The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation

The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) is the one foundation serving the entire orthopaedic community. In 1955, leaders of the major professional organizations in the specialty – the American Orthopaedic Association, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Research Society – established the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation as a means of supporting research and building the scientific base of clinical practice. Today, the Foundation raises over $5 million per year and holds a unique place in American medicine.

Our Mission

The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) is an independent organization that raises funds to support research and education on diseases and injuries of bones, joints, nerves, and muscles, OREF-funded research enhances clinical care, leading to improved health, increased activity, and a better quality of life for patients.

How do we fund research?

Through the Annual Fund, Corporations and endowment gifts to the Shands Circle we raise over $5 million per year to fund new research. Unrestricted donations to the Annual Giving are directly used to fund research every year. Gifts to the OREF Shands Circle endowment ensure research will have funding into perpetuity. Take your place in securing the future of orthopaedics!