Biographical note

With more than 38,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (aaos.org or orthoinfo.org), is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality of musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. More than one in four Americans have bone or joint health problems, making them the greatest cause of lost work days in the U.S. When orthopaedic surgeons restore mobility and reduce pain, they help people get back to work and to independent, productive lives. Orthopaedic surgeons keep this “Nation in Motion.” To learn more about A Nation in Motion campaign, or to read hundreds of patient stories or to submit your own story, visit ANationInMotion.org. Dr. Alton L.Thygerson was born and raised in Texas where as a high school senior he won the Texas State 100-yard and 220-yard dashes. He attended BYU on an athletic scholarship and was a conference champ in the 100-yard dash. As of 2006 he has taught a total of 43 years: BYU, Chabot College (CA), and Cambell Union High School Disctrict (CA). His five sons have all gone into a health or safety related field. He has authored over 40 books for various organizations such as--the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), National Safety Council, Wilderness Medical Society, American Heart Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Thygerson has also authored 1,200 Deseret News weekly articles. Dr. Steven M. Thygerson is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Science at Brigham Young University. Prior to his appointment at BYU, he worked for 9 years in various occupational and environmental health settings, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a researcher, Eastman Kodak Company as the site industrial hygienist and safety engineer and most recently at the Workers Compensation Fund as the Senior Safety and Health Consultant. Steve is now excited to train students in occupational safety and health systems and programs in order to provide a safer workplace for people throughout the world. Steve is affiliated with national associations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the American Society of Safety Engineers. He received his B.S. in Zoology from BYU, his MSPH from the University of Utah and his Ph.D. in environmental health from Colorado State University. He is also certified in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene (CIH). His wife Adrianne is a graduate of BYU in conservation biology. Together, they have 4 children: Jakob, Tanner, McKinley and Anders. Hobbies include hiking, camping, skiing, rock climbing, golfing, home projects and geocaching.