Overview
AOFAS offers three traveling programs for early to mid-career surgeons to attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and visit leading foot and ankle research and educational institutions. At host sites, travelers observe clinic and operating rooms, and exchange ideas, research, and operative techniques.

Hosting is a fantastic opportunity to exchange knowledge, make new connections, and showcase institutions, foot and ankle programs, and teams.

Hosting Opportunities

AOFAS Traveling Fellowship
Five mid-career AOFAS International Members attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and travel to 3 US foot and ankle institutions. Institutions host the group for 2-3 workdays. Modest support is available for hosting expenses. Hosts in the general region of the Annual Meeting location or near major cities are preferred for ease of travel.

EFAS/AOFAS Exchange Program
Three European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS) mid-career members attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and visit 3 US foot and ankle institutions. They typically spend 5 workdays at each host site and travel between locations on the weekends. No support is currently available for hosting expenses.

AF/AOFAS Arthritis Development Program
This program is a collaborative partnership between the AOFAS and the Arthritis Foundation (AF). Two foot and ankle institutions host 4-6 MS4-PGY3s interested in arthritis care and orthopaedic surgery.

Travelers spend 5 workdays with hosts. The group travels in two blocks: in the fall to attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting and spend a week with the first host; and a week the following spring to visit the second host institution. Modest support is available for hosting expenses.

Hosting obligations

• Academic or private practice with 2-3 attendings (ideally with a couple of AOFAS members).
• Practices should be large enough to provide some case diversity and accommodate 3-6 travelers.
• Arrange for observation in clinics and operating rooms and assist with travelers with health clearance logistics.
• Arrange at least 1 professional activity like a journal club or department grand rounds, and 1 social activity like a group meal or local activity.
• Prepare an itinerary outlining the time with the travelers.
• Recommend local hotel, airport, and ground transport options. Travelers are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements.