The Guest Nation program was inaugurated in 2005 to foster greater recognition and awareness of the global contributions to the advancement of orthopaedics during the AAOS Annual Meeting. For 2026, we are recognizing the Dominican Republic as our Guest Nation.
Fill out the prescreen, join AAOS, and register for the 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, March 2-6.
Become an AAOS International Member today and receive 50% off your first year of Membership with Market Code, DOM202650 ($292 in savings). For new Members only who must reside in the Dominican Republic.
Excellence in every move for innovation while enhancing your surgical skills and attend the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Guest Nation events that will take place at the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting include:
- Guest Nation Symposium - A Guest nation presentation highlighting the advancements in orthopaedics.
- Guest Nation Posters and Presentations - Scientific posters from Dominican authors on display, including exciting discussions of the Guest Nation posters.
- Your Academy 2026 - Special recognition during the program.
- AAOS President’s Reception – Recognition from the AAOS Presidential line.
- Guest Nation Reception – Special Reception honoring Dominican orthopaedic physicians.
- Guest Nation Exhibit - View a showcase of orthopaedics in the Dominican Republic.
How to Join
Advance Your Orthopaedic Surgical Knowledge and Join Today.
If interested in becoming an International Member, make sure to select “International Member - Orthopaedic Surgeon or International Member - Resident” in the application system.
Eligibility Requirements for International Orthopedic Surgeon Membership
Membership requirements: In order to comply with its legal obligations, AAOS will check the names of interested applicants against the United States Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) Sanctions List. Individuals listed on the OFAC Sanctions List are not eligible for membership. Additionally, individuals from countries against which OFAC has issued comprehensive sanctions (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine) are not eligible for membership.
You must meet the following eligibility criteria to complete your online application:
- Practice orthopaedic surgery outside of the United States and Canada
- Be a member in good standing in one of the national orthopaedic organizations of the country in which you practice or, where no national orthopaedic organizations exists, can provide proof of orthopaedic licensure, as substantiated by the hospital or healthcare institution in which you practice
- Devote your medical practice to orthopaedic surgery or be actively engaged in the teaching of orthopaedic surgery or research related to the musculoskeletal system
- Maintain a full, unrestricted, and unlimited license to practice medicine (or its equivalent) in the country in which you practice
- Comply with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and policy statements as adopted by the AAOS Fellowship and Board of Directors
Application Quick Facts
Recruitment Period
November 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026
Membership Dues
2026 Dues for International Member - Orthopaedic Surgeon Membership are $585
2026 Dues for International Member - Resident Membership are $293
Notification Date
Applications are reviewed weekly during the application period
What You Need To Know When Applying for International Surgeon Membership
To apply for International Surgeon Membership, you will be asked to log in or create an account with AAOS. Your AAOS Membership runs on the calendar year, January 1 to December 31.
International Surgeon Membership dues for the 2026 Membership year are due at the time of application. Your Membership is continuous and will be billed automatically each year in October for the upcoming membership year.
What Is Your International Surgeon Membership Worth?
International Surgeon Membership offers incredible value. Membership will provide you with a range of exclusive products, programs, services, and discounts that will help improve patient care and support the success of your practice.
Click here for International Surgeon Membership value.
Click here for International Resident Membership value.
Realize Your Potential With International Surgeon Membership
Surgical Techniques
Learn the latest techniques and best practices for patient safety and procedures with Surgical Technique videos, free to Members, free digital play-by-play, self-directed online programs that provide real-world applications from actual patient cases and complications.
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).
Annual Meeting
Gain International exposure, expand your network, and learn new skills by attending Instructional Course Lectures (ICLs), viewing papers and posters, TechTalks, free Symposia, OVT, and more from experts around the world to further your practice at the AAOS Annual Meeting.
JAAOS Collection
Hear from experts worldwide and stay up to date with high-quality original research, clinical trials, case reports, and monthly articles with JAAOS Research & Reviews; additionally, listen to authors from highlighted articles in the yellow journal with JAAOS Unplugged Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
Orthopaedic (OVT)
Advance your surgical specialty skills and enhance patient care with Orthopaedic Video Theater (OVT) with over 1,600 exclusive Member-only videos, where you can watch and save at your own pace while gaining international recognition for your own procedures with OVT Now, where you can submit your own orthopaedic technique videos and lectures.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (CORR)
Stay informed with the latest peer-reviewed clinical and basic research and informed opinions via commentaries and author reviews that shape today's orthopaedic practice across all aspects of musculoskeletal health with Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (CORR).
Do You Have Questions or Need Assistance?
Please contact our Customer and Member Services Team or call 1-847-823-7186.