The Piedmont Orthopedic Society is a traditional organization of "life-long learners" many of whom, because of their training and experience, are classified as experts. The annual meeting is an opportunity for these learners to conduct peer presentations, as well as review and discuss many different topics. The 71 year history attests to the continued support of this notion of the members being "life-long learners". Additionally, through peer solicitation of topics for presentation, other assessment methods are used to discuss the material. Ongoing clinical and research presentations traditionally include epidemiological data derived from prevalence of a topic; geographic data based on specific health problems of regional importance; and morbidity and mortality statistics introduced as complications of specific procedures. Quality Assurance statistics (QA) and/or Peer Review Data will document the need to address complications of a particular topic. Non-academic based physicians bring patient care audits for clinical critique. Because the Society has evolved from Duke University Medical Center trained orthopedic physicians, the members who now may or may not be at academic institutions still look to their peers from Duke to provide information in many different areas.