APPLY BEFORE THE MAY 31 DEADLINE!
Convey to your colleagues and patients that you have achieved distinction as a leader in the musculoskeletal health field by becoming a Fellow of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS).
The FAAOS designation differentiates you from other musculoskeletal professionals by your experience, your commitment to patients, your education, and continued professional development.
Fuel your passion for excellence as a Fellow of AAOS.
Active Fellow Membership open October 5, 2023 - May 31, 2024.
How to Apply
Advance Your Orthopaedic Surgical Knowledge and Apply Today.
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2024
If interested in becoming an Active Fellow, please select "Active Fellow" in the application system.
Eligibility for Active Fellow Membership
To be eligible for Active Fellow Membership, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (AOBOS), or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- Devote your medical practice exclusively to orthopaedic surgery or engage in the teaching of orthopaedic surgery or research related to the musculoskeletal system; practice in the United States or Canada
- Maintain a full, unrestricted, and unlimited license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada or provide evidence of full-time medical service in the federal government which does not require a medical license
- Comply with the AAOS Standards of Professionalism
Application Quick Facts
Application Period
October 5, 2023 through May 31, 2024
Application Fee
$350 one-time processing fee is due at the time of application
Membership Dues
2024 dues for Active Fellows are $1,098
Notification Date
October 2024
What You Need To Know When Applying for FAAOS Membership
All applications are reviewed and approved first by the Membership Council and then by the AAOS Board of Directors each September. Applicants are approved and accepted as an election class each year in October.
The full application process can take 10 to 12 months, so we encourage you to apply early.
It will take approximately 60 minutes to complete your application. You can also save your progress and finish at a later time.
Applications not completed within 30 days of the start of the application will be deleted.
Before you begin your application, have the following information and documents gathered:
- Sponsor names (sponsors must be Active AAOS Fellow Members)
- Certification and practice information
- Medical education, residency, and fellowship information
- Hospital and teaching affiliation(s)
- License(s) and practice history
- Medical society memberships
- Curriculum vitae (PDF to upload)
Elevate to FAAOS Membership
Stand Apart from Your Peers
Use your hard-earned FAAOS designation to let your peers, colleagues, and patients know you are a proud Fellow of the American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons. The FAAOS designation distinguishes you as being board-certified, vetted by your peers, and committed to continuous education and professional development. Click here for FAAOS FAQs.
Maintain Your Certification
Access various learning activities to help you fulfill CME requirements and manage your MOC progress all in one place so you can get back to what matters most, your patients.
JAAOS Collection
Stay current with the latest peer-reviewed clinical research, as well as commentaries and author reviews on various topics of musculoskeletal health with the JAAOS Collection, now available to our members in print, podcasts, videos, webinars, blogs and more.
Courses OnDemand
Save time and stay organized at your own pace with options to start and stop when needed with Courses OnDemand, where you can earn CME while learning from expert faculty in your practice specialty.
Orthopaedic Video Theater (OVT)
Personalize your learning with videos recommended to you based on your experience and interests, with a library of over 1,600 surgical technique videos, including new 4K resolution Orthodome® videos and the opportunity for you to be able to be the expert by submitting your own video in OVT Now.
Techniques Journals
Find complete reports on new and established surgical techniques to help you master your skillsets with four journals to choose from, Techniques in Orthopaedics, Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, and Techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery, and back issues of Techniques in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery (2000-2020).
What Is Your FAAOS Membership Worth?
FAAOS Membership offers incredible value. Membership will provide you with a range of exclusive products, programs, services, and discounts that will help improve your patient care and support the success of your practice.
Membership Dues for the AAOS Active Fellow Class of 2024
AAOS Membership runs on the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. If accepted, your dues for the 2024 membership year will be due January 1, 2024. Active Fellow Membership is a continuous membership, meaning dues are automatically billed every October for the upcoming membership cycle.
Do You Have Questions or Need Assistance?
Please contact our Customer and Member Service Team or call us at 800-626-6726 today.