Annual Service Awards 

The COA’s Annual Service Awards recognize members who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary contributions, influence and commitment to improving the Canadian orthopaedic community.  Awarded each year at the COA Annual Meeting, the Service Awards are high honours bestowed on a member by the Canadian Orthopaedic Association.

  • Nominees must be a member in good standing of the COA. Non-member nominees can be submitted for special consideration by the Awards Committee.
  • A nominee can be the past or current recipient of another COA Annual Service Award.
  • If a nominee is not selected for the award, they may be nominated again in a subsequent year.
  • Only one recipient per award will be selected each year, unless otherwise decided by the Awards Committee.
  • A recipient can receive each award only once, unless otherwise decided by the Awards Committee.
  • Awards may be presented posthumously.

Submit the name of your candidate, the award you are nominating them for, and why you feel they are an appropriate recipient.

Nominate A Colleague Today

Nomination and Selection Process

  • All voting members of the COA are eligible to submit the name(s) of nominated candidates to the Awards Committee throughout the nomination period (January 10 – March 10).
  • 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 by clicking here.

Annual Service Awards

Service to the COA

  • 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.

Service to Orthopaedic Research

  • Awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the advancement of orthopaedic research.
  • Recipients are recognized for their substantial contribution to the establishment and growth of orthopaedic research at the national and/or regional level.

Service to Orthopaedic Education

  • Awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to orthopaedic education and training.
  • Recipients are recognized for their substantial contribution to orthopaedic education at the national and/or regional level.

Service to Improving Clinical Care

  • Awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contributions to the improvement of clinical care.
  • Recipients are recognized for their substantial contribution to improving clinical care of orthopaedic patients at the national and/or regional level.

Service to Specialty Enrichment

  • 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.

Lifetime of Service

  • 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.

Emerging Leader Excellence in Service

  • 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.