Principles-Based Sports Medicine Training for Surgeons
AO Sports North America 2026 Courses: Principles-Based Sports Medicine Training
AO Sports North America delivers principles-based training designed to strengthen clinical decision-making, surgical judgment, and patient care—not just device-specific instruction. The 2026 course lineup offers orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, fellows, and residents opportunities to learn from expert faculty, engage in hands-on education, and connect with peers advancing the field of sports medicine.
What AO Sports NA courses are available in 2026?
AO Sports NA is offering principles, advanced shoulder, and master-level shoulder education in 2026, with courses in Philadelphia and Boston.
AO Sports NA Principles Course—The Joint Is an Organ
August 7–8, 2026 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This interactive two-day course introduces the foundational principles of sports injuries through educational sessions, arthroscopic simulations, practical exercises, 3D-animated tours, and case discussions. Participants will gain insights into the diagnosis and management of sports medicine conditions while exploring the concept of the joint as a dynamic organ.
Audience:
- Attending orthopedic surgeons
- Sports medicine fellows
- Residents seeking sports medicine training
Video: Hear from a Past Participant
Hear from a past participant about the course experience and the value of AO Sports NA principles-based education.
AO Sports NA Advanced Shoulder Course—Management of Rotator Cuff Disease and Shoulder Instability
August 14–15, 2026 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Focused on the shoulder as an integrated organ system, this advanced course examines shoulder anatomy, biomechanics, rotator cuff pathology, and shoulder instability. Participants will deepen their understanding of surgical decision-making and strengthen their approach to complex shoulder conditions.
Audience:
- Senior orthopedic residents
- Sports medicine fellows
- Practicing surgeons seeking to increase their shoulder surgery skills
Video: Course Chair Perspective
Hear from one of the course chairs for an inside look at the course, faculty approach, and learning experience.
AO Sports NA Master Shoulder Course—Shoulder Tendon Transfers & Rotator Cuff Repair
October 29–31, 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts
Designed for experienced orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists, this master-level course explores evidence-based approaches to tendon transfer, complex rotator cuff repair, and management of scapulothoracic abnormalities. Held in collaboration with the Boston Shoulder Institute, the course features expert-led discussions, case-based learning, and advanced educational sessions that support participants looking to refine their expertise in challenging shoulder conditions.
Audience:
- Experienced orthopedic surgeons
- Shoulder and sports medicine specialists
- Orthopedic sports medicine fellows technically proficient with arthroscopic shoulder surgery
Optional Registrant Experience: Halloween Excursion to Salem, MA
Make the most of the course weekend in Boston with an optional Halloween-themed excursion to Salem, Massachusetts, for course registrants. Additional details will be shared soon, including timing, location, and how to participate.
Why attend AO Sports NA courses?
AO Sports North America’s 2026 educational offerings are built around a commitment to excellence in surgeon education, evidence-based practice, and improved patient outcomes. Participants benefit from expert faculty, collaborative learning environments, and practical knowledge they can apply in clinical practice.
Whether you are building a foundation in sports medicine, advancing your shoulder surgery skills, or mastering complex reconstructive procedures, AO Sports NA provides a pathway to continued professional development.
