AOA strategic plans

Strategic Plan 2027–2029

AOA pursues its purpose of restoring and advancing the wonder of movement, through four core strategies:

Education and training
Workforce distribution and equity
Clinical practice and research
Advocacy and engagement

Download the AOA Strategic Plan 2027–2029

The AOA Strategic Plan 2027–2029 has been shaped by feedback gathered over a six-month period, with members, board committees, directors and patient advocacy groups contributing a broad range of perspectives. This feedback highlighted key areas of focus, including continued excellence in education and training; ethical clinical practice; addressing workforce challenges, particularly in rural, regional and remote areas; and enhancing the member experience.

Education and training

Continuous quality improvement of education and training that is focused on advancing clinical practice.

Aims

To achieve accreditation of the Australia New Zealand College of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ANZCOS) while continuing to deliver high-quality, cost-effective selection, education and training, and CPD.
To ensure the AOA 21 Training Program remains globally recognised as best practice through the implementation of the AOA 21 Review recommendations.
To support the growth of a culturally informed, sustainable, and diverse orthopaedic workforce through education, training, and ongoing capability development.
To strengthen training pathways and engagement opportunities that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples participation.
To improve rural, regional, and remote education and training pathways.
To further promote ethical behaviour and practice across the profession through enhanced education and leadership.
To explore how AI can be securely leveraged to enhance education and training and to deliver a user-friendly technology platform.

Workforce distribution and equity

Providing inclusive opportunities for our members that deliver equitable patient access to musculoskeletal care.

Aims

To address issues relating to workforce maldistribution and underrepresented groups, including retention and workforce capability.
To encourage a culture of well-being, mentorship, and psychological safety within the orthopaedic community and training environments.
To improve equitable and culturally and clinically appropriate access to musculoskeletal care.
To strengthen diverse and inclusive representation through participation, engagement and input within governance and decision-making structures and AOA leadership groups.
To promote ethical decision-making and professional conduct aligned to AOA’s ethical principles.

Clinical practice and research

Excellence in maintaining standards and effective participation in, and translation of, musculoskeletal research.

Aims

To utilise AOA research infrastructure, resources, and partners to drive evidence-based improvements in patient care and reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disease, disorders and injuries.
To collaborate with patient and consumer groups to ensure their needs and perspectives are reflected in musculoskeletal research.
To expand and optimise AOA’s research capability and strengthen member research literacy.
Enhance the data collection and analysis capabilities of AOA through technological transformation.

Advocacy and engagement

Purposeful representation and engagement with diverse stakeholders to advance musculoskeletal health and care.

Aims

To continue advocating for members across a range of issues and with a variety of stakeholders.
To continue advocating for improved universal access to safe, ethical, evidence-based quality care for all patients.
To strengthen AOA’s reputation and leadership as an independent peak body for orthopaedic surgery.
To promote the inclusion of consumer voices in care decisions and a culture of delivering consumer-centered care.
To strengthen collaborative relationships with key internal, national, and international stakeholders across the musculoskeletal health ecosystem.
To enhance member engagement and experience.
To provide opportunities for members to advance leadership, governance, risk, and strategy capabilities.