Travelling Fellowships

NATF

(North American Travelling Fellowship)

Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 North American Travelling Fellowship (NATF) tour. This unique opportunity has helped shape generations of orthopaedic leaders, innovators, and educators while fostering lasting professional relationships across North America.

Application Deadline: January 15 for the 2027 NATF Tour that takes place in the Fall of 2027.

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General Information

The NAT Fellowship traditionally involves a tour of the US and Canada by one (1) Canadian fellow and four (4) US fellows. The tour begins in the fall of every odd year (i.e. 2025, 2027 etc.)

As an NATF Fellow, you will represent Canadian orthopaedics, showcase research and innovations while learning from leading orthopaedic surgeons and institutions throughout Canada and the United States.

Applications are open until January 15 for the 2027 NATF Tour that takes place next Fall.

Open to COA members in good standing who have completed their orthopaedic residency within the past five years, this fellowship offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and networking.

The COA’s Exchange Fellowships Committee will select one Canadian fellow to join four colleagues chosen by the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) for an unforgettable five-week tour of leading orthopaedic centres across Canada and the United States in Fall 2027.

Application Form

Applications are open until January 15 for the 2027 NATF Tour that takes place next Fall.

Apply Now

Selection Process

Following the initial review and evaluation of applications, the top candidates will be invited to individual 15-minute interviews with the Exchange Fellowships Committee during the evening of Wednesday, February 10, 2027 at 19:00 ET. These interviews will help inform the final selection decision.

Tour Diaries & Past Fellows

Want to know what it’s really like? Explore the NATF tour diaries and travel blogs from past fellows for a firsthand look at the experiences, connections, and insights that make this fellowship a career-defining opportunity.

Click here to see a listing of previous NATF fellows

The North American Travelling Fellowship (NATF) commenced in 1968. The first group of Fellows began their tour in Washington, and then visited a number of orthopaedic centres throughout the United States and Canada.

This Fellowship was originally designated for orthopaedic surgeons who had recently completed their orthopaedic residency and were in their first years of practice. The eligibility was eventually extended to include applicants up to five (5) years following completion of their training.