Ronald Burkle Fellowship
"Consensus and Controversy"
June 4-6, 2026
JW Marriott Nashville
Supporting global access to education in anterior hip surgery
Orthopaedic hip surgeons from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) are invited to apply for the Ronald Burkle Fellowship.
This Fellowship provides funding for selected surgeons to attend the Anterior Hip Foundation Annual Meeting — AHF 2026, June 4–6 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Fellowship was created to help talented surgeons who might otherwise face financial barriers take part in the AHF experience — to learn, connect, and bring practical advances back to their communities.
Funding for 20 Fellows has been generously provided by Mr Ronald Burkle, an international businessman and philanthropist committed to supporting global medical education.
Funding has been generously provided for 20 Fellows by Mr Ronald Burkle. Mr Burkle is involved in international business and philanthropy.
AHF is interested in applicants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). It is desirable that the applicant has a focus on hip surgery, including hip replacement, an interest in anterior approach hip replacement, is active in surgeon education in his/her country/region, and/or is an important provider of hip surgery in their country/region. We look forward to your application and possible attendance at AHF Nashville 2026.
Purpose
At AHF, we recognize the dedication and impact of hip surgeons in developing countries.
The Ronald Burkle Fellowship exists to:
Support continued education and professional growth in hip surgery.
Encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration across regions.
Build lasting collegial connections that strengthen patient care worldwide.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from orthopaedic surgeons who:
Practice in a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC).
Have a focus on hip surgery, including hip replacement.
Have an interest in the anterior approach to hip replacement.
Have at least two year’s experience post Fellowship
Are active in surgeon education and/or serve as a key provider of hip surgery in their country or region.
What the Fellowship includes
Funding to attend AHF 2026 in Nashville
Registration for all scientific and networking sessions
Access to the global AHF community of surgeons and innovators
Opportunities to collaborate with peers and mentors from around the world
Full details of funding and travel support will be confirmed directly with awardees.
To be considered for a full fellowship grant to attend the AHF 2026 meeting, please complete the below application
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions for The Ronald Burkle International Fellowship Applicants.
For detailed information, please email info@hipahf.com
No, registration is automatic.
You are eligible to receive up to $4,270 to cover your flight and hotel stay at the 2025 Anterior Hip Foundation Event. Of this amount, $520 will be allocated to meeting registration, so the total for hotel and travel is $3,775. Please note that you will be responsible for coordinating and covering the costs of your visa application, flights, and accommodation. These will be reimbursed immediately following the event.
Thursday, June 4 – observing anterior hip replacement surgeries in the AHF Fellows’ and Residents Lab
Friday, June 5 – full day Anterior Hip Foundation conference followed by the Networking reception
Saturday, June 6 – Half day Anterior Hip Foundation conference, exclusive lunch for Burkle Fellows
For business conferences and meetings, the B-1 Visitor Visa is generally the most appropriate option for foreign nationals who do not qualify for entry under the simpler Visa Waiver Program.
How to Apply for a B1 Visa
(note that this process can take several months)
- Contact the nearest S. embassy or consulate in your home country to check the specific application requirements and procedures
- Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form and pay the application fee.
- Schedule a Visa Interview at the US embassy or consulate. Wait times for appointments can vary so it is advisable to schedule the interview well in advance.
How to optimize your Visa Application
Here are some tips to increase the likelihood of a successful B-1 Business Visitor Visa application:
- Clearly articulate the purpose of your trip to attend the conference. Be specific about the conference and how it relates to your professional activities. Be sure to include proof of your professional/ educational qualifications and the official letter of invitation from the Anterior Hip Foundation. (This will include details such as the purpose of the conference, your role, the duration of your stay, and any financial support provided.
- Include a detailed itinerary of your trip, outlining the conference schedule, meetings, and any other business-related activities you plan to participate in.
- Provide evidence of your financial ability to cover the expenses of your trip, including airfare, accommodation, and daily expenses. This helps show that you won’t be a financial burden during your stay. Be sure to add details of any grant you will receive to help cover your expenses.
Click here for: US Department of State FAQ link
Book your travel and accommodation in Nashville. Note that we have a limited room block of discounted rooms at the conference hotel – the JW Marriott in Nashville. Please let us know if you are interested in securing one of these rooms. Alternatively, you are welcome to select alternative accommodation in Nashville.
