Overview

In collaboration with the European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS), the EFAS/AOFAS Exchange Fellowship offers the opportunity for 3 mid-career AOFAS members to travel to Europe and 3 EFAS members to travel to the United States to visit leaders in foot and ankle education and research. 

The program aims to promote international professional relationships, share ideas, and encourage new thinking on research and clinical care topics. All Fellows will observe operating rooms, learn new surgical techniques alongside accomplished surgeons, and present their own research and clinical experiences. 

AOFAS-selected members will travel to 3 European host sites and attend the EFAS Congress as outlined below:

Travel Dates: October 1-23, 2026

• Attend EFAS Congress in Augsburg, Germany
• Bordeaux, France
• Madrid, Spain
• Odense, Denmark

Eligibility

AOFAS will select the Exchange Fellows to travel to Europe, and EFAS will select the Exchange Fellows to travel to the United States. Interested EFAS members must apply to the program through EFAS.

All AOFAS applicants must meet the following criteria:

• AOFAS Associate, Candidate, or Active Member with current practice located in the United States or Canada.
• Ability to obtain a passport and visas to visit host countries, if necessary. 
• Ability to attend the entire program. 
• A fixed amount of money will be available to cover travel expenses for flights, hotels, ground transportation, and meals. Any expenses beyond the amount outlined in the program agreement will be the responsibility of the Fellow.  
• Additional criteria consistent with AOFAS travel guidelines. 

Instructions

Complete this form and supporting documents by January 23, 2026

1.  Write a personal statement (not to exceed 1 page). Please include:

• Why do you want to be an Exchange Fellow?
• How will you contribute as a Fellow? Briefly outline research or work interests; diversity representation; and any other foot & ankle organizations connections you think would be beneficial to share.
• What do you expect to gain from the experience?

2.  Ask the 2 sponsors listed in your form to submit letters of recommendation. All sponsors should be orthopaedic surgeons familiar with your work. Uploading all materials with this application is preferred, but letters can be emailed to Katlyn Froslan at kfroslan@aofas.org. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure sponsor letters are received.

Sponsor letters (not to exceed 1 page) should please include:

• How do you know the applicant and why should they be considered for the Fellowship?
• How have they contributed to orthopaedics and the foot and ankle specialty?
• How do you think they could contribute to the Fellowship? Briefly outline research or work interests; diversity representation; and any other foot & ankle organizations or connections you think would be beneficial to share.

Important Tip: Letters written with enthusiastic and sincere support from someone who knows you well is more helpful than generic or impersonal letters from the most famous or senior orthopaedic surgeons.

3. Upload a CV and your personal statement.