Meet the elected officers of the AO CMF Latin America Board

Juan Larrañaga (Chairperson)

"AO CMF Latin America is going through a period of transformation, in which the loss of funding in some countries has highlighted deeper challenges: the need to reduce dependence on a single sponsorship model, decrease regional inequities, rebuild internal trust, and increase the representation of Latin American talent within the international community. Facing this scenario, the new leadership phase will seek to strengthen a region that is more united, collaborative, sustainable, and innovative, based on a culture of respect, open communication, and shared purpose. The strategy will focus on developing more flexible educational and financial models adapted to the Latin American reality, promoting new strategic partners, collaboration with academic centers, hybrid and multicentric activities, hospital-based training programs, and lower-cost formats without compromising quality. At the same time, it will be a priority to identify, support, and project the next generation of leaders, educators, and researchers from the region, consolidating a more integrated AO CMF Latin America that is globally visible and prepared to face future challenges.”


Juan Larrañaga, from Argentina, was elected as the next Chairperson of the AO CMF Latin America Board and his official term will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.

In addition, he is a Staff Surgeon at Hospital Italiano in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with specialized training in General Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, and Plastic Surgery. As a medical graduate of Universidad Favaloro and a specialist in General Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery, and Plastic Surgery through the Asociación Argentina de Cirugía, he has built a distinguished career combining advanced surgical expertise with leadership in clinical practice, education, and professional organizations. His commitment to continuous professional development includes participation in the Surgical Leadership Program at Harvard University.

Within AO CMF, Dr Larrañaga currently serves as Regional Affairs Officer on the AO CMF Latin America Board (2023–2026). A highly engaged contributor to AO CMF education, he has participated as International Faculty, including at AO Davos Courses, as well as Regional Faculty, National Faculty, Chairperson, and Co-Chairperson. He has completed the Faculty Education Program (FEP), Chairperson Education Program (CEP), and Leadership Education Program (LEP). Beyond AO CMF, he is actively involved in numerous professional societies, including the Argentine Association of Surgery, the Argentine Association of Head and Neck Surgery, the Argentine Society of Microsurgery, and is a founding member of the Argentine Society of Aesthetic and Functional Rhinoplasty (SAREF), reflecting his longstanding commitment to surgical excellence and professional leadership.

Gabriel Pires Pastore (Education Officer)

“It is with profound honor and a deep spirit of service that I assume the role of Education Officer for AO CMF Latin America. My mission is to stand side by side with our community, seamlessly integrating the stability of our legacy with the innovation of digital transformation. Our purpose moving forward will be to drive a "High-Tech, High-Touch" educational framework by expanding the use of hybrid methodologies. Driven by the principle of decentralization, we will actively democratize access to elite training while fostering gender diversity and reinforcing our multilingual brotherhood. Guided by ethics and empathy, we will always keep the patient as the absolute center of gravity in all our educational endeavors”

Gabriel Pires Pastore, from Brazil, was elected as the next Education Officer of the AO CMF Latin America Board and his official term will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.

Holding a DDS, MSc, and PhD from UNICAMP and USP, Dr. Pastore has built a distinguished career that combines academic excellence, clinical leadership, and a strong commitment to professional development. He currently serves as a hospital department head and professor in Master’s and PhD programs, contributing to the education and mentorship of future specialists. His extensive experience in institutional governance includes serving as Vice President and Financial Director of the Brazilian College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, as well as leading the AO CMF Fellowship Center in Brazil for seven years.

As an AO CMF Faculty member, Dr. Pastore has established himself as a respected international leader, serving as a Davos Chairperson and pioneering the development and implementation of Human Cadaver Specimen Courses throughout Latin America, significantly expanding advanced surgical education in the region. In addition, he is a highly experienced International Faculty member, Regional Faculty, and Chairperson. His commitment to excellence in education and leadership is further reflected in his completion of both the Faculty Education Program (FEP) and Chairperson Education Program (CEP).

Maria Gabriela Nassif (Community Development Officer)

“AO CMF has been an important source of inspiration throughout my career, offering a unique platform for education, innovation, and professional development. I am passionate about contributing to the continued growth of our community by strengthening engagement, collaboration, and communication among members throughout the LATAM region. My goal is to help create opportunities that connect experienced surgeons with the next generation, encourage participation in AO CMF activities, and support the exchange of ideas and expertise across countries and cultures. I believe that by fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, we can further strengthen AO CMF’s impact and ensure a vibrant future for our specialty.”
               
Maria Gabriela Nassif, from Argentina, was elected as the next Community Development Officer of the AO CMF Latin America Board and her official term will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028.

Being a specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology, she has extensive expertise in cranio-maxillofacial trauma, reconstructive surgery, orthognathic surgery, and head and neck surgery. Currently, she serves in the General Surgery Department at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, within the Cranio-Maxillofacial Reconstructive and Head and Neck Surgery Unit, while also coordinating the institution’s Dental Support Unit. Therefore, she is also an active member of regional and international leading professional societies.

In addition, her advanced international training includes fellowships in Maxillofacial Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Spain, and Orthognathic Surgery at Morriston Hospital, United Kingdom, as well as postgraduate studies in Orthognathic Surgery at the University of Chile. And as an active leader within AO CMF, she is a former member of the Community Development Commission and has contributed as Regional Faculty, National Faculty, Chairperson, and Co-Chairperson. She has also completed both the Faculty Education Program (FEP) and Chairperson Education Program (CEP). 

Rodrigo Pereira (Research Officer)

"My objective for the 2026–2028 term is to build on the work established during my first term, consolidating a solid foundation for collaborative clinical research while addressing the specific challenges of our region. Latin America brings together highly skilled CMF surgeons with strong scientific potential; however, there are still gaps in the structured development of new researchers, in methodological standardization across centers, and in the consolidation of sustainable multicenter networks. Therefore, I am committed to strengthening, expanding, and enhancing the AO CMF Research Mentorship Program through a progressive pathway with clear goals and deliverables, integrating experienced mentors and mentees with methodological support and standardized processes.”
 
Rodrigo Pereira, from Brazil, was re-elected as the Research Officer of the AO CMF Latin America Board and his official term will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028.

Dr. Pereira is a Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where he is actively involved in both undergraduate and graduate education in Dentistry, contributing to the development of future generations of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Recognized for his commitment to academic excellence and scientific advancement, he is a full member of the Brazilian College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and maintains a strong presence in national and international educational and research initiatives.

Within AO CMF, Dr. Pereira has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the specialty, serving as an Officer of the AO CMF Research & Development Commission for the 2023–2026, representing Latin America. He has further strengthened his contributions to professional education through the successful completion of the Faculty Education Program (FEP), Chairperson Education Program (CEP), and Leadership Education Program (LEP). In addition to his academic and organizational roles, he serves as Associate Editor of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction and as a reviewer for several international scientific journals, supporting the dissemination of high-quality research and innovation in the field.

Rodrigo Liceaga-Reyes (Regional Affairs Officer)

"Latin America presents a challenge due to its vast size, but at the same time, we share a deep passion for the things we love. We have established prestigious schools with a high caliber of surgeons recognized worldwide. As Regional Affairs Officer, I aim to strengthen the AO Foundation ties with all surgical schools, recruit new members, support faculty, and bridge the existing educational gap. There is a clear need for continuing education, and I am confident that AO offers the highest level of training available. I am deeply committed to serving on the new AO CMF Latin America Board and will maintain close contact with all surgeons in the region.”

Rodrigo Liceaga-Reyes, from Mexico, was elected as the Regional Affairs Officer of the AO CMF Latin America Board and his official term will run from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.

A specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Liceaga-Reyes has extensive experience in orthognathic surgery, maxillofacial trauma, and oral surgery. He currently serves as an attending maxillofacial surgeon at the Campeche Specialty Hospital and has built a distinguished career that combines clinical practice, education, and healthcare leadership. His academic background includes a DDS from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Hospital Juárez de México, graduate studies in Education from Universidad Tecnológica de México, and doctoral studies in Hospital Administration and Public Services from Instituto Politécnico Nacional.

A longstanding contributor to AO CMF, Dr. Liceaga-Reyes previously served as the AO CMF Latin American Board Representative for Subregion 1 (Mexico) and has played an active role in numerous educational initiatives across the organization as Regional and National Faculty as well as Chairperson and Co-Chairperson throughout Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia. He has also completed the Faculty Education Program (FEP), Chairperson Education Program (CEP), and AO PEER training.