AF/AOFAS Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program

Applications for the 2025 program are now open! Submit your application by December 31, 2024.

The Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program is a collaborative partnership between the AOFAS and the Arthritis Foundation (AF). The program provides medical students and residents from underrepresented groups with valuable training and mentoring opportunities across the country.

The AF and AOFAS will select 4-6 medical students and/or residents each year to participate in the program. Selected participants will visit multiple academic medical centers to tour facilities and labs, learn about advancements in ankle arthritis care, and meet physicians in the field.

Applications for the 2025 AF/AOFAS Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program are now open! Applicants must complete the application and upload a CV, personal statement, and two sponsor letters, one of which should be from a Dean or Program Director.

Applications are due December 31, 2024. Participants will be selected in mid-2025 and begin travel in September 2025.

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Program Purpose

• To cultivate a culture of diversity, thereby improving equity and outcomes for patients

• To provide opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented ethnicities, races, and genders to gain valuable training in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery

• To expose underserved geographic regions to foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons

Program Details

• The program is open to 4th year medical students through PGY3 orthopaedic residents in the United States.

• Over two trips, fellows will visit multiple academic centers and attend an AOFAS and/or Arthritis Foundation meeting.

• The program provides funding for travel, host costs, and meeting expenses including registration, housing, travel, and meals.

2025 Travel Dates

Part 1: September 9-20, 2025 (1.5 week trip)

• Sept 9 (Tu): Travel to Savannah, Georgia

• Sept 10-13 (W-Sa): Attend AOFAS Annual Meeting

• Sept 13-14 (Sa-Su): Travel to Atlanta, Georgia

• Sept 15-19 (M-F): Observe at Resurgens Orthopaedics and Emory University

• Sept 20 (Sa): Travel home

Part 2: April 12-18, 2026 (1 week trip)

• April 12 (Su): Travel to Baltimore, Maryland

• April 13-17 (M-F): Observe at Mercy Medical Center and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

• April 18 (Sa): Travel home

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• 4th-year medical student through PGY3 orthopaedic resident in the United States

• Ability to attend the entire program, including both travel blocks in September 2025 and April 2026

• A travel stipend will be awarded to cover hotels, flights/transport, and meals. Any expenses beyond the amount issued will be the responsibility of the award recipient.