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The International Center for Orthopaedic Education (ICOE) Transitions to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
The American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) along with Orthopaedic Hospital of Los Angeles, the major donor for the International Center for Orthopaedic Education (ICOE), are proud to transfer the management of the ICOE to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) as of December 31, 2005.
Initially, the American Orthopaedic Association launched the International Center for Orthopaedic Education as a three-year pilot in 1994. The ICOE grew out of a member need identified at the AOA’s 9th International Symposium in 1992. Leaders identified a void in identifying up-to-date post-graduate orthopaedic opportunities – most happened only by word of mouth. Stuart L. Weinstein, MD, helped identify the need, embraced the project and set the course for ICOE to fill the void. Dr. Weinstein remained chair of the program and Blair Filler, MD, as vice-chair during its time at AOA.
The ICOE evolved over time due to the introduction and use of the World Wide Web. Initially, staff had to manually match applicants with opportunities. In January 2000, ICOE became a web-based system allowing applicants to search for opportunities themselves via the Internet. The upgraded system allowed institutions to post and update their own fellowship or postgraduate opportunities. In February 2005, the ICOE updated its Web site once again making the system more automated, leaving staff time to focus on the marketing of the program.
The Internet has changed the way people find opportunities. While many institutions have their own Web sites and list post graduate learning opportunities, it was the ICOE’s goal to be branded and recognized as the central information resource for global opportunities of individual postgraduate orthopaedic education and service.
While many opportunities exist in the U.S., the ICOE features world-wide educational exchange. For example, accomplished physicians from the U.S. find volunteer opportunities in China, physicians from Romania learn in Germany and doctors in Germany learn in Australia. Experiences truly span the globe.
As with many other projects, the American Orthopaedic Association developed and managed the ICOE. However, over the years as the AOA redefined its mission, the ICOE no longer fits into this. The AOA believes that the AAOS is a great fit for ICOE as they already have a strong international program. The AOA is grateful for their dedication to this important project and both organizations look forward to seeing it continue to grow in the future.
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