AO North America Celebrates Educator of the Year Awards at OneAO 2025
AO North America proudly gathered its community at the One AO event in Henderson, Nevada in April 2025 to honor the recipients of the 2025 Educator of the Year Awards. These prestigious accolades recognize educators across multiple specialties who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing surgical and medical education. Honorees represent excellence in the following fields: Trauma and musculoskeletal disorders spine, craniomaxillofacial, hand and foot, and veterinary surgery.
The 2025 awardees exemplify AO North America’s mission of delivering innovative, high-quality education to medical professionals at every stage of their careers.
Dr. Jason Lowe – Jeff Mast Educator of the Year Award
Jason Lowe, MD, an esteemed orthopedic trauma surgeon, was honored with the Jeff Mast Educator of the Year Award. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Dr. Lowe has led more than 50 educational courses and has been a lecturer with AO North America since 2009. His consistent dedication to training trauma surgeons reflects a lifelong passion for advancing clinical knowledge and surgical expertise.
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Dr. Simon Roe – Alan Ruggles Educator of the Year Award
Simon Roe, BVSc, PhD, DACVS, a respected figure in veterinary orthopedics, received the Alan Ruggles Educator of the Year Award. Dr. Roe has taught over 60 courses during his career and has been a key educator with AO North America since 2006. His work in biomechanics and veterinary surgery has significantly shaped the education of veterinary professionals worldwide.
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Dr. Richard Bransford – John France Educator of the Year Award
Richard Bransford, MD, a globally recognized spine surgeon, was awarded the John France Educator of the Year Award. Since 1998, he has taught more than 80 courses, contributed extensively to scientific literature, and served in multiple leadership roles including Chair of the AO Spine Global Diploma Program. Dr. Bransford is widely recognized for his commitment to spine education and his mentorship of the next generation of spine surgeons.
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Dr. Stephen Benirschke – Sigvard T. Hansen, Jr. Educator of the Year Award
Stephen Benirschke, MD, an influential leader in foot and ankle surgery, received the Sigvard T. Hansen, Jr. Educator of the Year Award. Over a career spanning three decades, he has taught more than 110 courses and served as a dedicated AO North America lecturer since 1991. Dr. Benirschke’s contributions continue to elevate standards in surgical education and clinical care.
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Dr. Marco Rizzo – Jesse Jupiter Educator of the Year Award
Marco Rizzo, MD, an expert in orthopedic hand surgery, was honored with the Jesse Jupiter Educator of the Year Award. Dr. Rizzo has taught over 75 courses since 1999 and serves as Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of the Program for Professionalism and Values at Mayo Clinic. Within AO North America, he chairs the Hand Education Committee and has played key roles in curriculum development and ethical standards in education.
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Dr. George Kushner – Brian Alpert Educator of the Year Award
George Kushner, DMD, MD, FACS, a renowned craniomaxillofacial surgeon, received the Brian Alpert Educator of the Year Award. With a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, Dr. Kushner has led over 100 educational courses and has been a lecturer with AO North America since 1993. He is a vital member of the Faculty Development Education Team, known for mentoring new faculty and promoting excellence in CMF education. His tireless dedication to patient care and passion for teaching make him a pillar in both surgical and educational communities.
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These six distinguished recipients embody AO North America’s values of excellence, mentorship, and innovation. The 2025 Educator of the Year Awards reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to recognizing leaders who advance the field through education and inspire future generations of medical professionals.