January 2025 AO CMF NA CDC Newsletter
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Welcome from Dr. Michael Grant
I am excited to kick-off 2025 with a new edition of the AO CMF North America Newsletter, outlining some of the exciting programs, opportunities, and events being offered this year for the AO CMF NA community.
First, I am happy to report that 2024 wrapped up with two successful Case-Based Dinner Discussions. Held in Baltimore, MD and Dallas, TX these events collectively brought together over 50 participants—most of them residents—for lively evenings of case presentations, insightful discourse, and comradery across specialties. A special thank you to Dr. Shannath Merbs and Dr. Larry Cunningham for joining me as co-hosts for these events. I look forward to bringing this series to more cities in the coming year.
AO embodies a commitment to delivering innovative programming. This is exemplified by two upcoming offerings: the Hot Topics in CMF Reconstruction course, focused on state-of-the-art techniques and technologies as well as OneAO 2025, which will explore the transformative realm of artificial intelligence. Below you’ll find details and registration information for both. I look forward to seeing many AO CMF NA colleagues at these programs.
Please feel free to reach out to cmfnews@aona.org with ideas and comments for future newsletter issues.
Sincerely,
Michael Grant, MD, PhD, FACS
AO CMF NA - Community Development Committee Chair
Paul N Manson Distinguished Professor
Chief - Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial Surgery
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland
Course Spotlight: Hot Topics in CMF Reconstruction
May 16-18, 2025 | New York, NY
Join Eduardo Rodriguez, MD, DDS, and a team of renowned surgeons for an educational journey in craniomaxillofacial (CMF) reconstruction. This comprehensive two-and-a-half-day course is ideal for experienced trainees, early-career surgeons, and seasoned professionals in oral and maxillofacial, ENT, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck, and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Seats are limited; registration remains open for days 2 and 3, which include didactic sessions with lectures, panel discussions, and interactive state-of-the-art reconstructive techniques to address challenging problems. Secure your spot today!
Registration Options
- Lab Observer + Didactic (May 16 - 18, 2025)
- Didactic Only (May 17 - 18, 2025)
Event Spotlight: OneAO2025
Join us this spring at OneAO 2025, AO North America’s flagship event. Dive into the theme —AI – Potential, Reality, and Impact—and opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning about the impact of AI on education, the practice of medicine, and our daily living.
This year promises several exciting sessions, including:
- Nationally and internationally renowned speakers talking about AI–its potential, impact, and challenges
- GET AHEAD - a series of professional development tracks covering research, teaching, and career development;
- Women’s symposium - an event dedicated to, and focused on, women in orthopedic surgery;
- Young Investigators Workshop - a workshop to promote the development of aspiring new researchers in the field of orthopaedic trauma;
- Educator of the Year awards - join us to recognize dedicated AO NA faculty;
- Sages on Stage- Meet the AO giants and mentors who have contributed significantly to orthopedics and to AO NA
- Program Directors Forum - Networking and discussion forum for Residency and Fellowship Program Directors
- Social networking, dinner events, and more!
AO Access: Become a mentor or mentee now
By: Tatjana Topalovic, Senior Project Manager AO Access
AO Foundation | Community & Governance
Developing your nonclinical competencies does far more than help you advance the AO mission of promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes; it also boosts your career and positively affects your personal life. AO Access—an initiative driving personal and professional development through a range of free resources and learning tools—incorporates a mentorship program focused on fostering these competencies.
Join the AO Access journey and register for the newly enhanced AO Access Mentoring Pathway. Successfully complete the education-accredited, self-directed online modules of the AO Access Mentoring Pathway by September 2025 to gain access to the mentorship platform where you will be anonymously matched with your mentor or mentee, based on self-identified needs.
During the six-month mentorship program, prompts will guide you through the formalized part of the program. Discover the benefits of the mentor/mentee relationship and connect with your mentoring partner to address current issues and develop coping strategies for the future.
Join the AO NA Social Media Working Group and Make an Impact!
Are you enthusiastic about social media and eager to help shape AO North America's online presence? We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join the AO NA Social Media Working Group as a volunteer!
Learn more and register your interest!