As 2018 draws to a close, it is my pleasure to reach out to you again through our newsletter.

 

There is good news about the Global Spine Congress 2019 in Toronto. The total number of abstracts submitted is higher than ever before and it is encouraging that the Global Spine Congress is evolving into the most popular and truly international spine meeting in the world. The early bird discount is available only until December 20, 2018, and I would strongly encourage all of you not to miss this great academic and social event by registering today.

 

This year’s Davos course from December 8–12, 2018 focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery and I am happy that these courses are fully booked. For updates and news, pictures and videos of the courses, please follow AOSpine on twitter and facebook  #AODavosCourses2018.

 

This newsletter is of great interest as it features Charles Fisher, Chair of the AOSpine Knowledge Forum Tumor—one of the world’s leading experts in spine oncology. Further highlights include the details of the new book, AOSpine Master Series (Vol 10) on Spinal Infections; updates on AOPEER, AO’s online program offering surgeons and researchers assisted tools for training in clinical research; and the Global Spine Journal articles of 2018 which were top-cited and downloaded.

 

There are more exciting initiatives on the horizon.  The AOSIB has just approved two innovative and impactful projects. The first is the establishment of ‘Global AOSpine Diploma Program’ which will facilitate recognition of exposure to knowledge and training for surgeons worldwide. Our education commission led by Bryan Ashman is working hard on the details. The second project is the initiation of ‘Expert Clinical Guidance Forums’. Since there are many areas in practice where randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are not possible and surgeons look up to the wisdom of experienced surgeons for guidance. Management of vertebral artery injury is an example. The clinical forums will bring together experts to condense and provide their experience in these areas. More details of these two programs will be available soon.

 

I hope you find this issue interesting and informative. On behalf of AOSpine, I wish you all a happy holiday season and a prosperous start into the new year.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

S Rajasekaran

Chairperson

AOSpine International

 

AOSpine

Masters Series

 

 

AOPEER

 

Davos Courses 2018

 

Global Spine Congress