Academy Streamlines the Fellow of the Academy Renewal Process
A New Era for the Fellow of the Academy
The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is introducing a more streamlined way to maintain the Fellow of the Academy designation. Fellowship will become an Academy membership category, eliminating the separate five-year Fellowship renewal application and review process.
Once earned, Fellowship will be maintained by renewing annually in the membership category that reflects the individual’s membership type and Fellow designation:
- Professional Member Fellow — FAAOP
- Professional Member Fellow with Distinction — FAAOP(D)
- Associate Member Fellow — FAAOP(A)
A $25 annual Fellow category fee will be included with membership renewal to cover administrative costs.
The Process Is Changing. The Standards Are Not.
Fellowship remains one of the Academy’s highest professional honors. The eligibility requirements and approval process for earning the designation are unchanged. Candidates must continue to meet the Academy’s established criteria and demonstrate sustained contributions to the O&P profession and the Academy.
Current Fellows will transition automatically to the appropriate membership category. No additional application or documentation is required.
Information for Previous and Recently Renewed Fellows
Individuals whose Fellow status lapsed within the past five years may be eligible to restore it if they maintained continuous Academy membership. Those who recently paid the previous five-year Fellowship renewal fee may also request an account review.
Active Academy membership is required to maintain a Fellow membership category. Individuals whose Academy membership has lapsed should contact the Membership team for information about reinstatement.