Orthopaedic Fellowship Programs in the USA

Orthopaedic sports medicine

AOSSM describes an SF Match process for participating ACGME-accredited programs. This is the surgical orthopaedic pathway; primary-care sports medicine is a separate training route.

Use the current AOSSM and SF Match instructions, then compare each program's curriculum and prerequisites.

AOSSM match framework ↗

Foot and ankle

The AOFAS-sponsored match uses SF Match. Its published eligibility includes medical-school graduation and successful completion of an approved orthopaedic residency.

Check the applicant resources, timetable and host requirements before registering. Directory inclusion alone does not establish your eligibility.

AOFAS fellowship match ↗

Hand surgery

NRMP runs the Hand Surgery Fellowship Match. Its specialty page lists completed orthopaedic, plastic or general surgery residency as the entry background and a typical duration of one year.

Use the hand-surgery calendar and each host's instructions; a sports-medicine match calendar does not substitute for this process.

NRMP hand-surgery requirements ↗

Pediatric orthopaedics

POSNA directs applicants to register with SF Match and distinguishes a CAS target date from the application deadline, rank submission and training start.

Read the current timetable and code of conduct. A later interview or match-result date does not mean applications remain open.

POSNA application route and calendar ↗

Application approach

OrthoFellow keeps each USA profile tied to an official or programme-specific source. When a salary, deadline, visa route or hands-on role is not published, the field remains marked as not published or direct enquiry required rather than inferred from another programme.

• Confirm whether the pathway is ACGME-accredited, institution-accredited, research-only or observational.
• Check match participation, SF Match or society portal timing before contacting a host directly.
• Review state medical-license requirements early because they vary by host and role.
• Confirm J-1, H-1B or observer-visa feasibility directly with the programme coordinator.
• Open the official profile again before submitting because USA deadlines can move by subspecialty calendar.

Deadlines and documents

Many USA clinical fellowships follow subspecialty match calendars or annual institutional windows; research and observer posts may use rolling enquiry.

Common documents include current cv with operative, research and teaching experience, motivation statement explaining subspecialty goals and host fit, medical degree, orthopaedic training certificate and board or college evidence where required, two or three references, often including a programme director or current head of department, passport, registration, visa or occupational-health documents when the hospital requires them.

Language, registration and visa

Clinical posts normally require English proficiency and hospital credentialing. Medical licensure, ECFMG sponsorship and visa support must be confirmed per programme.

Clinical posts commonly publish salary or PGY-level funding, while observerships and research attachments may publish no stipend or require direct enquiry.