AO College

AO College is a cross-divisional program for highly enthusiastic and motivated young surgeons. The AO College program originated in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region, and after highly successful iterations in the past years, it is now available worldwide!

If you are a Trauma, Spine, or Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgeon who is currently within 2-5 years of your residency/training program after graduating medical/dental school, this intensive, three-month program is definitively for you! Enhance your career by developing globally recognized excellence in surgical, research, teaching, and leadership skills!

The call for applications 2025 will open soon. The next AO College 2025 will start at the end of August.

Why should you join?

Activities
Who can apply?
Awards

You will complete activities in the following areas:

Become an active junior member in an AO Study Club with top international speakers.
Complete an AO basic research training program.
Complete a personal development program including communication, leadership, and teaching skills.
You will be mentored by our leading regional faculty.
Complete an online seminar within your clinical division.

Who can apply?

The AO College initiative aims to equip successful applicants with the knowledge to better serve their patients and become distinguished ambassadors and members of the AO. Participants must be eager to engage with surgeons across the world and be enthusiastic about integrating into and participating in the AO community.

Eligibility criteria:

You are currently a surgeon within 2–5 years of your residency/training program following graduating your medical/dental school.
You are practicing in one of the following clinical fields: Trauma, Spine, CMF.
You are an enthusiastic and motivated individual.
You have excellent communication skills.
You possess great teamwork skills and an ability to connect in a multicultural environment.
You have a good command of English.
You have a stable internet connection.

Awards

Within the program there are numerous awards available:

The top 10 participants per clinical division will receive a 1-year membership (AO Trauma - upon completion of an AO Trauma Basic course)
The top 3 participants per clinical division (9 in total), will receive in addition to membership, a voucher valued at up to CHF 300 toward the AO course(s) of your choosing.

Testimonials

Dr. Noor-ul-Huda Maria, Pakistan

“AO College Spine is the most comprehensive program that is beneficial for Spine Surgeons at all level of trainings. It enwraps all important aspects of training notably clinical knowledge, management skills, surgical strategies, recent advances and research. This intense training is being delivered in a comfortable learning environment which enables everyone to learn with a receptive mind. I strongly recommend this course to all Spine Surgeons. I am grateful to the AO Foundation for accepting me and for introducing such a wonderful AO College.”

Dr. Noor-ul-Huda Maria, Pakistan
AO College Spine Top Participant
Dr. Adaugo Okafor, Nigeria

“I am incredibly grateful for the invaluable experience I garnered during this AO College 2023 Trauma program. The Clinical, Research and Professional development aspects exceeded my expectation. From the robust content, engaging and approachable faculty to excellent mode of delivery, I was able to gain skills that will greatly impact my practice going forward. The course content not only broadened my knowledge, it also significantly boosted my confidence and I wholeheartedly will recommend this to anyone looking for excellence in their personal and professional life. Thank you.”

Dr. Adaugo Okafor, Nigeria
AO College Trauma Top Participant
Dr. Kolawole Ayo-Oladapo, Nigeria

“Being one of the Top 3 Participants of the AO college program, I must say it was a very exhilirating experience for me filled with so many teachings, awesome faculty members, wonderful colleagues and participants. The program was very insightful and the tasks given to us were the most exciting as it always spurred up a healthy competitive environment among the participants making us give it our best. I will definitely recommend the AO College program to all my colleagues as it will not only improve their orthopaedic and surgical knowledge but also spur up their innovative minds so as to advance orthopedic care.”

Dr. Kolawole Ayo-Oladapo, Nigeria
AO College Trauma Top 3 Participants
Dr. Ahmed Saber Mohamed Abdelrahman, Egypt

“AO College has been a game-changer for me. The top-notch faculty, global networking with fellow, residents and invaluable clinical insights have significantly enhanced my skills and perspectives. This experience comes highly recommended for any aspiring surgeon.”

Dr. Ahmed Saber Mohamed Abdelrahman, Egypt
AO College Trauma Top 3 Participants
Prof Muhammad Wajid, Chairperson AO Trauma Community Development Commission

“AO College fosters new talent by connecting surgeons to develop professional competence with the help of local and international trauma experts.“

Prof Muhammad Wajid, Chairperson AO Trauma Community Development Commission
Prof. Asdrubal Falavigna, Chairman AO Spine International Board

“AO College Spine program not only introduces young surgeons to Spine Surgery, but also introduces them to the field of clinical research.”

Prof. Asdrubal Falavigna, Chairman AO Spine International Board