President's Welcome

Chris Heck, MD

I want to welcome my orthopaedic family to the 42nd Annual VACATION of the Southern Orthopaedic Association which will be held at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, FL, from July 23-26, 2025.

Since its inception in 1983, the objective of the SOA annual meeting has focused on education, family, and fellowship. My wife, Susan, and I attended our first meeting in 2005 with our first child who had just turned 1 year old. With few exceptions, we have attended the SOA meetings yearly as a family resulting in my children eagerly awaiting the next summer’s trip once they learned of the upcoming meeting’s destination. Thus, the SOA has become a highly anticipated annual family vacation.

As you and your family attend this year, your educational needs will be fulfilled by Dr. Carter Cassidy, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Kentucky Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, who has served as Program Chair this year. However, your vacation needs will be overwhelmed by the 10 acres of white sand beaches, fishing excursions, wave runner or kayak tours through 5,000 year old mangrove islands with dolphins and manatees on your flanks, optional adult-only bed tower and pool, and 12,000 sq ft arcade for the younger attendees.

Continuing with the family theme, my Distinguished Southern Orthopaedist is Dr. Bubba Armstrong, past president of the SOA in 2004. He was also the president of my first orthopaedic group after completing my fellowship and integral in my involvement in this organization. I have long endeared him as a father figure in my career.

In addition, my Presidential Guest Speaker is Coach Bruce Pearl, Head Coach of the Auburn Tigers Basketball Program. His efforts on the court, on campus, and in the community have united strangers into siblings.

Therefore, my family and I eagerly await the opportunity to host you and your family at Marco Island for both education and a vacation!