COA Annual Awards

• All voting members of the COA are eligible to submit the name(s) of nominated candidates throughout the nomination period.
• Voting members must be in good standing and maintain one of the following membership categories within the COA:
  • Active (and those in the 50% reduction dues category in their first year of practice).
  • Active International (and those in the 50% reduction dues category in their first year of practice).
• Submit the name of your candidate, the award you are nominating them for, and why you feel they are an appropriate recipient.

• Nominees must be a member in good standing of the COA. Non-member nominees can be submitted for special consideration.
• A nominee can be the past or current recipient of another COA Award.

• All candidates will be reviewed and considered by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
• Selected award recipients are notified by the President.
• Only one recipient per award will be selected each year, unless otherwise decided by the Board of Directors.
• A recipient can receive each award only once, unless otherwise decided by the Board of Directors.
• Awards may be presented posthumously.
• If a nominee is not selected for the award, they may be nominated again in a subsequent year.

Current Recipient (2025) – Dr. Mohit Bhandari 

• Awarded in recognition of overall excellence in the advancement of orthopaedic research, education, health-care organization, advocacy and standards of care.
• Recipients of this award are selected by the COA President.

Current Recipient (2025) – Drs. Pascale Thibaudeau and Adrian Huang 

• Awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the Canadian Orthopaedic Association and its members.
• Recipients are recognized for their engagement and active participation in COA events, programs and projects, leadership, and in advancing the COA’s Mission.

Current Recipient (2025) – Dr. Catherine Coady 

• Awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to improving the orthopaedic community and specialty through advocacy, leadership and humanitarianism.
• Recipients are recognized for their substantial contribution to improving the quality of life, culture, opportunities and diverse representation within the orthopaedic community at the national, regional and/or international level.

Current Recipient (2025) – Dr. Graham King 

• Awarded in recognition of many years of exceptional service and consistent contributions to the orthopaedic community and to the COA over a significant period of time.
• Presented to individuals who have made a sustained impact nationally and internationally on the growth of the profession and who have maintained the highest standard of patient care in their practice.
• Recipients must be a strong and positive role model in the community and an exemplary mentor and educator.
• This award recognizes lifetime service rather than a single or shorter-term contribution.

Current Recipients (2025) – Dr. Kristen Barton 

• Awarded in recognition of exceptional service and contributions to the orthopaedic community and to the COA within early practice.
• Recipients are recognized for their early commitment and service that have made a significant difference within the orthopaedic specialty at the national and/or regional level.
• This award recognizes service by members who are in early practice.