Western Orthopaedic Foundation

The Western Orthopaedic Foundation (WOF) is the fund-raising arm of its parent organization, the Western Orthopaedic Association (WOA). The WOF is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization created in 2015 with the goal of enhancing research and educational opportunities for orthopaedists throughout the 14 western states. The organization provides research grants and awards to qualified recipients and manages the funds for the 5 named awards given out annually at the WOA annual meeting: The Anzel, Taylor, Thompson, Willingham and the Splithoff Awards. The WOF also manages the funds for the magnificent Howard Steel Honorary Lectureship, which brings dynamic and fascinating speakers to the annual conference to speak on topics outside the realm of orthopaedic science. Each year, the WOF bestows a number of research grants for residents training at institutions across the 14-state region, and funds the OREF Resident Grants awarded to residents in our region. All of this is possible thanks to donations from generous Association members and industry partners who recognize the value of supporting those who will lead our profession into the future.