Overview
The Traveling Fellowship Program offers a special opportunity for 5 mid-career AOFAS members to attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and visit leading foot and ankle research and educational institutions in the United States.
At host sites, Traveling Fellows will observe operating rooms, learn new surgical techniques alongside accomplished surgeons, and present their own research and clinical experiences. The program aims to promote new professional relationships, the exchange of ideas, and encourages new thinking on research and clinical care topics.
Travel Dates: September 8-25, 2025
- September 8-9: Travel to Savannah, Georgia
- September 10-13: Attend AOFAS Annual Meeting
- September 13-14: Travel to Columbia, South Carolina
- September 15-16: Observe at University of South Carolina/Prisma Health
- September 17: Travel to Baltimore, Maryland
- September 18-19: Observe at Mercy Medical Center
- September 20-21: Travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- September 22-23: Observe at University of Pennsylvania
- September 24-25: Travel home
Eligibility
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- AOFAS Active, Candidate, Associate, or International Member.
- 49 years or younger at the time of application.
- Ability to obtain a passport or visa, if necessary.
- Ability to travel in the United States and attend the entire program.
- A travel stipend will be awarded to cover hotels, transportation, and meals. Any expenses beyond that amount will be the responsibility of the Traveling Fellow.
- Additional criteria consistent with AOFAS travel guidelines.
Instructions
Complete this form and supporting documents by December 8, 2024.
1. Write a personal statement (not to exceed 1 page) Please include:
- Why do you want to be a Traveling Fellow?
- How will you contribute as a Fellow? Briefly outline research or work interests; diversity representation; and any other foot & ankle organizations connections you think would be beneficial to share.
- What do you expect to gain from the experience?
2. Ask 2 sponsors listed in your form to write letters of recommendation. All sponsors should be orthopaedic surgeons familiar with your work. Letters can be uploaded with this application or emailed to Katlyn Froslan, kfroslan@aofas.org. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure sponsor letters are received.
Sponsor letters (not to exceed 1 page). Please include:
- How do you know the applicant and why should they be considered for the fellowship?
- How have they contributed to orthopaedics and foot and ankle?
- How do you think they could contribute to the Fellowship? Briefly outline research or work interests; diversity representation; and any other foot & ankle organizations connections you think would be beneficial to share.
3. Upload a CV and your personal statement. Letters can be uploaded with this form or emailed to Katlyn Froslan at kfroslan@aofas.org.
The Traveling Fellowship Program is funded by the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation, supported by a generous grant from Enovis.