Corporate Sponsors
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons gratefully acknowledges Tenet Health | USPI for their foundational financial support of the AAOS Launchpad Program. Learn more about partnering with AAOS.
Ready to Lead the Next Generation of Orthopaedic Surgeons?
Apply to become a Crew Chief and gain recognition, give back to the community, and grow as a leader through meaningful near-peer mentorship. Be part of this groundbreaking new program.
Shape the Future of Orthopaedics with AAOS Launchpad
PGY5 residents are invited to apply for Cohort 2—an exclusive opportunity to navigate the transition from residency to practice with expert mentorship, resources, and a powerful professional network.
Why participate in Launchpad?
The 20-month Launchpad Experience offers a comprehensive, guided journey that equips you with the essential tools to successfully transition from fellowship to practice, while also preparing you for Board Exams Part I and II.
Here’s what you need to qualify:
- Be a current PGY5 resident enrolled in a U.S.-based residency program
- Maintain active AAOS Membership for the duration of the experience
- Strong preference will be given to candidates who can attend the AAOS 2026 and 2027 Annual Meetings, Monday through Thursday (including associated costs)
- Must be able and willing to participate for the duration of the cohort (January 2026 through August 2027)
Crew Member applications open on October 1, 2025.
Do you have what it takes to be a Crew Chief?
Here's what you need to qualify:
- Be an early-career orthopaedic surgeon (up to 5 years post-training)
- Demonstrate a passion for mentorship and supporting the next generation of surgeons
- Commit to facilitating small group coaching sessions held virtually and at the AAOS Annual Meeting
- Maintain active AAOS Membership for the duration of the experience
- Prioritize attendance at the AAOS 2026 and 2027 Annual Meetings, Monday through Thursday (including associated costs). Strong preference will be given to those able to attend.
- Engage fully in the experience from January 2025 through August 2026
Cohort 2, 2026-2027 Milestones & Content Topics
Each of the following activities is exclusive to Launchpad Crew Members and Crew Chiefs.
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Feb. 18, 2026
Crew Chief Orientation Webinar
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Feb. 25, 2026
Launchpad Kick-off Webinar
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Feb. 2026
Annual Meeting I Milestone Release
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March 2-6,
2026Annual Meeting
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April 2026
Finding a Career Milestone Release
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May 2026
Board Prep Part I Milestone Release
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June 10, 2026
Virtual Session: Starting Your Job Search
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July 2026
Entering Fellowship Milestone Release
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Sept. 2026
Fellowship Year Milestone Release
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Oct. 21, 2026
Virtual Session: Managing Cash Flow & Advocating for Yourself as a Fellow
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Jan. 20, 2027
Virtual Session: Preparing to End Fellowship
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Feb. 2027
Annual Meeting II Milestone Release
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March 2-6,
2027Annual Meeting
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June 16, 2027
Virtual Session: Preparing for Practice
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June 2027
Starting Practice Milestone Release
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Aug. 2027
Board Prep Part II Milestone Release
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Sept. 2027
Graduation
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions about the AAOS Launchpad.
