AAOS provides education and practice management services for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, serves as an advocate for improved patient care and informs the public about the science of orthopaedics. Founded at Northwestern University as a not-for-profit organization in 1933, the Academy has grown into the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The Academy serves over 39,000 members internationally. Members of the Academy, called fellows, are orthopaedists concerned with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The orthopaedist's scope of practice includes disorders of the body's bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Fellows have completed four years of medical school and at least five years of an approved residency in orthopaedics. In addition, they must pass an oral and written examination, be certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, and submit to stringent membership review processes prior to admittance. Mission: Serving our profession to provide the highest quality musculoskeletal care. Vision: Keeping the world in motion through the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Core Values: ´Excellence: Develop, encourage and reward the highest standards in all of our endeavors ´Professionalism: Account for the highest professional, clinical and ethical standards to our peers, our patients and the public with integrity and transparency ´Leadership: Champion the development and advancement of future leaders, through example, education and experience in our organization, our practices and the world ´Collegiality: Embrace diversity and unity with our patients, our profession and our stakeholders ´Lifelong Learning: Commit to professional education by advancing the science and art of orthopaedic medicine for the needs of our patients ´Accountability: Maintain an efficient, nimble and fiscally accountable organization