About US

Building the future OF ORTHOPAEDICS

Orthopaedic Women’s Association, formerly Orthopaedic Women of Howard was created in 2019 by Dr. Rolanda Willacy during her third year of Medical School at Howard University College of Medicine. She was inspired to create this group two years after she founded the Women in Orthopaedics Dinner in 2017. At that time only 6% of Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons were women, even though 51% of Medical Students were reported to be Female. 

It became Dr. Willacy’s mission to help dispel the myths with the specialty, while providing resources to Women considering a career path in Orthopaedics. This student organization was thus formed and has since helped Medical Students globally to accomplish their dreams of becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon. Through mentorship, workshops, symposiums, internships and clinical shadowing, this organization is helping to build the future of Orthopaedics. 

Most notably, this organization has been featured in AAOS Now, has won awards, and has published over 20 publications. Members have presented both locally and nationally. This organization has become the blueprint for Diversity Initiatives globally, and continues to make a significant impact in diversifying this Specialty.