The COA Web Site
A real benefit for members

Emil H. Schemitsch, M.D., FRCSC
Editor in Chief

In this electronic age, the ability to communicate and obtain information quickly has become increasingly important. With this in mind, the COA web site has undergone a major renovation and transformation over the past year. This has occurred under the leadership of Drs. Christian Veillette, Myles Clough, Doug Thomson, and Cynthia Vezina at the COA's headquarters. Along with the COA Bulletin, the web site has become a major tool for communication and information transfer for members.

The web site has been redeveloped using a full featured content management system. The new site provides a turnkey solution for the organization to manage all possible content types (news, articles, events, documents, etc) and communicate with members and the public through a leading-edge content management system.

Major features of the COA web site include: a complete web-based backend administration system to manage content; member's access and ability to update their database profiles; membership online dues payment; a more visually appealing, consistently designed and user friendly interface; subsites for the Subspecialty Societies (COFAS, COTS, JOINTS etc); and technology infrastructure which includes a search function across the entire web site, searchable membership database and a "find an orthopaedist" directory.

I would encourage members to visit the site and determine how it can fit into their practices. Certainly, there remains room for improvement, and I invite members to make their comments and suggestions known to the COA office. In conclusion, I would once again like to thank Christian, Myles, Doug and Cynthia for all their efforts and hard work.