Orthopaedic Women's Link (OWL)

Advocacy and leadership

• Advocate for gender-related issues affecting women in orthopaedics.
• Support career development, training and educational opportunities.
• Promote flexibility within orthopaedic training and practice.
• Represent the perspectives of women across AOA committees and activities.
  

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Education and career development

• Create visible role models within orthopaedics.
• Provide access to career advice and guidance.
• Promote educational opportunities and professional development.
• Liaise with medical students, junior doctors and trainees.
• Encourage more women to pursue orthopaedic surgery as a career.

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Mentorship and emerging leaders

• Provide mentorship opportunities.
• Support trainees, junior doctors and medical students.
• Encourage professional networking and knowledge sharing.
• Promote leadership development throughout all career stages.

OWL Workshops

Throughout the year, OWL delivers workshops that provide female medical students, interns and junior doctors with an insight into orthopaedic surgery. The workshops aim to challenge perceptions of orthopaedic surgeons, create opportunities for participants to network and connect with potential mentors, and encourage them to consider a career in orthopaedic surgery. Workshops include a brief presentation, hands on skills stations and a panel Q&A.  For more information on upcoming workshops, please refer to the OWL Workshop page.

OWL Essay

OWL Soirée

The annual OWL Soirée is held during the AOA annual scientific meeting and is one of the social highlights of the event. It brings together members and supporters for an evening of networking, connection and celebration. Find out more about the OWL Soirée.