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Advancing Children's Healthcare

We train the world’s best pediatric surgeons
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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.

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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.

Save Your Spot

8th International Children’s Spine Symposium
8th International Children’s Spine Symposium
Sold Out
This comprehensive program addresses the spine from the cervical spine to the sacrum, and covers all major spinal disorders.
When
Apr 05, 2024, 7:15 a.m. MDT – Apr 06, 2024, 4:00 p.m. MDT
Where
Center for Surgical Innovation, BioSci 3,
Center for Surgical Innovation, 2115 N. Scranton St., Suite 1035, Aurora, CO 80045

Join Us

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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Join our growing community by signing up for our newsletter. You'll gain exclusive insights into our upcoming initiatives, celebrate our successes with us, and be the first to know about new courses before they launch.

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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. 

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. Bryan Tompkins

Board Member

Dr. Tompkins is Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and joined the staff of the Spokane Shriners Hospital in September 2007. He earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Tompkins completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency at the Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, New York followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Orthopaedics at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Because of his interests in information technology, Dr. Tompkins has served on the Internet Committee and Technology Oversight Committee of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America since 2007. His interests include spine, gait abnormalities, hip preservation, sports medicine, and general pediatric orthopaedics.

Steve Schwartz

Treasurer

Stephen Schwartz currently serves as the Executive Director of AO North America, a non-profit organization serving the educational, research, and career needs of North American musculoskeletal surgeons. He is also President of GDS Consulting Services, LLC., specializing in the areas of professional medical education, marketing, and medical humanitarian initiatives. As Executive Director of AO North America, he works closely with top orthopaedic and spine specialties to provide the highest quality educational and programmatic support for them and their colleagues. His work with AO North America also has resulted in a close working relationship with the AO Foundation. He has extensive experience in the medical device marketplace primarily as a result of his 32-year career with Synthes Inc. He worked in a variety of Executive Management positions including a 12-year tenure as Senior Vice President. He currently serves on the Boards of several non-profit organizations.​

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.

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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.

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Dr. Bryce Hunter

Orthopedic Educator

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​Dr. McStuffins

Pediatric Vetranarian

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​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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

Armstrong Children's Orthopedic Alliance

11231 US Highway 1, Ste 267
North Palm Beach, FL 33408

Phone: 561-307-8703

Fax: 941-896-5306

 

We are proudly a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) Public Charity

© Armstrong Children's Orthopedic Alliance. All rights reserved

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