Active Membership Active Membership is available to orthopedic surgeons who meet all of the following requirements:
Hold a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine in a state within the Association's geographic region
Be certified by one of the following:
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)
American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS)
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
Be actively and exclusively engaged in the practice, teaching, or research of orthopedic surgery
Adhere to the American Medical Association's Principles of Medical Ethics
Maintain high professional, moral, and ethical standards
Pay annual dues ($250), applicable fees, and any assessments established by the Association
Have commenced the practice of orthopedic surgery within the geographic limits of the Association
Candidate Membership Candidate Membership is available to:
Orthopedic surgery residents
Orthopedic surgery fellows
Individuals who have completed orthopedic residency or fellowship training but have not yet achieved board certification through the ABOS or AOBOS
Duration of Candidate Membership Candidate Membership may be maintained until the earlier of:
Four (4) years after completion of training, or
Achievement of board certification through the ABOS or AOBOS.
After becoming board certified, individuals may apply for Active Membership and must meet all current eligibility requirements.
Dues and Privileges
Residents and Fellows in Training
No annual dues are required
May serve on committees if appointed
May not vote or hold elected offic
Receive resident registration rates for the Annual Meeting.
Candidates Who Have Completed Training
Must pay regular membership dues - $250
May serve on committees if appointe
May not vote, hold office, or sponsor membership applicants.
Receive member registration rates established for Candidate Members at the Annual Meeting
Affiliate Membership Affiliate Membership is available to individuals whose professional work supports or is closely related to orthopedic surgery or the mission and objectives of the Association.
Affiliate Membership:
Requires approval by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of Directors.
Pay annual dues ($250), applicable fees, meeting registration fees, and any assessments established by the Association
Allows attendance and participation at Association meetings.
Permits service on committees.
Does not include voting privileges or eligibility to hold elected office.
Associate Membership Associate Membership is available to:
Practicing orthopedic surgeons residing outside the Association's geographic region; or
Current or former Active or Candidate Members who have relocated outside the Association's geographic region.
Associate Membership:
Requires recommendation by the Membership Committee and approval by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board of Directors.
Allows members to attend Association meetings.
Includes voting privileges.
Permits service on committees.
Requires payment of applicable application fees, annual dues ($250), meeting registration fees but is not subject to Association assessments.
Geographic Eligibility Unless otherwise specified, membership is limited to qualified orthopedic surgeons who practice in one of the Association's 20 member states or in a state that shares a border with one or more of those member states.
