The mission of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) is to promote excellence in care for injured patients by providing scientific forums and supporting musculoskeletal research and education for Orthopaedic Surgeons and the public. The OTA aims to be the authoritative source on the optimal treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injury, communicate this to the Orthopaedic and medical community, and influence healthcare policy affecting injury care and prevention. The association emphasizes adaptability, fiscal responsibility, and diversity in its worldwide membership, striving for leadership in education, research, and patient advocacy with a commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels.
The OTA's Young Investigator Research Grant is designed to assist recent orthopaedic trauma fellowship graduates in overcoming the challenges of securing initial funding for research, thereby supporting their academic and scientific growth. This two-year career development award targets qualified orthopaedic trauma surgeons within five years of completing their fellowship who have shown a commitment and potential for scientific achievement. The grant focuses on funding mentored research and learning activities that are relevant to orthopaedic trauma, supporting both laboratory and clinical research lines. Collaboratively run with AO Trauma North America (AOTNA) and the Center for Orthopaedic Injury Research and Innovation (COIRI), the program includes biennial meetings, full access to a suite of committee resources such as the OTA Research Mentoring Program, OTA Grant Library, and AO Program for Education and Excellence in Research (AO PEER). Awardees receive a $35,000 grant over two years, distributed in installments.