The Chairperson of the AO Spine International Board (AO SIB) defines the direction and strategy of all AO Spine activities, while keeping the overall mission in mind. In this position, Falavigna will be responsible for further developing AO Spine's academic credibility, integrity, and independence.
"It is a great privilege and an honor. I feel passion and commitment to this unique member-responsive organization," Falavigna says. "The AO Spine DNA is to be sensitive also to regional diversity and the members network."
"I see room for lean approaches."
Bringing AO Spine to the next level requires exceptional vision, personality, time commitment, and drive to forge a united AO Spine to rise to the challenge and opportunities of a dynamically changing future. Falavigna sees room for lean approaches, in strengthening inter-professional activities, personalizing needs, and fostering innovation and precision medicine.
Falavigna is the Past Chairperson of AO Spine Latin America and will follow Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran as the Chairperson of AO SIB from July 1, 2021.
Read the news about Asdrubal Falavigna's nomination.
Charles Fisher has impacted the way patients are managed all over the world and has led the AO Spine Knowledge Forum (AO SKF) Tumor for the past 6 years. He has devoted his career to addressing spinal conditions, as well as being a mentor, an inspiration, and a leader to many.
"By engaging local and regional clinicians, we can start to exploit this tremendous research potential."
In his new role, Fisher will lead AO Spine's global research activities and steer the Research Commission in its mission to improve patient care through innovative spine research programs. Involving our members in the scientific advancement of spine care through participation in translational and clinical studies is a key target.
Fisher is the Past Chairperson of the AO SKF Tumor Steering Committee and will follow Dino Samartzis as Chairperson of the AO SRC and start his three-year term from July 2021.
Read the news about Charles Fisher's nomination.
As of July 2020, AO Spine Education Commission (AO SEC) is led by Emre Acaroğlu, who has been involved with AO Spine since its inception. Having recently completed his master's in education Acaroğlu is looking forward to utilizing his knowledge for the benefit of our organization.
"The future is bright, provided we develop an awareness of and adapt to a changing world."
Acaroğlu sees the challenges are facing in the world we live in today are laden also with opportunities. He follows in the footsteps of Chairperson Bryan Ashman who successfully launched the new Global Diploma Exam this year as well as many other educational projects for AO Spine.
Read Emre Acaroğlu's induction interview.
Earlier this year, the AO Spine North America Board (AO SNA) decided to open a completely new two-year at-large position on the Board. This position was to be filled by an individual that could provide a strong voice on gender representation in spine, as well as grow our presence amongst neurosurgeons on the Board.
The various diversity initiatives are of high importance for the AO Foundation and AO Spine. The AO SNA Board position was recently sanctioned by the AO SIB and we are pleased to announce that Michelle Clarke agreed to fill the position.
"A strong voice on gender representation and grow our presence amongst neurosurgeons."
Clarke is pursuing her Master of Education with a focus on contemporary medical education paradigms. She has a proven history with AO SNA as a faculty educator, course chair, and has most recently served on the Education Committee.
Read the news about Michelle Clarke.
These elections and nomination are highly important steps for AO Spine. Please join us in welcoming the new members onboard and wishing them all success in their future endeavors.
