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 We are AO Spine, the leading global academic Contents
Who we are community for innovative education and
research in spine care, inspiring lifelong learning, 2 Who we are
and improving patients’ lives.
3 Welcome
5 What we do
Welcome 6 Learn
• AO Spine Curriculum
685 1,400 I welcome every one of you to join • AO Spine Global Diploma Exam
AO Spine AO Spine AO Spine and become a part of • Clinical Expert Advice Forums
North America Europe and the largest international network
(AO SNA) Southern Africa • Fellowship and observership programs
(AO SESA) of spine surgeons. Why? Take • Faculty development
the leap and you will find a world of
815 advantages waiting for you.
AO Spine
Middle East and
8 Your AO Spine journey
With AO Spine you will be recognised: we are the only
Northern Africa truly international, multicultural spine society in the
(AO SMENA) world. AO Spine is known for our state-of-the-art edu- 10 Connect
1,300 2,300 cational and academic programs, from well-structured
courses and hands-on training workshops to mentors-
• Global Spine Congress

AO Spine AO Spine • AO Davos Courses

hip facilities and fellowship opportunities. We drive
Latin America Asia Pacific research through our Knowledge Forums dedicated • Diversity and inclusion
(AO SLA) (AO SAP) to trauma, spinal cord injury, deformity, tumor, and de-

12 Research
generation. And we offer numerous clinical tools for
your practice: the AO Surgery Reference, the #myAO
platform, the Global Spine Journal, or the AO Global • Clinical research
Data platform, just to mention a few. • Preclinical research
• Research training
But, most of all, I want to show you how AO Spine is
6,500 more—with AO Spine you literally connect with the

AO Spine
“Who’s Who” in spine surgery, participate in academics
and research and collaborate with them. You will develop 14 Governance
69,000 close professional relationships and friendships. You
Registered users Members will be exposed to pathology and treatment strategies
and philosophies worldwide. You will find a constantly 15 Membership
evolving dynamic society, always innovating. Recent
examples are the ‘Global Spine Diploma Program’, which
provides accreditation and recognition of spine training
AO Spine for surgeons worldwide, and the ‘Clinical Expert Advice
Officer Forums’, which collects the crystalized experience of
experts on challenging clinical situations.

You will see that—no matter what stage of your career

you are in, from trainee to senior professor—AO Spine
AO Spine has a multitude of opportunities. So why not? And why
AO Spine
Course
Member wait? Join the AO Spine family today!
Participant

AO Spine
Faculty
Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran
AO Spine International Chairperson
AO Spine
Registered
User

Start your AO Spine journey now.

2 3
Join the leading global What we do
We have something in academics, research,
and global networking for every spine surgeon.

academic community We learn from each other; we educate and mentor spine
surgeons and researchers. We conduct and fund collaborative

in spine care
clinical and translational research. We share our outcomes,
knowledge, and experiences.

Learn 
We are passionate about improving patients’ lives by making sure
you stay at the forefront of spinal care.
“AO Spine is the number one organization We continuously integrate the latest research advances and treatment outcomes into
for keeping up to date with innovative our educational programs. Our competency-based Curriculum ensures you have the
skills and knowledge required for your clinical practice. The AO Spine Global Diploma
spine procedures, state-of-the-art education, Program provides the pathway and the AO Spine Global Diploma Exam certifies your
knowledge. Our members can apply for fellowships and observership programs at all
latest research findings, and lifelong stages of their careers. Our faculty training programs and teaching opportunities are
global friendships.” there for you to become the best and give back, train the next generations, giving them
the same and even better opportunities.

Dan Riew
Professor Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University

Connect 
We are passionate about improving patients’ lives by
advancing your professional career.
Our collaboration tools and palette of events allow you to share knowledge, network,
and talk to your peers and colleagues around the world, virtually anytime, anywhere.
The Global Spine Congress and AO Davos Courses are the place to be, where you will
connect and discuss your cases with your peers and key opinion leaders in person, make
lifelong friendships, plant seeds for novel ideas, and build professional collaborations.

Research 
We are passionate about generating new knowledge that
matters to you and your patients.
We sponsor innovative preclinical and clinical studies adhering to the highest standards.
Members can participate through open calls and apply for grants and awards. The
Regional AO Spine Young Investigator Researcher Grant Awards and global Discovery
and Innovation Awards are specially targeted at scientist in the early stages of their
career. The AO Spine Knowledge Forums are the engines of our evidence-based clinical
research. They develop AO Spine classifications, staging of the disease, treatment gui-
delines, and outcome measures—meaningful research to support you in your practice.

Practice 
Our clinical tools, research outcomes, and learning assets
are developed by spine surgeons for spine surgeons.
They can improve spine patient care and outcomes, and most are available as open
access for the global spine community.
All AO Spine activities are based on our combined knowledge. It is the foundation of our
state-of-the-art innovative education and research activities, our treatment guidelines,
AO Spine classifications, as well as the AO Surgery Reference, the #myAO platform,
and the AO Global Data PROMs platform.

4 5
 Based on the philosophy of lifelong learning, “AO Spine brings orthopedic and
Learn every year AO Spine provides over 200 educational neurosurgery spine specialists
opportunities to over 13,000 spine surgeons and together to improve surgical
spine specialists worldwide. outcomes. AO Spine Education
AO Spine events are based on regular needs and are organized
combines mentor’s surgical
locally, regionally, globally, and virtually. Learning is more and experience, instructional
more blended combining online learning modules at your own technology, and validated learning
pace with hands-on in-person training courses, and introducing theory to provide learners with
virtual and augmented reality into reality.
a personalized experience.”
Michelle Clarke
AO Spine educational events 2019 Clinical Expert Advice Forums Neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine and
oncology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
Evidence based medicine and randomized prospective
controlled trials are the basis of clinical medicine. While

13,803 Participants 263 Educational events we strongly rely on this evidence, the practicing surgeon
frequently encounters clinical scenarios for which solutions
from such trials are not possible.
The AO Spine Clinical Expert Advice Forums aims to fill that
North America Europe and Southern Africa International void, by documenting expert advice on everyday clinical
1,174 19 2,813 63 No region or country specified scenarios, from diagnosis and management decisions to
400 6 intra-op events and post-operative complications.

Participants
Educational events

Middle East and Northern Africa

1,263 38

Latin America Asia Pacific

3,560 78 4,593 59
Fellowship and observership programs
As an AO Spine member, you can benefit from our investments
into various long- and short-term fellowship programs and
observation opportunities. These programs offer additional
experience in surgical techniques for fully trained orthopae-
dics and neurosurgeons. Program are designed according
to regional needs.

AO Spine Curriculum AO Spine Global Diploma Exam

The AO Spine curriculum is based on competency and en- The AO Spine Global Diploma Exam is a for- Faculty development
compasses knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It is a learning mal assessment of competencies required The AO Faculty Education Program (FEP) provides a framework
framework based on entrustable professional activities (EPA’s). to manage patients with spinal disorders. It is to explore a variety of teaching methods. It concentrates on
This is an activity that can be entrusted only to surgeons who designed for experienced spine surgeons who practical skills and guides you through the specifics needed
have proven they can work independently in the given situa- want to certify their knowledge. Exam level is to deliver high impact lectures. It demonstrates how to lead
AO Spine tion to achieve a desired outcome. The AO Spine curriculum minimum of 5 years in spinal surgical practice interactive discussion groups and helps you effectively run
Curriculum aims at a final level of autonomy, fully independent practice. after graduating in orthopedic or neurosurgery. practical exercises for your participants

6 7
 Your AO Spine journey
1 1 1
AO Spine is the only truly global academic spine
society. There are more ways you can benefit and
get involved than in any other spine organization.

Courses and events Have your say AO PEER

Attend AO Spine educational Vote and participate Develop your AO Spine Global Diploma Exam
events (→ p. 6) in elections (→ p. 14) research skills
(→ p. 13) The AO Spine Global Diploma Exam is a formal assessment
of competencies required to manage patients with spinal
disorders. (→ p. 7)
www.aospine.org/gde

Global Spine Journal (GSJ)

2 2 2
The official journal of AO Spine is an international, peer-re-
viewed journal, and the only open access spine journal with
an impact factor—2.683. It provides an integrated, balanced
view on clinical and basic science studies of spinal disorders.
www.aospine.org/gsj

AO Spine Tools Fellowships Grants and Awards

Advance patient care and Benefit from fellowship programs Apply for research Global Spine Congress (GSC)
your career with clinical tools and observation opportunities (→ p. 7) and funding The annual highlight of the spine world brings toge-
and learning assets (→ p. 5) Global opportunities ther thousands of professionals from around the world.
Diploma
Program (→ p. 13) At the GSC, spine surgeons and practitioners, health care pro-
fessionals and researchers exchange ideas, network, and learn
Global about the latest research, techniques, and technologies in
Spine
Journal spine surgery. (→ p. 11)
www.aospine.org/gsc

3 3 3
AO Global Data
The world’s largest orthopaedic outcomes database with over
a billion datapoints offers valuable insights to compare per-
formance, determine indicators for patient outcomes, make
informed decisions, and conduct multinational research. (→ p. 5)
www.aofoundation.org/ao-global-data
Faculty Training Research AO Spine Governance
Learn to lead peers Participate and take the lead Start shaping future local and
in a variety in spine studies and share regional strategies (→ p. 14)
of different learning your results (→ p. 13)
methods (→ p. 7) Global
Spine
Congress

Educational Advisor
Help many more patients
by educating the next
generations of surgeons
and faculty (→ p. 7)
4 AO Spine International Board
Contribute to the future of
the spine surgeon community
on a global level (→ p. 14)
4 AO Spine Knowledge Forums
Do high quality collaborative
research and improve the
care of spine patients around
the world (→ p. 13)
4
Learn Connect Research

8 9
 Membership is the key that unlocks all that
Connect AO Spine has to offer: access to free or
discounted education, opportunities to receive
grants or become faculty, voting or becoming
an officer to shape the direction of our society,
and more.
Members find a lot more than “member benefits”.
They also enjoy belonging and being part of the world’s
leading academic spine society.

“AO Spine is a unique and

Global Spine Congress
innovative intellectual platform, This annual meeting is unique in its ways of sharing know-
allowing you to interact with ledge and developing new approaches to the treatment of
spinal disorders. It offers members an enhanced experience
the most renowned spine through members-only sessions led by key opinion leaders,
surgeons from around the world and the Members Assembly, where the community takes the
leading role. It’s the only truly international scientific spine
and learn cutting edge skills and congress in the world, and you can be part of it! Submit your
abstract and get the chance to present your work to the
latest practices in spine care.” world’s best spine experts.

Yan Wang
Chief Surgeon of 301 Orthopedics, Beijing

AO Davos Courses
The AO Foundation flagship event offers an in-depth program
for surgeons, which is directly related to their daily practice.
Take part in an extraordinary and ambitious learning expe-
rience from Advanced to Master’s Level, and network with
global key opinion leaders in an exceptionally inspiring en-
vironment. The AO Davos Courses is the place to learn and
make lifelong friendships.

Diversity and inclusion

Under the umbrella of Access—the program through which
AO delivers it’s diversity, inclusion, and mentorship initiati-
ve—AO Spine aims to empower female surgeons, as well
as surgeons from underrepresented minorities, to provide
strong and diverse mentors and role models, and greater
leadership opportunities. We invite you to join our active
members in their efforts to address the imbalance of sur-
geons working in spine.

10 11
“We aspire to provide simpler AO Spine sponsors innovative preclinical and
solutions for complex spinal Research clinical studies adhering to the highest standards.
problems via international We encourage our members to participate through
research and global educational open calls and to apply for our grants and awards.
collaboration. Excellence The AO Spine Knowledge Forums are the engines of our
through evidence.” evidence-based clinical research and have been singled out
for being behind AO Spine’s unique academic status among
Jeremy Reynolds
Spinal Lead, The Oxford Sarcoma the spine societies. They develop AO Spine classifications,
Service, UK, Regional Lead, staging of the disease, treatment guidelines, and outcome
Thames Valley Spinal Network measures—meaningful research to support you in your practice.

Clinical research
Contribute to clinical studies that will impact how we manage our patients
in the future.
The AO Spine Knowledge Forums are expert-driven global study groups generating
knowledge in the spine pathologies of tumor, deformity, spinal cord injury, trauma, and
degenerative disease. AO Spine members are invited to participate through open calls
and expert surveys.
The AO Spine Knowledge Forums are each led by a Steering Committee of up to 10 world-
renowned researchers and have over 150 Associate Members representing all AO Spine
regions. Membership is based purely on merit.
Through research, you have the potential to change how people are diagnosed and treated
in the future.

Preclinical research
Novelty comes from where clinicians meet basic scientists and vice versa,
where there is real collaboration between all contributors.
AO Spine performs preclinical research in collaboration with the AO Research Institute
Davos (ARI). Focus is on intervertebral disc degeneration and repair and postoperative
spinal infections. To make innovation happen, we support collaboration between clinicians
and basic scientists.
We encourage AO Spine clinicians to participate in discussions and to interact with basic
scientists.

Research training
Benefit from the wealth of research expertise within the AO.
The AO Program for Education and Excellence in Research (AO PEER) offers training in
all phases of clinical research. If you have gaps in your knowledge, need to know more
about the principles of research, or want to apply for grant funding but don‘t know how,
you can profit from AO.
The AO PEER platform provides an array of trusted resources and online learning opportu-
nities, including guidelines, courses, e-learning modules, articles, checklists, and templates
covering all aspects of clinical research.

12 13
 AO Spine operates under its own governance Get involved and make a difference!
Governance model managed by the AO Spine International Membership
Board. As a voting member you can vote for
your Country Council representatives and
…exclusive member sessions …free training assets and
participate in the Member Representative elections. and networking events clinical tools to keep you up to date

Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran
Chairperson As a voting
AO Spine International Board
member
…reduced
registration fees
of AO Spine, …full access to
the AO Spine
Asdrubal Falavigna you can shape Member Directory
Chairperson-Elect
AO Spine International Board our future
The AO Spine
Commissions
and enjoy…
The AO Spine Commissions in Educati-
Norman Chutkan
on, Research, and Community Develop-
Chairperson …fellowship, faculty, and …European Spine Journal,
ment are responsible for programs,
AO Spine Community Development Commission research opportunities Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine,
strategies, and tools for implementation
  COMMISSION CHAIRS 

by the AO Spine Regions. They leverage at all stages of your career Spine, and Curated Articles
and share resources across the AO Spi- (Membership Plus only)
ne Regions, enforce AO Spine’s brand,
Emre Acaroğlu
and manage alliances been AO Spine
Chairperson
and other academic bodies
AO Spine Education Commission
The Commission consist of a Chairper-
son, who is an Executive Member of the Membership benefits Membership Plus benefits
AO Spine International Board, and re-
Dino Samartzis presentatives of the AO Spine Regional Learn Membership Plus includes all Membership benefits
Chairperson Boards. The AO Spine Research Com- and access to 3 online journals and a list of curated
mission also includes the Chairpersons • Discounts on registration fees, including Global
AO Spine Research Commission articles from the community.
of the 5 AO Spine Knowledge Forums. Spine Congress and AO Davos Courses
• Free access to the AO video hub with a wealth of • European Spine Journal
recorded webinars, lectures, and training videos • Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine
Manabu Ito The Regional Boards • Discounts on e-books and books • Spine
Chairperson COMMISSIONS
The Regional Boards are the opera- • Access to AO Spine Fellowships • Curated articles
AO Spine Asia Pacific responsible tional bodies of AO Spine and focus
for coordinating and
on activities within their Regions They • Access to Faculty development opportunities
leveraging ideas,
projects and resources have responsibility and accountabili- Practice
Lorin Benneker across the regions ty for delivering valued products and Membership Membership Plus
services to members. The Regional • AO Global Data
Chairperson
AO Spine Europe Boards are elected by the members • myAO 1 year 100 CHF 230 CHF
and Southern Africa of the AO Country Councils.
Research
  REGIONAL CHAIRS 

2 years 180 CHF 410 CHF

• Opportunities to participate in AO Spine studies
Mohammad El-Sharkawi • Access research grants and awards 3 years 250 CHF 585 CHF
Chairperson • Global Spine Journal publication fee waiver
AO Spine Middle East 5 years 400 CHF 920 CHF
and Northern Africa • Access to AO PEER-Program for Education and
Excellence in Research

Connect Students and residents, save 50 percent today on our

one- and two-year Membership and Membership Plus
Juan Emmerich REGIONS • Invitation to exclusive member sessions and packages.
Chairperson responsible for activities networking events
AO Spine Latin America within the region Surgeons and researchers from low-income countries
• Full access to the AO Spine Member Directory also enjoy a significantly reduced flat fee rate (discount
• Participate in elections does not apply for Membership Plus).

Michael Daubs
Chairperson
AO Spine North America
For more information, email us at [email protected]
or visit us at www.aospine.org/membership

14 * Low income countries according to the World Bank list 15

Join the leading
global academic
community
in spine care

AO Spine International  |  Stettbachstrasse 6  |  CH-8600 Dubendorf

Phone: +41 81 414 21 11  |  Fax: +41 81 414 22 85 | [email protected]

www.aospine.org