About the COA
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA) 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.
The COA also serves as the national voice for orthopaedics when speaking with government and media about issues affecting the profession. Since its inception in 1945, our elected Executive members have represented the Association as ambassadors to national and worldwide orthopaedic institutions.
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.
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.
