Promoting Excellence: AAOS Launches New Tools for FAAOS Designation Awareness

AAOS recently introduced a new FAAOS digital badge and a window cling to assist Active Fellows with promoting their FAAOS designation to patients and the broader medical community. These tools provide Active Fellows with a tangible way to display their FAAOS designation, both at their offices and across various platforms, such as social media profiles.

“The FAAOS designation is a point of differentiation that underscores my commitment to patient care, continuous professional development, and adherence to rigorous professional and ethical standards,” said Ishaan Swarup, MD, FAAOS, who became an Active Fellow in 2022. “I was vetted and accepted to receive this designation, and I take pride in promoting my FAAOS designation across all my professional channels, including email signature, social media, academic papers, and presentations.”

As patient education remains a priority, AAOS has continued its patient-focused media campaigns to underscore Active Fellows’ authority in musculoskeletal care, as well as their advanced skills, extensive training, experience, and professionalism. The ads drive patients to OrthoInfo (orthoinfo.org), where they can learn more about the FAAOS designation and access the “Find an FAAOS Surgeon” directory to a surgeon in their area.

Amid the complexities of today’s healthcare landscape for patients and professionals alike, Elizabeth Lord, MD, FAAOS, Class of 2024, underscores the importance of sharing the FAAOS designation. “The FAAOS designation clearly indicates that a surgeon is board-certified, fully licensed, and dedicated to organized musculoskeletal health,” she said. “It helps build credibility and trust and signals to patients, colleagues, and employers that I adhere to the highest professional standards and I am dedicated to delivering quality care.”

Benefits of Active Fellowship
Many members have shared that becoming and maintaining Active Fellowship with AAOS is a source of pride, offering professional recognition, access to valuable resources, and a supportive community.

“This designation has significantly enhanced my ability to collaborate and maintain the professional relationships I’ve built over the past decade with AAOS,” Dr. Swarup shared. “It also prompts you to reflect on what matters in our profession—whether it’s the quality of care provided to patients, academic work, or contributions to non-medical activities like education and volunteerism. Moreover, it can be a valuable asset when seeking promotions or academic positions.”

Dr. Swarup and Dr. Lord encourage members to learn more about pursuing the designation. Applications for the Class of 2026 open Oct. 1, 2024.

“As a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon, the FAAOS designation indicates leadership and quality in musculoskeletal health, which includes the spine,” Dr. Lord said. “Once I became a member of AAOS, I decided to apply for and pursue the designation to achieve professional recognition and demonstrate my commitment to the highest standards of practice and continuous learning opportunities. After completing extensive training, including college, medical school, residency, a research fellowship, and a spine fellowship, achieving this designation underscores my commitment to the highest standards of practice and lifelong learning.”

The designation can be used only by AAOS members who are qualified, including Active Fellows who have been certified by one of the following:

• American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Other requirements include:

• being in exclusive practice of orthopaedic surgery in the United States for at least 36 months (not including fellowship training) immediately prior to induction
• maintaining a full, unrestricted, and unlimited license to practice medicine, or full-time service in the federal government
• complying with the AAOS Standards of Professionalism
• completing an Active Fellow Membership Application
• receiving application approval from the AAOS Membership Committee and Board of Directors

“Achieving the FAAOS designation is a significant professional milestone that provides a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction, reflecting years of dedication and hard work in the field of orthopaedic surgery,” Dr. Lord said. “The designation encourages members to contribute to the advancement of orthopaedic knowledge and practice through research, education, and advocacy, furthering the overall mission of AAOS.”

Jennifer Lefkowitz is a freelancer for AAOS Now.