Selected by the Leadership Development Committee, the Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) class of 2017–2018 consists of 10 new LFP Fellows. The new LFP class will hold its orientation during the 2017 AAOS Annual Meeting in March in San Diego.

History and goals of the LFP
Created by the Board of Directors in 2001, the LFP is a one-year program, starting each Annual Meeting and ending at the following Annual Meeting. The program's goal is to facilitate the development of future AAOS leaders from younger members who have previous volunteer or leadership experience. The LFP combines didactic and experiential leadership training with an ongoing mentoring program. Fellows are matched with an established leader within the AAOS fellowship who serves as a mentor throughout the program.

The main goals of the program include the following:

• Introduce fellows to the AAOS governance structure
• Observe AAOS leadership at work
• Participate in interactive leadership development programs
• Engage in opportunities for peer to peer interactions and learning
• Experience service on an AAOS committee

Key program elements
The LFP curriculum includes a broad range of leadership topics presented in various interactive formats. The curriculum is broken down into four areas of focus:

• Personal development
• Interpersonal skills
• Fundamentals of leadership
• Leadership and managerial skills

More about mentors
The role of mentor is viewed as an integral part of the LFP. As advisor and confidant to the LFP fellow, the mentor fosters a close professional and personal relationship with his/her fellow that continues throughout the fellowship year and beyond.

Mentors attend the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference, the Fall Meeting, and the Annual Meeting. The LFP fellows may also take part in one site visit to their mentor's institution during their LFP Year.

Committee assignments
Upon completion of the LFP year, all eligible LFP Fellows are assigned to an AAOS committee. This provides them the opportunity to become active within the AAOS' volunteer structure, apply what they have learned and gain practical knowledge about the AAOS.

Learn more
To learn more about the LFP and apply for the program, visit www.aaos.org/LFP

For assistance with the application, contact Kristen Erickson, program coordinator, AAOS Member Services at erickson@aaos.org or 847-384-4343.