AAOS Awards 2025 IDEA Grants to Promote Diversity in Orthopaedics
Program awards $300,000 in grants in third year
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has proudly announced 30 recipients of the 2025 AAOS IDEA Grant Program. This initiative is designed to reduce disparities in orthopaedics while promoting measurable change in the field. Selected on the basis of the merit of their proposals, these recipients aim to mitigate bias and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in orthopaedic surgery. Since its inception in 2022, the IDEA Grant Program has successfully funded nearly 75 programs nationwide, contributing over $900,000 to date.
The AAOS IDEA Grant Program is dedicated to funding educational initiatives, community outreach, and programs that foster a rich pipeline of diverse individuals pursuing careers in orthopaedics. The grants are intended to support DEI initiatives for both community-based and academic orthopaedic surgeons, expanding access to AAOS educational resources and networking to a diverse array of students and practicing professionals. The program particularly focuses on gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and disability.
“We are excited to witness the growth and commitment of the IDEA Grant Program. This valuable funding opportunity supports various initiatives across the U.S., facilitating innovative solutions for encouraging, preparing, and sustaining diverse groups on their journey into orthopaedic surgery,” stated AAOS Diversity Advisory Board Chair Holly Tyler-Paris Pilson, MD, FAAOS, FAOA. She highlighted that the number of IDEA Grants awarded in 2025 has nearly doubled from the previous year, marking significant strides towards creating more equitable and accessible perspectives in musculoskeletal patient care. This program nurtures a collaborative culture that promotes orthopaedics as a fulfilling career choice.
The program funds are divided across four specific tracks: touchpoints, retention, community retention/support, and academic retention/support, each with its unique DEI focus. The funding is partially supported by contributions from Stryker, a global leader in medical technology.
2025 IDEA Grant Recipients
Track 1 – Touchpoints: This track supports single-event programs directed at promoting DEI initiatives in orthopaedics, aimed to enhance opportunities for established pathway programs that attract diverse medical students and residents.
Some recipients include:
- American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons (AALOS)
- California University of Science and Medicine, RJOS, OSIG
- Curators of the University of Missouri
- J. Robert Gladden Orthopedic Society (JRGOS)
- Latino Medical Student Association
- Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society: ASAMI-North America
- Nth Dimensions
- Perry Initiative
- Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS)
- Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons (SOMOS)
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Track 2 – Retention: This track focuses on supporting organizations and programs aimed at recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce in orthopaedic surgery over the long term.
Some recipients include:
- JRGOS
- Early Exposure for College and High School Students in Orthopedics (ECHO)
- Medical Student Orthopedic Society
- Pride Orthopaedics Inc. (two grants)
- RJOS
- RJOS – TCU Burnett School of Medicine Chapter
- RJOS Chapter at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin
- SpeakUpOrtho
- Student National Medical Association
- University of Chicago Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Track 3 – Community Retention/Support: Grants are allocated for programs with a focus on retaining a diverse workforce in orthopaedic surgery in private settings.
Some recipients include:
- Peachtree Orthopedic Foundation
- Sabesan Orthopaedic Research Inc.
Track 4 – Academic Retention/Support: Grants for programs focused on retaining diverse professionals within U.S. academic centers.
Some recipients include:
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University of Orthopaedics
- Temple University Hospital
- Trustees of Tufts College (dba Tufts University)
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
For a complete list of the 2025 grant recipients and details about funding awards, visit aaos.org/IDEA. Information regarding the application timeline for the 2026 grant cycle will be released in the Spring of the following year.
About the AAOS
With a membership exceeding 39,000, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is recognized as the world’s most extensive medical association for musculoskeletal specialists. AAOS leads the way in advancing musculoskeletal health by providing top-notch educational resources that equip orthopaedic surgeons and health professionals to optimize patient treatment. The Academy serves as a crucial resource for information on bone and joint conditions, effectively leading discussions about enhancing health care quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the AAOS IDEA Grant Program aim to achieve?
The AAOS IDEA Grant Program focuses on reducing disparities in orthopaedics and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field.
How many grants were awarded in 2025?
A total of 30 IDEA Grants were awarded in 2025, nearly doubling the number from the previous year.
Who funds the AAOS IDEA Grant Program?
The program receives support from various sources, including contributions from leading medical technology companies like Stryker.
What are the focus areas for the IDEA grants?
The grants focus on several demographics, including gender, race, ethnicity, and veteran status to ensure comprehensive support.
Where can one find more information about the grant recipients?
Detailed information regarding the grant recipients, including the total funding and application details, can be found on the AAOS official website under the IDEA program section.
