The ABC Travelling Fellowship, conceived in 1948 by Dr. R.I. Harris of Toronto during his presidency of the American Orthopaedic Association, is a prestigious program fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange among orthopaedic surgeons from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. This fellowship not only enhances professional development but also strengthens ties within the global orthopaedic community.
The tour traditionally begins in the Spring of every odd year (i.e. 2027, 2029 etc.). During the even-numbered years (i.e. 2026, 2028 etc.), overseas Fellows visit North America, while Fellows from the United States and Canada tour abroad during the odd-numbered years. Fellows from the US and Canada will always visit Great Britain, but will alternate Australia and New Zealand with South Africa during their tour as ABC Fellows.
Two (2) Canadian candidates are selected by the COA’s Exchange Fellowships Committee for the tour.
Five (5) American candidates are selected by the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) for the same tour.
We’re pleased to share that Drs. Maryse Bouchard and Jarret Woodmass have been selected as the 2027 ABC Travelling Fellows.
Dr. Maryse Bouchard (University of Toronto, SickKids Hospital) is a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon with a focus on foot and ankle surgery, limb deformity, trauma, and medical device and software design.
Dr. Jarret Woodmass (University of Manitoba, Pan Am Clinic) is a shoulder and sport medicine surgeon whose work spans complex reconstruction, arthroscopy, and translational research aimed at improving upper‑extremity outcomes.
Both are active contributors to COA committees and subspecialty society leadership, helping advance national education, programming, and member initiatives.
They will represent the COA on next year’s international tour, joining five colleagues from the American Orthopaedic Association for a multi‑week journey through leading centres in the UK and South Africa. Their selection reflects outstanding clinical leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to advancing Canadian orthopaedics on the global stage.
Learn more about the fellowship experience from the fellows themselves through past travel blogs or through the links below.
We’re pleased to share that Drs. Maryse Bouchard and Jarret Woodmass have been selected as the 2027 ABC Travelling Fellows.
They will represent the COA on next year’s international tour, joining five colleagues from the American Orthopaedic Association for a multi‑week journey through leading centres in the UK and South Africa
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Bouchard and Woodmass on this tremendous achievement.
