infrastructure required to support excellence in surgical practice and musculoskeletal care.

Why are you enthusiastic about the orthopedic practice profession?

I’m enthusiastic about orthopedic practice because it represents an intersection of biomechanics, surgical advancement, and the intentional cultivation of team strengths that enhance functional recovery. As a current medical student, my growing interest in orthopedic surgery is shaped by observing how supportive leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuous skill development contribute to high-quality outcomes and a resilient care environment.

Thanks so much to Priyanka. We are grateful for your efforts and enthusiasm!