To train the trainers in medical care in developing countries.

Most educational programs targeting surgical interventions in the developing world involve short visits with lectures and visiting surgeons operating on prepared cases with 1st world technology that cannot be perpetuated; this results in little long-term educational benefit and sustainability. The goal of the COEDN program is to provide fellowship training in pediatric orthopedic techniques on-site in the host country so that local surgeon trainees gain the knowledge and capabilities to provide expert pediatric orthopedic care for their country. In addition, it is anticipated that the fellowship-trained surgeons will eventually be leaders and train others from their and surrounding countries, thereby magnifying the benefits of the program.