How do I get started with ALI?

Is ALI a prerequisite for serving on an AAOS committee or council?

Can resident and candidate members participate in ALI?

Are there any costs to participate?

Who teaches the ALI Program?

What is the time commitment of the program?

How will I know if I have completed an ALI level?

What happened to the Leadership Fellows Program?

How do I get started with ALI?
Levels 1 and 2 are available now. All members are eligible to participate in Level 1 and can access it through the Level 1 webpage or by logging in through the AAOS Online Learning portal. 

Is the ALI Program a prerequisite to serving on an AAOS committee or council?
As ALI evolves, completing Levels 1 and 2 will become prerequisites for committee and council service.

Members who are serving or have served in governance positions may be exempt from some ALI program levels, but are strongly encouraged to review all program content. The ALI Program features information and experiences that longstanding AAOS volunteer leaders have identified as important for success in AAOS governance roles. Because ALI Levels 1 and 2 are comprised largely of online learning that can be completed at any pace, all members are strongly encouraged to explore this targeted leadership content as preparation for greater governance roles. More on ALI Exemption Eligibility

Members will be informed through email whether they are exempt from any portion of the ALI Program. For specific information regarding your exemption eligibility, please contact governance@aaos.org.

Can resident and candidate members participate in ALI?
Yes! There are several AAOS committee positions for resident and candidate members. Completing ALI Level 2 will soon be a prerequisite for future committee service, so we encourage you to begin ALI as soon as you can.

Are there any costs to participate?
No, this leadership program is a benefit of your AAOS membership. Some ALI levels require attendance at our Annual Meeting and these costs are not covered by the Academy.

Who teaches the ALI Program?
Much of the content in ALI online learning modules and webinars has been developed by AAOS volunteer leaders and staff. External content experts provide more in-depth reviews of such topics as diversity, communication skills, financial acumen, transformational leadership, and leadership assessment and consulting.

ALI also offers invaluable learning through networking and mentoring opportunities with current and former AAOS volunteer leaders. Becoming an ALI mentor is also an excellent way to expand your network and enhance your leadership skills.

What is the time commitment of the program?
Each level has different completion requirements which affect the time it takes to complete the level. There are online learning modules, webinars, and workshops that are scheduled on a yearly cycle. If you are interested in Levels 3 and 4, you must complete the required years of committee service to apply. Committee service can be completed at your own pace.

How will I know if I have completed an ALI level?
You will receive a congratulatory email each time you complete all the requirements of an ALI level. Graduates of ALI Levels 2-4 will be recognized on the AAOS website. 

Participants must apply and be accepted for ALI Levels 3 and 4. Graduates of these levels will be recognized in the Academy's monthly magazine, AAOS Now, as well as during Annual Meeting events.

What happened to the Leadership Fellows Program?
The ALI Program is not a replacement of the Leadership Fellows Program, but rather a new leadership experience.

The Leadership Fellows Program provided an excellent general leadership curriculum, but was available to only a small number of AAOS members each year. ALI is intended to provide leadership training to a greater number of AAOS members across diverse backgrounds in an effort to better prepare future leaders with the tools, skills, and competencies to thrive in future AAOS leadership roles.

In addition, ALI Levels 3 and 4 are selective programs that require application and acceptance to participate. These higher levels also offer education that is tailored to participants' goals and provide a pathway to greater leadership opportunities and roles within the Academy. 

For more information

A full overview of the ALI Program is available to download and print. It includes information on each ALI level, exemption eligibility, mentoring, and FAQs all in a single document.