“This program feels different in a good way. I’ve felt that I’m doing it all on my own, figuring it out on my own. This program is cohesive, concise, and a centralized place I could go for community, helpful content, and to look ahead.”
- Current PGY5 resident who participated in research that guided the development of Launchpad
Applications for the Inaugural Cohort Are Now Closed
Thank you for your interest in the AAOS Launchpad Program! Crew Member and Crew Chief applications are now closed.
Applications for the next Launchpad cohort will open in November 2025!
What's New for Crew Members & Crew Chiefs
Enter the Group Chat!
Your private Launchpad Sub Crew Community Group is now live. Make sure to log in to the AAOS Membership App to stay in touch with your crew, ask your Crew Chief any questions, or even share discussion cases. Learn more about the AAOS Membership App here.
Relive AAOS 2025 Moments
Browse through the memorable moments that were captured from your Launchpad experience, take a look below.
Your Launchpad Platform Is Live
Check your milestones, quickly access resources, lookup your crew, and more on your personalized Launchpad Platform. Login using your AAOS username and password now.
Cohort 1 Milestones & Content Topics
Each of the following activities is exclusive to Launchpad Crew Members and Crew Chiefs.
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Feb. 2025
Coaches Orientation & Launchpad Kickoff Webinars
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Mar. 2025
Annual Meeting
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Apr. 2025
Finding a Career Milestone Release
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Apr. 2025
Board Prep Part I Milestone Release
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June 18,
2025Virtual Session: Starting Your Job Search
Login to the Launchpad Platform to RSVP -
July 2025
Entering Fellowship Milestone Release
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Sept. 2025
Fellowship Year Milestone Release
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Oct. 22,
2025Virtual Session: Contract Negotiations/Interview Tips
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Jan. 20,
2026Virtual Session: Preparing to End Fellowship
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Feb. 2026
Annual Meeting II Milestone Release
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Mar. 2026
Annual Meeting
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June 17,
2026Virtual Session: Preparing for Practice
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July 2026
Starting Practice Milestone Release
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Aug. 2026
Board Prep Part II Milestone Release
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Sep. 2026
Graduation
Why participate in Launchpad?
Our 20-month Launchpad Program provides you with a guided, one-stop shop for the tools you need to successfully navigate through fellowship and into practice, while also helping you prepare for Board Exam Part I and II.
Here’s what you need to qualify:
- Must be a PGY5 resident enrolled in a U.S.-based residency program
- Must be an active AAOS Member and maintain membership for the duration of the program
- Strong preference will be given to candidates who can attend the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting (including associated costs)
- Must be able and willing to participate for the duration of the cohort (January 2025 through August 2026)
Do you have what it takes to be a Crew Chief?
Here is what you need to qualify:
- Early-career orthopaedic surgeon (up to 5 years post-training)
- Passionate about mentorship and supporting the next generation of surgeons
- Willing to engage in small group coaching sessions, networking events, and AAOS Annual Meeting activities
- Must be an active AAOS Member and maintain membership for the duration of the program
- Strong preference will be given to candidates who can attend the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting (including associated costs)
- Must be able and willing to participate for the duration of the cohort (January 2025 through August 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about the AAOS Launchpad.
