Overview

The Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program is a collaborative partnership between the Arthritis Foundation (AF) and AOFAS. This program provides valuable access to training and mentoring opportunities for medical students and residents interested in foot & ankle arthritis care and orthopaedic surgery. 

AF and AOFAS will select 4-6 medical students and/or residents to participate in the program. Participants will visit academic medical centers to osbserve surgeries and clinic, tour facilities and labs, learn about advancements in ankle arthritis care, and meet physicians in the field.

Travel Dates

September 15-26, 2026  (1.5 week trip)

• Sept  15 (Tu): Travel to Seattle, WA
• Sept 16-19 ( W-Sa): Attend AOFAS Annual Meeting
• Sept 20 (Su): Travel to Minneapolis, MN
• Sept  21-25 (M-F): Observe at Twin Cities Orthopedics
• Sept 26 (Sa): Travel home

April 18-24, 2027 (1 week trip) 

• April 18 (Su): Travel to Denver, CO
• April 19-23 (M-F): Observe at University of Colorado Anschutz
• April 24 (Sa): Travel home 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Open to all 4th year medical students through PGY3 orthopaedic residents in programs in the United States.
• Ability to attend the entire program including both travel blocks in September 2026 and April 2027. 
• Travel reimbursement will be awarded to cover reasonable/moderate expenses for travel including hotels, flights/transport, and meals. Any expenses beyond the amount agreed at the start of the program will be the responsibility of the award recipient. 

Instructions

Uploading all materials with the application is preferred but letters can be sent directly to Katlyn Froslan at kfroslan@aofas.org. Please ensure all materials are submitted by April 17, 2026. Incomplete applications or applications received after this date will not be considered.

Supporting Materials

• Personal statement (not to exceed 1 page) describing what you expect to gain from this experience and how will you contribute as a participant. Briefly outline research or work interests; or anything else you think would be beneficial to share.
• 2 sponsor letters of recommendation (not to exceed 1 page)
  • 1 sponsor should be a Dean/Program Director. The other sponsor should be an orthopaedic surgeon familiar with you and your work.
  • What to include in a letter of recommendation:
    • How do you know the applicant and why should they be considered for this fellowship?
    • How has the applicant demonstrated interest in foot and ankle orthopaedics?
• CV and headshot photo (note: photo will not be considered in selection process)

Applicants will be notified of decisions in mid-May. 

The Foot & Ankle Arthritis Development Program is funded by the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation, supported by a generous grant from the Arthritis Foundation.