North America Traveling Fellowship (NATF)

Overview

The North American Traveling Fellowship (NATF) Tour is one of the AOA's flagship tours. The NATF promotes significant clinical and scientific exchange and fellowship. The tour is an intense introduction to the diverse ways that leaders address challenges facing orthopaedics today. The tour runs approximately five weeks in the fall of odd-numbered years and travels to regional orthopaedic centers in the US and Canada, rotating the region to be visited.

History of the NATF

The AOA-North American Traveling Fellowship was originated in 1968. The AOA Executive Committee appointed an 'ad hoc' committee to:

• further study exchange fellowships throughout the world
• determine the feasibility of increasing exchange fellowships with foreign countries.

In 1969, the AOA Executive Committee unanimously approved the committee's proposal of orthopaedic surgeons traveling to orthopaedic centers around the US and Canada.  Members of the ad hoc committee included:

• A.H. Crenshaw, MD
• B.H. Curtis, MD
• J.N. Garber, MD
• J.S. Miles, MD
• Don O'Donoghue, MD

Eligibility Requirements

Applications for the 2013 tour will open on Friday, July 27, 2012.

Applicants must have completed:

• approved orthopaedic training (including residency and fellowships) on or after June 30, 2009
• approved orthopaedic training on or after the June 30, 2008, if they subsequently entered into military service

2013 tour applicants must be able to take the tour in the Fall of 2013. Exact dates will be determined. Selected candidates can work with the ABOS to comply with the Boards collection of cases if it conflicts with tour dates.

Thank you to NATF Contributors.

Questions? Please e-mail fellowships@aoassn.org