The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is proud to serve as the inaugural partner for CORD Advantage, a new American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) program designed to support orthopaedic residents through educational resources, mentorship, and early exposure to subspecialty career pathways. Through this collaboration, AOSSM will grant automatic, complimentary membership to residents in CORD member programs in Post-Graduate Year 1, providing valuable opportunities for learning and professional development.
“AOSSM is proud to introduce residents to the dynamic field of sports medicine and support their professional growth from the start of their careers,” said Eric McCarty, MD, AOSSM Board President. “Through AOSSM membership, residents gain access to leading mentors, cutting-edge research, and valuable educational opportunities, including complimentary access to the virtual Team Physician Modules Series, to help prepare them to become the next generation of orthopaedic leaders.”
CORD Advantage is designed to provide residents with no-cost access to subspecialty resources, professional communities, and early exposure to orthopaedic surgery career pathways. In addition to Team Physician Series access, resident members will receive online access to AOSSM’s four peer-reviewed journals, member discounts on AOSSM education, and practice resources such as complimentary SafeSport training.
“The future of orthopaedics depends on our ability to develop and support the next generation of leaders,” said Stephen Kates, MD, FAOA, President of the AOA. “CORD Advantage creates meaningful opportunities for residents and early-career surgeons to build leadership skills and prepare for impactful careers in our profession. The AOA is proud to partner with AOSSM in advancing this important initiative.”
Program benefits are expected to begin in August 2026 for the new class of residents.
About The American Orthopaedic Association
Founded in 1887 as the first orthopaedic association in the world, The American Orthopaedic Association is a select organization of elected orthopaedic leaders.
AOA Membership is earned through a stringent peer-reviewed process and is held by fewer than 10% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons. Members are designated Fellows of The American Orthopaedic Association (FAOA), recognizing exceptional accomplishments and leadership in the specialty.
The AOA’s Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) advances excellence in musculoskeletal graduate medical education and provides a forum to share best practices and address common challenges.
Nearly all ACGME-accredited orthopaedic surgery residency programs are members of CORD.
AOA programs provide leadership education from residency through retirement, helping orthopaedic surgeons build skills not traditionally taught through formal medical education. Learn more at www.aoassn.org, and follow AOA on X @aoa1887, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is the premier global sports medicine organization representing 4,650 orthopaedic surgeons and other professionals who care for athletes and active people of all ages and abilities. AOSSM advances evidence-based knowledge, education, and research in sports medicine and publishes four peer-reviewed journals indexed in PubMed Central. Learn more at sportsmed.org.