Newswise — MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Loyola University Medical Center orthopaedic surgeon Michael S. Bednar, MD, FAAOS has been elected to the board of directors of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

The ABOS administers exams that physicians take in order to become board-certified in orthopaedic surgery. Certification means the physician has met the specified educational, evaluation and examination requirements of the orthopaedic surgery board.

Dr. Bednar will serve for 10 years on the board. It is a major commitment to his profession, requiring 20 to 25 days each year in attending board functions, writing exams, examining physicians, chairing committees, etc.

Dr. Bednar, a hand surgeon, also will be responsible for a certificate of added qualification in hand surgery, shared among the Boards of Orthopaedics Surgery, Plastic Surgery and General Surgery.

Physicians who meet the educational and organizational requirements necessary for certification in orthopaedic surgery are distinguished surgeons who are active in patient care, education and research.

Dr. Bednar is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. His specialties include upper limb reconstruction in patients with spinal cord injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist problems, hand problems and pediatric hand problems.