The Louisiana Orthopaedic Association (LOA) is the state society of orthopaedic surgeons in Louisiana. The LOA is an affiliated state society of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Orthopaedic surgeons are concerned with the diagnosis, care, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The orthopaedic surgeon’s scope of practice includes disorders of the body's bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
LOA members have completed four years of medical school and at least five years of an approved "residency" in orthopaedics. In addition, they must pass a comprehensive oral and written examination to be certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
There are several categories for membership. Active members are board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
The Goals of the Association are as follows:
- To encourage, develop, and increase the knowledge of orthopaedic surgery among the members and future members of the Association.
- To foster and assure the highest quality musculoskeletal health care through: education of orthopaedic surgeons, other health care professionals and the public; promotion of research; and communication with other professionals and the public. These and other purposes of the LOA exclusively are to foster, develop, support and augment charitable, scientific or educational activities.
- To monitor legislation, regulations, administrative rulings, and court decisions affecting the practice of orthopaedic surgery, and provide timely reports with respect thereto to the Board of Directors
- To promote high moral and ethical standards, together with fellowship and good will among its members.