Global Spine Diploma Program

Apply to enroll

Applicants must apply to enrol in the Program. Applications are reviewed by the Program Committee and AO Staff.  

Required application materials

The application requires uploading supporting documentation. Please have these files ready for upload before you begin to fill in your application. (Accepted file formats are PDF, JPG)

• A English-language curriculum vitae (CV) demonstrating practice experience in spinal surgery
• A certificate confirming recent graduation from an orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery training program or a document confirming status as last-year trainee

Completing an application

The application portal opens in late spring and early autumn, around four months before the cohort starts in either mid-August or late January. To complete an application please follow the link posted above, submit the required documentation, and and pay the non-refundable administrative fee of CHF 100.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Notification of eligibility

Eligible candidates will be notified and invited to register by paying the tuition fee for their first semester.

Only AO members are eligible to register.

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Non-refundable administrative fee

CHF100 when submitting the application

Tuition fee

CHF 2,500 payable in two installments (July / December, before semester starts). 

The tuition fee includes access to all learning materials and virtual discussions throughout the duration of the program.

For detailed deferral, cancellation and refund policies, please read the Terms and Conditions. 

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The Program offers a small number of scholarships to surgeons practicing in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank).

Selection is based on points-based. Selection is made based on anonymized data by a selection committee consisting of the Program Chair, one member of the Program Committee, and a representative from AO Access.

Scholarships are only available while the application process is open. Please note the deadlines posted in the application portal.

Mandatory criteria:

• Confirmed eligibility for the Program (completed application process)
• Surgical practice in low-income countries, countries or lower-middle income countries

Desired criteria:

• 3–5 years experience after completing training in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery
• Demonstrated interest in continued education in (spine) surgery (demonstrated in CV submitted in application process)
• AO membership or AO fellowship
  
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What are the criteria to receive the Global Spine Diploma?

Participants must pass all five modules independently to receive the Global Spine Diploma certificate. For the detailed policy, please read the Terms and Conditions.

Participants pass a module by reaching the passmark set by the Program Committee (at present, 60 percent). Module marks consist of marks achieved in the following assessment tasks:

Brief weekly quizzes (multiple-choice questions): 56%

Weekly contributions to the discussion forums: 44%

Can I receive the Global Spine Diploma by taking individual modules?

You can receive credit for stand-alone modules you have completed satisfactorily but will need to apply to the Global Spine Diploma Program to be considered for the Global Spine Diploma certificate.

How long can I access each module’s training materials?

All training material is accessible for the duration of the program. Once you have completed all five training modules, your access to the learning management system will close.

How long is the Global Spine Diploma valid?

The Global Spine Diploma is valid unlimited from time of issue.

What does the Global Spine Diploma certify?

The GSD certificate demonstrates a spine surgeon's knowledge to manage patients with spinal disorders.

It is not a compulsory or regulatory certificate of competence or excellence. It does not certify technical skills or ability to perform surgical procedures.

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