Honoring Joan Rousseau: A Legacy of Leadership, Integrity, and Unwavering Dedication to Medical Education

Joan Rousseau, an iconic figure within North America and its clinical specialties died peacefully on April 1, 2025.

Joan started her career at Synthes USA in the early 1980's and quickly established herself as a leader in the field of continuing medical education (CME).  Joan was instrumental in establishing and elevating the educational standards for orthopedics spine, podiatry, veterinary, and craniomaxillofacial surgery. 

Under Joan’s leadership, continuing medical education became an important priority for AO North America. She grew the department from a handful of people to an impressive and efficient CME provider. It was under her leadership that AO NA was able to obtain CME accreditation during a time when this was very difficult to accomplish. 

Joan pioneered the creation of education committees and faculty application processes for all specialties. She was the consummate professional, always holding her department, and herself to the highest standards. She was passionately dedicated to serving the surgeons and her staff…a  tireless leader, ready to help and to provide support and guidance.

Joan became a dear friend to countless surgeons as they looked to AO North America for educational leadership, development, and mentorship. She was highly respected for her ongoing commitment to objective and unbiased medical education. Joan was a fantastic ambassador for AO North America.  We will miss Joan, but her legacy will live on within AO North America. We will miss that twinkle in her eye, the genuine interest in those with whom she worked, the relationships she built with surgeons from all over the world and their families, and her commitment to integrity and excellence.

You are invited to share your memories of Joan on her memorial page here.