As ALI evolves over the coming year, each level of the program will become a prerequisite to serve in a greater role in AAOS governance.

To be eligible for exemption from individual ALI program levels, AAOS volunteer leaders must have served in governance either in 2018-19, 2019-20 or 2020-21, or will be serving in 2021-22.

Your governance role – either as committee member, chair, or member of the Board of Directors – determines the ALI program level(s) from which you are exempt.

All AAOS volunteer leaders who are exempt from the ALI Program are strongly encouraged to explore the online leadership content of Levels 1 and 2 to ensure a mutual understanding and knowledge foundation among all AAOS volunteer members.

Exemption from ALI Levels 1 and 2

If you have served on an AAOS committee in 2018-19, 2019-20 and/or 2020-21 or will be serving in 2021-22, you are eligible for exemption from both Levels 1 and 2. In addition, all members who have completed the Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) are exempt from Levels 1 and 2.

The ALI Program features information and experiences that longstanding AAOS volunteer leaders have identified as important for success in AAOS governance roles. Because Levels 1 and 2 are self-paced and can be completed over time, all members are encouraged to explore this targeted leadership content as preparation for greater governance roles.

Note that even if you are exempt from Levels 1 and 2, you may not yet meet the prerequisites for applying to Level 3.

Exemption from ALI Level 3

If you have served as an AAOS committee or council chair in 2018-19, 2019-20 and/or 2020-21 or will be in 2021-22, you are eligible for exemption from ALI Level 3. In addition, members who have completed the LFP and have at least two years of committee chair service in the last five years are exempt from ALI Level 3. 

Members who have served as an AAOS committee or council chair prior to 2018-19 are not exempt from Level 3.

Note that even if you are exempt from Level 3, you may not yet meet the prerequisites for applying to Level 4 – which include serving two years as an AAOS council or committee chair in the last five years.

Exemption from ALI Level 4

If you have served on the AAOS Board of Directors from 2018 to the present, you are eligible for exemption from all levels of the ALI Program. 

Experienced AAOS Volunteers & Mentorship

A great way for experienced AAOS volunteers to quickly get involved with the ALI Program is to serve as a mentor.

There are two types of mentoring in ALI – informal and formal one-to-one mentoring. All Academy members who have served in governance in 2019-20 and/or 2020-21 are eligible to serve as informal mentors.

For more information

ALI FAQs provide you with quick answers to common questions about the program. ALI At a Glance lists program components for each level.

In addition, a full overview of the program is available to download and print.