The worldwide AOSpine community has grown to more than 6,500 members in 2018, an unprecedented number in the history of our organization. Klaus Schnake, outgoing AOSpine Community Development chairperson and the Editor-in-Chief of this newsletter, has done a fantastic job of sustainably growing our global community. In this issue, he shares his achievements and tells us what makes the AOSpine membership unique. Congratulations, Klaus, and a big thank you for the great job that you have done!

 

This edition of the newsletter also features a personal interview with Larry Lenke, one of the world’s leading surgeons on spine deformity, whose work has made a profound impact on scoliosis treatment. He shares his inspirations, collaborations and his hope of building a legacy through shared learning.

 

With the vision of creating a truly global annual spine event, AOSpine's annual congress has experienced exponential growth since its inception in 2009. We are very proud to say today that the Global Spine Congress (GSC) is the place to find the latest and best international research and hear opinions from the global key opinion leaders. The event provides a unique platform to sharing knowledge and developing new approaches to the treatment of spinal disorders to help advance spinal care.

 

In this issue of the newsletter, you will find the AOSpine highlights of GSC Singapore, which took place in May 2018; a short interview with the newly elected AOSpine Member Representative Yan Wang (China); and stories about the Global Spine Journal Best Paper Award winner; the Global and Regional Educator of the Year Award winners; the Germàn Ochoa Traveling Fellowship Award winner Kenneth Cheung and the Fellows Alumni.

 

Also, in this edition, you will read about the achievements of outgoing Research Commission Chairperson and new AOSpine International Board Chair S Rajasekaran. During his term, he turned AOSpine into a premier knowledge provider in the field of spine surgery.

 

You'll also be able to read about Knowledge Forum Trauma's latest updates on the study defining treatment guidelines for thoracolumbar burst fractures, and the first spine oncology-specific patient-reported outcome measure published by Knowledge Forum Tumor.

 

AOSpine will face a number of changes in its governance after the Trustees Meeting in July 2018, with new chairpersons in the Research Commission (Dino Samartzis), the Community Development Commmission (Norman Chutkan) and the AOSpine Middle East and Northern Africa Regional Board (Mohammad El-Sharkawi). With my term ending as the AOSpine International Board Chairperson, it's time for me to pass the reins to S. Rajasekaran. It has been the greatest honor and pleasure to serve as the chair of this outstanding organization. I cannot think of a better leader for this society than Raja.

 

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He's a wonderful human being, an incredible person and a true humanitarian. I am proud to leave my position as the AOSpine International Board Chairperson with our organization in excellent condition. I wish Raja, Dino and Norman lots of success in their new positions, and I thank you for your support. I look forward to continuing to contribute to and serve AOSpine.

 

 

 

With best wishes,

 

Dan Riew

Chairperson,

AOSpine International

 

 

Klaus Schnake

Governance changes and new ambassadors

 

 

KF Trauma

 

 

KF Tumor

 

 

Larry Lenke

 

Global Spine Congress

Global Spine Journal Award Winners May

AOSpine Research Commission