Maintaining the highest standards of orthopaedic care
About the COA
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association is a not-for-profit professional association representing the interests of orthopaedic surgeons in Canada. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of orthopaedic care for Canadian patients by providing our surgeon members with continuing medical education, subspecialty support, knowledge sharing, advocacy platforms, fellowship programs, leadership opportunities and collaboration with other health-care associations.
A National Voice for Orthopaedics
The COA serves as the national voice for orthopaedics when speaking with government and media about issues affecting the profession. The COA also maintains close ties with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as well as the 17 orthopaedic training programs in Canada. Training, education and qualification of orthopaedic surgeons are within the purview of both our Association and the College.
Ambassadors since 1945
First formed by members of the Montreal Orthopaedic Society in 1943, the COA had its first meeting in Montreal in June 1945 in conjunction with the Canadian Medical Association.
Since its inception in 1945, our elected Executive members have represented the Association as ambassadors to national and worldwide orthopaedic institutions.
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association consists of members from residency to retirement for orthopaedic professionals. The COA offers membership categories for orthopaedic professionals from residency through to retirement. Apply to join your peers and become a COA member today.
Membership Offerings
Being a member has its perks, members have access to our member’s-only portal for exclusive content, statistics, past newsletters, webinars and industry information you can only receive with membership. In addition, you can pay your membership dues and submit jobs to our Job Board.
Canadian Orthopaedic Association Global Surgery (COAGS)
Canadian Orthopaedic Residents Association (CORA)
Canadian Orthopaedic Surgery Student Network (COSSNET)
News & Media
Diversity in Leadership Scholarship – Apply Now
Diversity in Leadership Scholarship
In its seventh iteration and expansion, applicants may receive $500 up to $2000 CAD to attend a leadership course or conference of their choice. Applicants submitting their application to compete in the Top Prize of two $2000 CAD offers may signal this on the application form.