The ABOS has a special pathway for IMG who are in academic practice, allowing them to sit for the exam.
E. Distinguished Scholar Pathway
An orthopaedic surgeon who received his or her graduate medical education outside of the United States or Canada and does not meet the education requirements of Section III.A. above, but who is engaged in full-time academic practice may apply and qualify to sit for the certifying examination upon the recommendation of the Credentials Committee and approval of the Board. To be considered for qualification, the applicant must satisfy all the requirements to sit for the Part I and Part II certification examinations, respectively, as specified in the Boardâs Rules and Procedures except the education requirements of Section III.A. and, in addition, satisfy the following requirements:
1) complete the application for Part I and pay the non-refundable application/exam fee;
2) provide documentation of satisfactory completion of an orthopaedic surgery residency program outside the United States or Canada, including a signed attestation by the Program Director and institution;
3) provide documentation of having successfully passed the applicable certification examination in the applicant's country of education and prior practice;
4) be in full-time academic practice and be a member of the teaching faculty of an academic institution with an ACGME accredited orthopaedic surgery residency program;
