This weekend’s Atlantic Provinces Orthopaedic Society (APOS) Annual Meeting brought together colleagues from across Atlantic Canada in Halifax, and marked Dr. Robert Litchfield’s first regional engagement as COA President. It was a strong start to this year’s series of regional meetings, with thoughtful discussions and excellent participation throughout. Our thanks to Dr. Bernard Burgesson for shaping a robust and well curated program as this year’s APOS Program Chair. Next week, Dr. Litchfield heads west for the Alberta Orthopaedic Society Meeting as the regional tour continues.

Early‑career surgeons can now apply to the COA’s Emerging Leaders Program—supported by Zimmer Biomet. Gain access to leadership training, personalized coaching, and structured development designed to support your growth as a leader in orthopaedics. Apply before September 30. coa-aco.org/education-and-pr…

📷 Get ready to step into a new month with the Canadian Orthopaedic Association! Mark your calendars as we highlight the latest in education, events and important deadlines. Stay connected and informed with everything that's coming up in the month of June by visiting our website: coa-aco.org Questions surrounding any of our activities this month? Email [email protected] #CdnOrthoAssoc #COAMember

Where Every Subspecialty Takes the Spotlight At the #COAMeeting, every subspecialty gets the spotlight - starting with our new Rapid‑Fire 3‑minute, 3‑slide sessions running three times daily on Thursday and Friday during the upcoming Annual Meeting in St. John’s. In the Exhibit Hall, posters are back and organized by subspecialty, with authors rotating through break times for live Q&A. Top posters will be announced Friday afternoon. Then comes Subspecialty Day on Saturday, offering a full day of papers, debates, workshops, hot‑topic symposia and more! Check out full program online and register today! xcdsystem.com/coa/program/xd…

Final Reminder for Newfoundland & Labrador Surgeons and Memorial Orthopaedics Alumni With the COA Annual Meeting returning to St. John’s, don't miss this opportunity to take advantage of waived readmission fees and reconnect with colleagues from across Canada. Join us as we celebrate, learn, and proudly represent Newfoundland & Labrador on home turf. - St. John's, NL - June 10–13, 2026 - Readmission fee waiver ends June 1 Memorial Orthopaedics Alumni Gathering Following the conclusion of the COA Annual Meeting, join fellow Memorial Orthopaedics alumni for an evening gathering at Bannerman Brewing Company. Reconnect with colleagues, share updates, and celebrate our community in a relaxed setting. - Saturday, June 13, 2026 - 7:00 PM - Bannerman Brewing Company 90 Duckworth Street, St. John's, NL For more information, please contact Dr. Nick Smith <[email protected]> or Frank O'Dea <[email protected]>

Celebrate, Connect, and Experience St. John’s: 2026 COA Social Events The 2026 Annual Meeting social program showcases the best of St. John’s, with plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and enjoy true East Coast hospitality. The week kicks off with the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, June 10 at 18:00 in the Exhibit Hall — free for all registered delegates. Enjoy food and drinks as you explore hands‑on demos, meet industry partners, and reconnect with colleagues. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for the days ahead. Residents can look forward to the CORA Residents Party on Thursday, June 11 at O’Reilly’s Pub on iconic George Street. On Friday, June 12, the signature COA Kitchen Party brings everyone together for a warm, spirited Newfoundland tradition — complete with fish n’ chips, live music, dancing, and a classic Screech In. Tickets are limited — add yours to your registration today. coa-aco.org/annual-meeting/s…

COA President Dr. Sukhdeep Dulai had the pleasure of participating in last week’s UBC Ortho Update and BCOA meeting in Vancouver, contributing as both a speaker and a research day judge, and taking part in the residents’ graduation gala. Pictured here with four Past COA Presidents from UBC, this legacy moment highlights the strength and continuity of leadership that has shaped the COA’s growth. Thank you to Department Head Dr. Kishore Mulpuri and BCOA President Dr. David Nelson (second slide) for the warm hospitality and for including the COA President in such an energizing program. We value every opportunity to learn from our provincial and regional colleagues. Fun fact: Drs. Dulai and Nelson were med school classmates — full‑circle moments like this make the work even more meaningful.

St. John’s is calling! As we gather June 10–13, this is the perfect moment for Newfoundland and Labrador members to reconnect and be represented within the COA community. If you’re a former member or Memorial Orthopaedics alum, we’ve missed you and we’d love to welcome you back. Readmission fees are waived until June 1. Re-engage with a strong national network, meaningful advocacy, and opportunities to grow, lead, and help shape the future of orthopaedics in Canada. Ready to rejoin? Email [email protected] to get started

The Mentor for a Day Program is back at the COA Annual Meeting on June 13! This half‑day experience brings together leaders across orthopaedics to share insights, build connections, and support the next generation entering our field. Residents can sign up to shadow a subspecialty leader or mentor a medical student attending the meeting. Subspecialty clinicians can also take part by mentoring fellows entering the same subspecialty—an impactful way to guide trainees as they step into advanced training. If you’re looking to deepen your engagement, expand your network, and give back to the ortho community, this is a great opportunity! Register by May 15 by emailing Mary Smith @ the COA Head Office: [email protected]

Happy Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day! #CdnOrthoDay #OrthoCareCanada #JournéeOrthoCan #SoinsOrthoCanada

The countdown is on! Join us Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as we mark the 5th Canadian Orthopaedic Care Day. #CdnOrthoDay #OrthoCareCanada #JournéeOrthoCan #SoinsOrthoCanada

A First Look at the 2026 Annual Meeting Lineup The 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place June 10 – 13 in St. John’s, is shaping up to be one of the most robust and engaging programs in recent years. We are honoured to feature two distinguished Canadian leaders at the forefront of this year’s program: The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, who will deliver the 2026 RI Harris Lecture during a special session on Thursday, June 11 from 9:00–10:30, and Dr. Albert Yee, this year’s Macnab Lecturer and CORS featured speaker, bringing leading translational research to our national stage on Friday, June 12. The program expands into a wide‑ranging educational experience with an outstanding roster of subspecialty guest speakers from around the world. - COFAS welcomes Dr. Eric Ferkel (USA) and Dr. Niek van Dijk (The Netherlands). - CPOS presents Dr. Alaric Aroojis (India). - COAGS features Dr. Rishkard Juin (Haiti) and Dr. Valentyn Rohozynskyj (Ukraine). These experts are joined by a remarkable group of special guests from international orthopaedic societies and travelling fellowship programs, each adding global perspective and strengthening inter‑organizational collaboration. Together, they help create one of the most diverse and multidimensional scientific programs the COA has ever assembled. With innovative session formats—including Rapid‑Fire research presentations, an energized meeting Kick‑Off and Bull Session, and cross-subspecialty programming—the 2026 COA | CORS | CORA Annual Meeting promises dynamic learning and meaningful exchange. Register by April 15 to take advantage of early‑bird pricing and take a look at the program right here.

2025 brought Canadian orthopaedics together—across the country and across subspecialties. These impactful moments reflect shared work, shared purpose, and the strength that comes from joining our voices. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, care, and commitment throughout the year. Wishing everyone a healthy and meaningful 2026.