Education


Resident Skills Course

 

Registration is now open for 2026 Resident Skills Courses!

Open to US and Canadian orthopaedic residents in PGY1 through PGY4 (during the 2025-26 academic year), AOFAS Resident Skills Courses offer the opportunity to gain hands-on cadaveric experience with foot and ankle surgical procedures.

Resident Skills Courses are free, but you must submit an application. Selected residents will receive:

  • Complimentary registration and lab fees

  • A one-night hotel stay the night before the course

  • Breakfast and lunch on the day of the course

Residents may also apply for a $500 stipend to help offset the cost of travel.

Resident Skills Lab

2026 Courses


July 17-18
Arthrex
Naples, Florida

Procedures: Ankle Fracture Surgery, Lisfranc/Midfoot Fusion, Achilles Repair (Midsubstance Rupture and Insertional)


August 14-15
Support provided by Stryker
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia

Procedures: Lateral Ligament Construction, Ankle Fracture Surgery, Calcaneus Fracture Surgery


October 23-24
Enovis
Lewisville, Texas (Dallas area)

Procedures: MTP Joint Fusion, Ankle Fracture Surgery, Subtalar/Ankle Fusion


Application Criteria

The applicant must:

  • Be an orthopaedic surgery resident in their first, second, or third year of training during the 2025-26 academic year, OR in their fourth year in a program without a foot and ankle rotation, in a US or Canadian training program

  • Demonstrate enthusiasm for and have a sincere interest in foot and ankle surgery

  • Be in good academic standing

Note: Selection for the Resident Skills Course is a non-transferable, one-time-only opportunity. Participants agree to abide by program terms. Residents can only attend one of the offered courses. Residents who participated in a previous Resident Skills Course are not eligible to attend a 2026 course unless a spot remains open closer to the course date. To inquire about open spots, please email [email protected].


Application Process

The applicant must:

  • Complete and submit the application

  • Include a personal statement (no longer than 500 words) describing their background/experience, why they are interested in participating in the course, what they hope to gain from the course, and how the experience will help them achieve their career goals

Application form and supportive material will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full. Incomplete applications will not be considered.


Selection Process

Resident Skills Course participants are selected based on assessment of the resident's application and demonstrated interest in foot and ankle.

If selected, AOFAS will arrange and cover the cost of the resident's course registration and any lodging accommodations. The resident will be responsible for arranging their own travel to the course. If approved for a travel stipend of $500, the funds will be issued by AOFAS to the resident.

Application decisions will be communicated via email on a rolling basis. AOFAS will continue to review applications until all spots are filled.

For more information, contact the AOFAS at [email protected].