Advancing Children's Healthcare

We train the world’s best pediatric surgeons

Our Mission

Enhance the knowledge and experience of surgical trainees, practicing surgeons, physicians, and allied health professionals through education and research beginning with those who are involved in treating children with orthopaedic disorders and injuries.

When I look upon a child, I am filled with admiration for that child
— not so much for what it is today, as for what it may become

Louis Pasteur

About

Founded in 2018 we focus on improving care globally through continuous research and education. Collaborations with international teams allow us to expand our impact by funding research and supporting care in underdeveloped countries.

+40h

We've built over 40 hours of dedicated surgical pediatric content with some of the greatest international experts in the space.

250

The ACOA along with its partners started with one course to gauge interest and the overwhelming support of our peers has driven the us to deliver over 250 courses in our first five years

3K

Medical professionals educated to date with over 250 more added every year, improving the lives of children around the world.

+45%

Reduction in error rates and misdiagnosis in our course content by medical professionals trained on our course material.

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At the ACOA, we need your help to expand our educational partnerships and improve the treatment of children around the world. Your donation can make a big impact on the health of children in need.

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Our Research Articles

Operative Treatment of Cervical Spine Injuries Sustained in Youth Sports

Verhofste, Bram P. MD; Hedequist, Daniel J. MD; Birch, Craig M. MD; Rademacher, Emily S. BS; Glotzbecker, Michael P. MD†; Proctor, Mark R. MD; Yen, Yi-Meng MD, PhD

Lack of Sleep and Sports Injuries in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Gao, Burke BS; Dwivedi, Shashank MD; Milewski, Matthew D. MD; Cruz, Aristides I. Jr MD, MBA

Chronic Lack of Sleep is Associated With Increased Sports Injuries in Adolescent Athletes

Milewski, Matthew D. MD; Skaggs, David L. MD, MMM; Bishop, Gregory A. MS; Pace, J. Lee MD; Ibrahim, David A. MD; Wren, Tishya A.L. PhD; Barzdukas, Audrius MEd

Our Partners

We're exceptionally privileged to be associated with these storied institutions who are as enthusiastic about our vision for the future of pediatric healthcare as we are.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Our Team and Board

We take pride in our exceptional team of board members who lend their expertise and resources to help us provide the highest quality pediatric medical education. Founded by Dr. Peter Armstrong, our team is dedicated to advancing the field and improving the lives of children everywhere.

Caroline Eaton

Executive Director

Caroline brings more than a decade of experience in pediatric orthopaedics, both in practice management and philanthropy. Under her leadership, the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute grew from a single physician practice to one of the nation's leading pediatric orthopaedic centers serving over one thousand children per year. She co-founded and led the Paley Foundation, a 501c3 public charity, which raised over two million dollars for international missions and physician education. Caroline grew the Paley Institute's international physician education training program and launched seminars as part of the Foundation's earned income program. Caroline's compassion and extraordinary professionalism has made a lasting impact on her colleagues, patients, and their families.

Dr. Todd Ritzman

Secretary

Todd Ritzman, MD is Director of Education of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Akron Children’s Hospital, Surgeon Director of The Austen Bioskills Lab at Akron Children’s Hospital, and Co-Director of the combined Cleveland Clinic / Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Orthopedic Surgical Fellowship. He attended medical school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed orthopedic residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Pediatric Orthopedic & Scoliosis Fellowship at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. He is an active member of the AOA, AAOS, and POSNA and has a clinical and research interest in pediatric spinal deformity. Dr Ritzman is the founding Course Director of the Annual Akron Pediatric Orthopedic Resident Review Course, a comprehensive didactic and cadaveric surgical skills course which hosts 120 residents annually.

Dr. Jon Davids

Vice President

Jon R. Davids. MD is a board certified Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, who is the Assistant Chief of Orthopaedics and Medical Director of the Motion Analysis Laboratory at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California; and Professor and Ben Ali Chair in Pediatric Orthopaedics in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of California Davis Medical School in Sacramento, California, USA. Jon has published and lectured extensively at regional, national and international levels, teaching gait analysis interpretation and clinical applications for children with cerebral palsy, myelodysplasia, and limb deficiency. He is also an active member of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons (ABOS), Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) and the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA). Jon serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics and Gait & Posture.

Testimonials

ACOA has been a game-changer in my career. The level of knowledge and expertise I gained through their pediatric medical education program was truly world-class. The experience was outstanding, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from their talented professionals. Thank you, ACOA, for giving me the confidence and skills I need to excel in my career as a pediatrician.

This pediatric program is clearly designed to provide the best experience by a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to excellence. My team benefited from our participation in the Trauma program and are excited to come back for the next super session.

Come see why so many aspiring pediatricians choose ACOA for their medical education.

As someone who recently participated in a pediatric medical education program at ACOA, I can confidently say that it was a great experience. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from such a smart team of educators.

An especially big thank you to the team at the in person event, what a great day! Can't wait to return for the next one.

Dr. Bryce Hunter

Orthopedic Educator

Dr. McStuffins

Pediatric Vetranarian

Dr. Rizwan Syed

Doctor of Design

From our Founder

One of Dr. Robert Salter’s favorite quotes was from Louis Pasteur. "When I look upon a child, I am filled with admiration for that child—not so much for what it is today, as for what it may become." In many ways, that quote defines our profession and binds us together in the cause of helping children with orthopaedic conditions realize their full potential.

A critically important part of that responsibility is ensuring that we, as pediatric orthopaedic specialists, are doing the very best we can in providing care to our patients. That involves a commitment to continuous quality improvement through constant research and education.

The purpose of the ACOA is to have an entity that will focus, initially, on globally advancing pediatric orthopaedics through excellence in education. We are honored to be working in close collaboration with the Education Council of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America in this endeavor.

As the ACOA grows, we will be looking for other ways in which we can “advance pediatric orthopaedics”. This may include the ability to fund important research relevant to the understanding and management of pediatric orthopaedic conditions. It may also involve supporting, in various ways, the provision of care to children with orthopaedic issues in underdeveloped countries.

Through our various efforts, our ultimate goal will always be to help a child “for what it may become”!

Get Involved

ACOA Fireside Chats

Let us help you engage in the world of pediatrics through our deep relationship with the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics (the JPO). We're thrilled to be able to share back articles and discussions from our monthly meet ups and fireside chats. Dive in!

Computed Tomography Analysis of Distal Tibia Physeal Fracture Patterns: A Classification and Technique for Optimizing Screw Trajectory

Fractures involving the anterolateral distal tibia, often referred to as Tillaux or Triplane fractures, are often treated operatively to achieve an anatomic reduction of the ankle joint articular surface.

Management of Pediatric and Adolescent Sublime Tubercle Injuries: Isolated and Complex Patterns Demonstrate Distinct Etiologies and Radiographic Outcomes

The aim of this study was to assess the patient demographics, epidemiology, mechanism of injury, and natural history of sublime tubercle avulsion injuries.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in the Adolescent Population: Injury Demographics and Risk of Reinjury Among High School Athletes

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is increasing among the adolescent population with a peak occurring in the high school age range.