OREF Appoints Erika DeLeon to Boost Musculoskeletal Research Leadership and Innovation

### OREF Strengthens Leadership to Drive Innovation in Musculoskeletal Research

The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) appoints Erika L. DeLeon as its new Vice President of Innovation & Partnerships, succeeding Dan J. Krupp, who is retiring. This leadership transition is pivotal as OREF seeks to advance its mission of funding transformative musculoskeletal (MSK) research, an area that has historically been underfunded despite its significant impact on public health. DeLeon brings over 15 years of experience in strategic partnerships and operational leadership within the healthcare and life sciences sectors, which positions her well to enhance OREF’s outreach and collaborative efforts within the orthopaedic community.

In her previous role as Chief Operating Officer for the Journal of Orthopaedic Experience & Innovation (JOEI), DeLeon focused on developing partnership programs aimed at advancing orthopaedic advancements. Her extensive background includes roles at Pacira BioSciences and TeamHealth, where she honed her skills in integration management and quality assurance, respectively. With an Executive Master's in Healthcare Administration and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, DeLeon is well-equipped to tackle the complexities of funding and facilitating research that addresses the needs of the MSK community.

OREF's mission is underscored by the staggering statistics surrounding MSK conditions, which affect over half of the adult population in the United States. The economic burden of $980 billion annually highlights the urgent need for increased funding in this area, as many patients suffer from conditions that significantly impair their quality of life. As DeLeon steps into her new role, she is expected to galvanize support for OREF's initiatives, advocating for the prioritization of MSK research and fostering collaborations that can lead to innovative solutions in the healthcare landscape.

In parallel to OREF’s leadership changes, the foundation continues to emphasize the necessity of collaboration within the orthopaedic sector. By unifying stakeholders around common goals, OREF aims to attract greater investment in MSK research, thereby enhancing national healthcare outcomes. These efforts are critical not only for individual patients but also for the broader economy, which stands to benefit from improved public health initiatives.

As the healthcare industry evolves, OREF’s renewed focus on leadership and innovation under DeLeon’s guidance signals a commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in musculoskeletal health. The organization remains resolute in its mission to transform research funding and improve patient outcomes in this vital area of healthcare.