With immense sadness, we report that AOFAS Immediate Past President Michael S. Aronow, MD, passed away on March 11, 2025. He was 62. Dr. Aronow was a respected surgeon, educator, leader, and tireless advocate for orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons and their patients.
Dr. Aronow was born in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, and grew up in Long Beach, California. After earning his medical degree from the Harvard Medical School-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Sciences & Technology Program, Dr. Aronow completed his orthopaedic residency and fellowships in research and sports medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He then completed an advanced foot and ankle surgery fellowship at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Harborview Medical Center, under the guidance of Sigvard “Ted” Hansen, MD, and Bruce J. Sangeorzan, MD.
Dr. Aronow joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (UConn) in 1997. In 2012, he began working for Orthopedic Associates of Hartford in Connecticut while continuing to serve as a clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery at UConn.
A leader in orthopaedic advocacy, Dr. Aronow's past roles included AOFAS delegate to the American Medical Association, AOFAS delegate to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board of Specialty Societies, and chair of the AOFAS Health Policy Committee. He championed orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons in federal, state, and local legislatures, and advocated to limit podiatric scope of practice.
As AOFAS president from 2023-2024, Dr. Aronow worked to facilitate collaboration with other organizations, increase outreach to orthopaedic residents and medical students, and strengthen resident education.
In addition to his leadership in AOFAS, Dr. Aronow served as a Board member and president of the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society. Dr. Aronow received the Harry Gossling, MD, Orthopaedic Residency Educator of the Year Award in 2003, was inducted into the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons OrthoPAC Hall of Fame in 2021 and was named the Connecticut Orthopaedist of the Year in 2023 by the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Aronow authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and 22 book chapters and served on two scientific journal editorial boards. He presented at numerous AOFAS meetings and courses, as well as orthopaedic meetings all over the world.
Dr. Aronow was a treasured colleague, mentor, and friend to many, and will be remembered for his extensive knowledge, dry wit, and passionate dedication to his work.
Dr. Aronow is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret “Meg” Chaplin, and his five children, Benjamin, Rachel, Max, Miles, and Sam. He will be deeply missed.
"A tragic loss of a great man, doctor, surgeon, husband, son, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed. His leadership and contributions to the AOFAS were monumental. When I introduced him as President of the AOFAS, I noted, 'What I know about Mike: humble, hard-working, always willing to help, honest, extremely glad I have him as my role model, and a friend.'"
– David B. Thordarson, MD