Empowering the next generation of sports medicine surgeons, the AOSSM is dedicated to nurturing early career members, fostering their growth, and cultivating their engagement within the specialty.
Our objective is to provide comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities for early career members of AOSSM, enabling them to thrive in the dynamic field of sports medicine and actively contribute to the advancement of our Society. Through mentorship and networking, leadership development and engagement opportunities, we aim to equip early career members with the knowledge, skills and connections necessary to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to the mission and vision of AOSSM. Active engagement and development of our rising members is crucial to the long-term sustainability and relevance of our society.
Unlock Your Potential: Elevating the Next Generation of Sports Medicine Surgeons
Support your growth and take an active and engaged role with AOSSM, while maximizing the ongoing benefit of our Society for athletes through initiatives guided by young leaders and professionals.
BOLD Program (Boosting Orthopaedic Leaders’ Development)
Exclusively offered to AOSSM Early Career Members, BOLD is a leadership development program designed to empower, elevate and connect the next generation of sports medicine surgeons.
In partnership with Great on the Job, BOLD assembles rising sports medicine surgeons for a two-year cohort experience who engage in executive leadership education, collaborate with peers on a group project and receive 1:1 executive coaching and mentoring to hone leadership skills in the industry.
BOLD prepares Early Career Members for specialty leadership and volunteerism within AOSSM while providing foundational and experiential opportunities to build confidence and self-assuredness.
Congratulations to our current cohort of BOLD Playmakers who will graduate in July 2027.
AOSSM thanks Enovis and Zimmer Biomet for its gracious support of BOLD and the next generation of sports medicine leaders
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Networking & Mentorship
AOSSM Mentorship Program
The AOSSM Mentorship Program offers residents, fellows and early-career surgeons the chance to connect with and learn from experienced sports medicine experts.
The 2026 application period is now closed. Matches will be announced by June 1. For more information contact membership@aossm.org
Networking Opportunities
- All residents and fellows are invited to attend the Residents & Fellows Forum offered at the AOSSM Annual Meeting.
- All early career members are encouraged to register for the Thursday Night Lights Social during the AOSSM Annual Meeting.
Nightcaps
Nightcaps are virtual AOSSM events aimed at providing Early Career Members with information to help build their practice, guide their career and develop leadership skills. Nightcaps are limited in participants and are informal relaxed gatherings designed for the exchange of ideas. They provide an excellent opportunity to engage with leaders in the field.
Sports Medicine Update
The Early Career Member Committee often contributes to Sports Medicine Update, AOSSM’s online publication on all the latest Society news, available resources, and developments within the orthopaedic sports medicine community.
Check out our recent contributions:
Injury Epidemiology in Paralympic Sport: What the Data Reveal
By Ashley J. Bassett, MD, Adam J. Tagliero, MD, Omar A. Protzuk, MD, Meghan E. Bishop, MD
Paralympic athletes push the limits of human performance. Find out how their distinct injury patterns and care needs are reshaping the future of sports medicine for all athletes. Read More
Return to Play After ACL Reconstruction: Integrating Key Metrics
By Christopher Kuenze, PhD, ATC, Jayson Lian, MD, Claire D. Eliasberg, MD, Edward S. Chang, MD
This article breaks down the evolution of anterior cruciate ligament return-to-play decision-making to better protect athletes and reduce reinjury risk. Read More
The Hidden Costs of NIL: How Injuries and Insurance Impact Athlete Earnings
By Omar A. Protzuk, MD, Travis Dekker, MD, Evan E. Vellios, MD
This article explores the complexities of managing Name, Image, and Likeness earnings for athletes, with a focus on how injuries and insurance considerations intersect. Read More
Protecting Youth Baseball Arms: The Role of Education, Communication, and New Technology
By Claire D. Eliasberg, MD, Edward S. Chang, MD, Matthew S. Fury, MD
With effective education, improved communication, and the implementation of new technologies, players, parents, and health professionals can work together to keep arms healthy throughout the season. Read More
BOLD Progress: A Mid-point Update from the Playmakers
The AOSSM Boosting Orthopaedic Leaders Development (BOLD) program has had lasting impact on the future leaders of the sports medicine field—and the cohort is only halfway done! Read more about the participants and their work. Read More
Return to Play Decision-Making: Balancing Athlete Health and Competitive Goals
By Meghan E. Bishop, MD, Matthew S. Fury, MD
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a sports medicine surgeon is guiding an athlete through recovery from an injury and successfully returning them to the field. It's crucial to prioritize the athlete's best interest, communicate effectively, and consider the athlete's overall condition when making decisions about their return to play. Read More
BOLD Impact on Early Career Orthopaedic Surgeons
By Clark Bulleit, BS, Travis Dekker, MD, Brian Lau, MD, MPH
Early career orthopaedic surgeons face overwhelming challenges. AOSSM's BOLD Program, established in 2023, offers leadership skills and mentorship, nurturing future leaders. Read MoreGet Involved
- Apply to serve on a committee. The application process opens in the winter.
- Get engaged through the grassroots level by submitting a self-nomination to the Council of Delegates. Nominations are accepted in the spring.
- Apply to the Traveling Fellowship Program for an opportunity to foster an exchange of knowledge and development of friendship with other surgeons on a global level.
- Apply for a Research Grant or Award opportunity, including the Young Investigator Research Grant, the Excellence in Research Award and the Bart Mann Award.
- Submit a paper for the Annual Meeting to be considered for the Herodicus Award or Fellows Research Awards.
- Become a journal reviewer and contribute to the excellence of AOSSM’s publications that helps over 10,000 readers worldwide keep current in sports medicine.
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