Section on Orthopaedics (SOOr)

The mission of the Section on Orthopaedics (SOOr), founded in 1976, is to improve musculoskeletal health of children through mentorship, education, research, advocacy, and service. Membership in the Section is open to physicians boarded by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery who devote at least 50% of their practice to the care of infants, children, and adolescents; members of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA); members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) who are eligible for membership and members of the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. The Section on Orthopaedics holds its annual business meeting and educational program as part of the AAP's National Conference & Exhibition. The Section also proposes educational topics for seminars and plenary sessions that would be of interest to the general pediatrician such as the popular "Taping, Splinting, and Casting" workshop. The SOOr's two-day educational program highlights cutting edge research presentations from across the country and offers a variety of networking opportunities. During the Section Program, three $1,000 Young Investigators Awards, co-sponsored by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, are awarded for the best papers presented by a resident, fellow, or medical student. The Distinguished Service Award (DSA), the Section's highest honor, is also presented at the National Conference and Exhibition. The DSA honors an individual orthopaedics who has contributed to the Academy's mission of excellence in the areas of patient care, research or training. The Section also provides a host of grant options, committee opportunities, and policy development efforts. [Contact us](https://www.aap.org/en/get-involved/aap-sections/orthopaedics/about-soor/contact-soor/) for more information on how to get involved with the Section on Orthopaedics or for further information about specific Section activities.