Dr. José M. García-López Elected as AO VET North America Representative to the AO North America Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Dr. José M. García-López Elected as AO VET North America Representative to the AO North America Board
December 9, 2024 – (Wayne, PA) – AO North America is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. José M. García-López, VMD, DACVS, DACVSMR, as the new AO VET North America Representative on the AO North America Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2025.
Dr. García-López brings more than two decades of experience in veterinary surgery, education, and leadership to his new role. An Associate Professor of Large Animal Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. García-López is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR). His career reflects a commitment to advancing veterinary care through education, collaboration, and innovation.
Dr. García-López has a distinguished history of contributions to AO VET North America and AO VET International. Over the years, he has held leadership roles, including Chair of AO VET North America, Education Committee Chair, and member of the AO VET International Board. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of numerous initiatives, including AO VET equine veterinary orthopedic courses, which help participants advance clinical and surgical practices within the veterinary community.
Dr. García-López has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career for his outstanding contributions to research, mentoring, and service, such as being an ACVS honored mentor, House officer mentoring award, and clinical service award at the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include the use of advanced imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in equine sports medicine and the development and refinement of orthopedic surgical procedures to improve equine patient outcomes.
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“Dr. García-López’s extensive experience as a leader of all the distinguished Veterinary organizations in NA (ACVS, VOS), his strategic vision for education, research and diverse participant engagement, and unwavering commitment to AO VET make him an ideal choice to represent AO Vet North America at the board level,” said Amy S. Kapatkin, DVM, MAS, DACVS, Chair of the AO North America Board. “We are confident his contributions will further strengthen our mission to advance patient care and implement AO NA’s 2025 – 2028 strategic plan.”
“I am honored to join the AO North America Board as the AO VET Representative,” said Dr. García-López. “This role represents an opportunity to continue advocating for the veterinary community at an important moment of innovation and growth within the field. Together, we can deepen our impact, advance veterinary surgery, and enhance the educational resources that are foundational to AO’s mission.”
Dr. García-López’s appointment highlights AO North America’s ongoing dedication to fostering leadership and driving excellence within the veterinary and medical communities.
AO VET NA Representative Responsibilities
The AO VET NA Representative plays a crucial role in supporting the Clinical Division, fostering communication between the Clinical Division and the AO NA Board, and contributing to strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and maintaining governance best practices. Through his tenure on the Board, Dr. García-López will focus on advancing AO NA’s mission while ensuring the organization’s operations are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with its values.
About AO North America
AO North America, Inc. (AO NA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes for trauma and musculoskeletal disorders through education, optimized clinical treatment, and research innovation. Serving orthopedic trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, and veterinary surgeons, AO NA provides resources for continuing professional development, fostering a community of learning and expertise exchange.
As part of the international AO network, AO NA values diversity and inclusion among surgeons, healthcare professionals, and researchers. Committed to integrity, camaraderie, accountability, excellence, and lifelong learning, AO NA strives to advance its mission and maintain its position as a global leader in medical education and clinical practice.