Membership Benefits and Information
The AAOS offers membership with benefits in the following categories. For additional information or to request an application, please telephone the membership department at (800)346-2267 or e-mail us at member@aaos.org.
Resident Membership and Resident Membership Osteopathic
Is provided automatically to all orthopaedic surgeons enrolled in an approved residency program in the United States and Canada. This category of membership is provided to both MD and DO Residents. Resident membership may be retained during postgraduate fellowship training. Resident Members pay no annual dues. Upon completion of training, graduates may advance to Candidate Membership.
Resident Member Benefits
NEW International Resident Membership
Available to orthopaedic surgeons enrolled in an approved international residency program. Membership includes reduced registration for the AAOS Annual Meeting, access to members-only areas of the AAOS website, and member pricing on products and courses. The deadline for application is September 1 of each year.
International Resident Member Benefits
Candidate Membership and Candidate Membership - Osteopathic
Is available to graduates of residency programs who intend to pursue certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. This category of membership is limited to five years after completion of training, including postgraduate fellowship(s).
Candidate Member Benefits
The following categories of membership* are processed once a year and completed applications are due in the AAOS office by January 31, and will be acted upon the following fall.
Active Fellowship
Basic requirements include:- Certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- A full and unlimited medical license
- Practice in the US or Canada
Associate Membership - Osteopathic
Basic Requirements include:- Certification by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
- A full and unlimited medical license
- Practice in the US or Canada
Associate Membership - Orthopaedic
Basic Requirements include:- The exclusive practice of Orthopaedic Surgery in the United States
- A full and unlimited medical license in the United States
The candidate for this category of membership must be ineligible to be considered for certification by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery because of the location of their training or other specific reasons. The candidate must submit a letter of explanation with the application and the Membership Committee will make the final determination regarding eligibility when the application is considered.
International Affiliate Membership
International Affiliate Membership is available to orthopaedic surgeons who are in practice outside of the United States. Membership includes free registration for the AAOS Annual Meeting and a subscription to the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
International Affiliate Member Benefits
The deadline for application is September 1 of each year.
Associate Membership - Basic Science
The status of Associate Membership - Basic Science may be conferred upon an individual holding a doctorate degree or its equivalent, who is engaged in the research of basic science related to Orthopaedic Surgery in the United States and who has demonstrated achievement in research and education for orthopaedic surgery. A CV must be submitted with the application and the Membership Committee will make the final determination regarding eligibility when the application is considered.
Associate Basic Science Member Benefits
The deadline for application is July 1 of each year.
Associate Membership - Allied Specialty
The status of Associate Membership - Allied Specialty may be conferred upon distinguished physicians, holding the degree of MD or DO, who are not orthopaedic surgeons, whose activities, interests and contributions are closely related to orthopaedic surgery. A CV must be submitted with the application and the Membership Committee will make the final determination regarding eligibility when the application is considered.
Associate Allied Specialty Member Benefits
The deadline for application is July 1 of each year.
