AO Spine Short-term International Fellowship
The AO Spine Short-term International Fellowship provides additional experience in surgical techniques for fully trained orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons interested in advancing their skills in spine surgery.
Applications for the 2028 Fellowship Program will reopen in April 2027.
The AO Spine Fellowship Program offers a unique educational experience to the most promising young surgeons in the field of spine surgery. Through this program, AO Spine provides access to its global network, fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and valuable networking opportunities across its worldwide community.
What is AO Spine's Short-term International Fellowship?
Our AO Spine Short-term International Fellowship program opens the door to the global AO Spine community, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and meaningful professional connections.
As a fellow, you will train with leading AO Spine experts in renowned centers worldwide and gain exposure to the full spectrum of spine surgical procedures. With flexible short-term fellowships from 4 to 12 weeks, AO Spine provides an inspiring pathway to deepen your expertise and grow as a future leader in spine surgery.
Open call
April 2027
Close callÂ
May 2027
Results
September 2027
What you will gain as an AO Spine fellow?
Gain hands-on exposure to advanced surgical techniques, learn from world-class spine specialists, exchange knowledge across borders, and develop a global network that supports your career long after the fellowship ends.
Clinical Development
Gain advanced spine surgery experience across degenerative infectious, deformity, oncologic.
Mentorship
Gain mentorship, share experiences, and learn from a global network of AO experts.
Career advancement
Build the skills, connections, and experience to take the next step in your career.
AO Spine Short-term International Fellowship Program
The call for application for the 2027 AO Spine program is now closed.
Stay informed about the 2028 Open Call
Candidate requirements
We seek to identify highly motivated young surgeons in orthopedics, neurosurgery, or trauma surgery who have a strong interest in spine surgery. Our goal is to support these individuals and expanding their skills to advance their careers in spine care.
AO Spine Fellowships attract far more applicants than available spots, so take the time to submit your strongest application. We aim to select fellows who will continue to grow, contribute, and stay connected within the global AO Spine community.
Eligibility criteria for AO Spine fellows:
- Be a spine physician or specialized in orthopedic, neurosurgery, or trauma surgery with a strong interest in spine surgery.
- Previous participation in at least one AO Course or one AO event (online or face to face)
- At least two years' membership prior to applying for a Fellowship application—this is because the AO supports fellows who are committed to staying involved with the Foundation, and who share our mission to advance spine care
- Have not participated in a Spine Fellowship in the past two years (except self-funded)
- Up to 45 years old at the time of application
Application process
Your application requires the submission of supporting documents. To speed up the process, have your files ready before you begin. (PDF and JPG formats are accepted only).
Download example PDF to see what information will be required.
* Only complete applications will be reviewed. Please ensure your AO Spine membership is active before applying.
Please prepare and submit the following documents:
- Letter of motivation
- Most updated curriculum vitae (including list of publications)
- Copy of medical diploma or specialization diploma (orthopedics or neurosurgery)
- Most recent AO Spine course/event certificate
- One recommendation letter from a senior surgeon (with signature, contact details and no older than 6 months)
- Copy of passport
- Proof of English proficiency (certificate or self-statement)
Not a member yet?
Connect with the AO Spine community and get access to exclusive member privileges.
AO Spine fellowship host centers
Discover our host centers worldwide and find the best match for you!
Financial support
During your fellowship, you will receive a small stipend fund to contribute to your accommodation and living costs.
Please note:
- The stipend is only a contribution toward travel, accommodation, and meals, and may not cover all costs.
- AO Spine does not arrange accommodation in the host country.
- Travel and insurance costs must be fully covered by the fellow.
The AO Spine Fellowship stipends are calculated using a benchmark of USD 550 for 1 week's fellowship in the United States. The stipends for all other countries are adjusted for the local price level. To calculate the adjustment, the price level ratio of purchasing power parity (PPP) conversion factor to market exchange rate provided by the World Bank is used. The World Bank data can be accessed here. The stipends are paid in Swiss francs equivalents.
Join myAO Fellowship groups
A dedicated online community for current AO fellows, alumni and surgeons interested to join a Fellowship
More information
Questions about our Short-term International Fellowship Program
AO Spine offers multiple fellowship programs
This program is exclusively available to members from Latin America who are currently completing a long-term fellowship at an AO Spine host center in the region. Click here to find out all about our AO Spine LATAM Associate Fellow program.
Designed exclusively for Latin American members, it provides an invaluable opportunity for career advancement while enhancing patient care. Click here to visit our International Exchange program dedicated website.
AO Spine North America offers long-term fellowships for North American residents. For further information, please visit the AO North America website.
If you have any questions, please contact fellowship@aona.org.