About
The AOAA helps to attract and hold the interest of leading young trauma
surgeons. This Association affords a channel of communication between committed
surgeons and the AO bodies. It encourages the development and progress of
fracture management through the experiences and ideas of its members throughout
the world. Furthermore, its objective is to update the Alumni on current AO
trends and activities in the fields of research, development, education and
documentation.
History and background
The inaugural meeting of the SA Chapter took place in September 1996. The initial membership grew from 32 to 62 in 1998. In 1999 it declined to 43 and in 2000 only 19 members paid their fees.
During the General Meeting of the SA Chapter on 21st April 2001 future plans for the SA Chapter will be the main agenda points after a new Executive Committee has been elected.
In the first 5 years the challenges of a Region with a strong 'First World' component and a vast 'Third World' need has made it difficult to please both 'Worlds'. If seen as challenges rather than problems interesting times are ahead of us.
The AOAA South Africa counts 189 members (February 2010).
Goals and objectives
The Association will help to attract and hold the interest of trauma
surgeons.
The aims of the Southern African Chapter of the AOAA are:
- To maintain and establish a close relationship between AO Faculty members,
AO fellows and former participants of AO advanced courses.
- To further progress in the treatment of disorders in the locomotor system
in general and trauma in particular, by an exchange of experiences and ideas
among all members.
- To foster the establishment of local chapters and to encourage local
meetings during various national conventions.
- To create and maintain a coherent group of AO fellows.
- To create a strong local faculty which in turn would conduct AO courses
within the entire Southern African Region.
