Q&A with Jeff Wang

We spoke to Jeff Wang, chairperson, AOSpine International, to get an insight on what makes the AOSpine Davos courses an unmissable event, here's what he said:

What are the main benefits for spine surgeons in attending the Davos Courses and how might this help them in their daily practice?

There so many spine courses throughout the world that are so similar. The AOSpine Davos courses are unique in the fact that they are a truly international course. Surgeons will meet and create friendships with other surgeons throughout the world. They will experience comprehensive worldwide contemporary opinions on how to treat spine conditions and pathologies from viewpoints and understand how these are treated in all parts of the world. The participants will see political, social, and personal issues addressed on a global scale. Any surgeon who participates will leave getting a much broader view of how spine issues are managed and viewed from a world-wide perspective. In addition, they will be able to interact with leading international surgeons and create friendships that will last a lifetime.

What is the key value of the case-based Masters level format of the courses for the participants?

The Masters case-based course is unique and I have not seen this type of course anywhere else in the world. The discussion is not pre-scripted. Real-life complex spine cases are discussed at the highest level, with opinions from world-wide surgeon experts. The discussion goes where the audience desires. The interaction allows all issues to be discussed and dissected, which is based on the audience and faculty questions and opinions. The experts are challenged to support their opinions, and the participants end up with a comprehensive understanding of the logic of the management of complex and simple spine pathologies, but with a high level of understanding. I find this to be a very unique experience that is always lively and of high educational value.

How does the high participant to faculty ratio at the Davos courses enhance the participant experience?

The unique thing about the Davos courses is the high number of faculty to the number of participants. There are so many faculty available to personally interact with the participants, which only makes the learning process more personal and effective. One does not feel that there is a professor/student relationship, but rather one where one colleague exchanges opinions with another. This allows for each participant to personalize his/her educational experience and direct the learning to one’s own specific desires and needs. Each participant will leave the Davos course with a very personalized experience that has addressed all of their learning needs and desires. I find that this is a more enjoyable way to learn and interact with colleagues and an experience that is often the highlight of the year.