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2026 Orthopaedic In-Training Exam: Technical Support and Troubleshooting

Membership / Become an AAOS Member / Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon Membership / Apply for Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon Membership

Become an AAOS Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon Member

Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon Membership

Stay Sharp, Stay Connected, and Keep Your Practice Moving Forward. 

Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon Membership in AAOS connects you to the courses, publications, and peers that keep you growing as a practicing surgeon — plus member savings and a community that shares your commitment to better patient care. 

 

AAOS has played a central role in my growth as a surgeon — from residency through advanced clinical practice. Its evidence-based guidelines, education tools, and research updates have helped me elevate the quality of care I deliver every day.

Eildar Abyar, MD

Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon Member Since 2016

Application Window

Nov 1 – July 31

2027 election class

Application Fee

$400

One-time, due at submission

Membership Dues

$865

2027 New Affiliate Years 1–3

$1,165

2027 Returning Affiliate Fellows

Notification Date

Up to four months

ELIGIBILITY

Do you qualify to apply?

To be eligible for AAOS Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon Membership, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Practicing in the U.S. or Canada and not certified by ABOS, AOBOS, or RCPSC

  • Internationally trained, or U.S.-trained and eligible for the exam but did not sit for it or did not pass

  • Practice devoted to orthopaedic surgery, or engaged in teaching orthopaedic surgery or musculoskeletal research

  • Full, unrestricted license to practice medicine

  • Compliance with the AAOS Standards of Professionalism 

 

Have these ready before you start

The application takes about 60 minutes if your documents are gathered ahead of time.

   ✓ Two sponsor names (must be Active Fellows)

   ✓ Certification and practice details

   ✓ Education, residency & fellowship history

   ✓ Hospital and teaching affiliations

   ✓ Curriculum vitae (PDF)

WHAT TO EXPECT

A four-step process, start to finish

Most applicants complete the form in one or two sittings — you can save and pick back up anytime within 30 days.

1

Submit

Complete your application and pay the $400 fee. ~60 minutes, savable in progress.

2

Confirm Your Sponsor

Before you apply, reach out to your two sponsors to confirm they’ve agreed to sponsor your application.

3

Council & Board Review

The Membership Council and then by the AAOS Board of Directors on a rolling basis.

4

Election

Applicants are approved and accepted as an election class every 4 months.

ⓘ Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from November through June. Applying early gives you the longest runway to make the most of your membership, with earlier access to member benefits including exclusive rates, discounts, and the resources you need to succeed.

What Is Your Affiliate Membership Worth?

Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon 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 Affiliate Class of 2026

AAOS Membership runs on the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. If accepted, your dues for the 2026 membership year will be due January 1, 2026. Affiliate Orthopaedic Surgeon 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.