Global Spine Diploma Community
Are you ready to elevate your expertise in spine surgery and join a global network of professionals dedicated to advancing spinal health? Our Global Spine Diploma Program is the flagship destination for surgeons seeking to deepen their knowledge, enhance their skills, and connect with a vibrant community of peers and mentors.
AO Spine’s Global Spine Diploma Program is the first globally developed, systematic spine surgery training pathway for recently graduated orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Built on the AO Spine Curriculum it ensures targeted development of cognitive, procedural, nontechnical, and nonoperative skills.
"Joining the AO Global Spine Diploma gave me a 360-degree view of the spine, connecting me with a diverse group of surgeons and allowing me to learn flexibly online at my own pace. The weekly case discussion forums were invaluable for checking in with faculty and applying what I learned in real time."
Jana Schader
2025 Global Spine Diploma Program graduate
Celebrating our recent graduates
From graduates to faculty: Get to know their stories
Explore the journeys of these graduates to becoming faculty members and how the Global Spine Diploma Program, with its comprehensive training, advanced knowledge, and professional networking opportunities, has propelled their careers to new heights.
“I joined the Global Spine Diploma Program to gain a global perspective on spinal conditions and learn from experienced faculty in a supportive environment where I could freely discuss challenging cases. It significantly enhanced my knowledge through diverse clinical discussions and fostered lasting friendships with fellow participants. The flexibility to learn at my own pace was invaluable, and the live case discussions bridged theory with real-world practice, offering practical insights from expert facilitators. As a faculty member this semester, I've appreciated how assuming this role has deepened my understanding of adult learning and enriched my skills in guiding a diverse group of surgeons toward educational success.”
Dr. Taofeek Adeyemi
Lagos state, Nigeria
“The Global Spine Diploma Program granted me access to new work and studies and allowed me to collaborate and discuss specific problems with internationally renowned surgeons. The most valuable aspect was the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with professionals from different countries, enriching my perspective and approach to addressing challenges in the field. As a faculty member, I found the exchange of ideas and knowledge with colleagues and students extremely enriching, with the diversity of perspectives and experiences being particularly valuable in my teaching and learning process.”
Dr. Brenda Verger
Rosario, Argentina
“The Global Spine Diploma Program curriculum provided me with an extremely rewarding and enriching experience. It systemically organizes information, bridges knowledge gaps, creates a foundation of evidence, provides bases for problem resolution along with expanded options, and gives ongoing feedback.”
Dr. Feras Rawagah
Alkarak, Jordan
"Global Spine Diploma: A meeting platform of cultures, a convergence of expertise, and a gateway to the future of knowledge."
Ida Bagus Adhi Prayoga
2025 Global Diploma Program graduate
Interested in joining the community?
The Global Spine Diploma Program Committee
The Global Spine Diploma Program Committee is a group of experts who build, drive, and continuously improve the program. It oversees the online faculty moderators who undergo a dedicated faculty training program with the AO Education Institute.
Atiq Uz Zaman
Lahore, Pakistan
Program Committee Chair
Infection
Luiz Gustavo da Rocha
Curitiba, Brazil
Trauma
Adetunji Toluse
Lagos, Nigeria
Cervical Degeneration
John Chen
Singapore, Singapore
Lumbar Degeneration
Fred Nicholls
Calgary, Canada
Deformity
Jeremy Reynolds
Oxford, United Kingdom
Tumor
Bradley Jacobs
Vancouver, Canada
AO Spine NA GSD Program Chair
Meet our esteemed Chairperson
Read about Program Chairperson Atiq Uz Zaman discussing the value the Global Spine Diploma Program as an internationally oriented, twelve-month online program brings to recently graduated orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.
“We, the Global Spine Diploma Program team, are committed to cultivate the next generation of leading spine surgeons worldwide, ensuring a legacy of proficiency, innovation, and global impact.”
Atiq Uz Zaman, Chairperson Global Spine Diploma Program
“The Global Spine Diploma was one of my best educational experiences I have had in spine surgery. Its high-quality educational resources and interactions with peers and faculty encouraged critical thinking rather than passive learning.
The program helped me develop a structured approach and strengthened my understanding of evidence-based spine care and gave me practical insights into decision-making and surgical and non-surgical management of spinal disorders.”
Deya AlWady
2025 Global Spine Diploma Program graduate
Latest News
Contact Us
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to assist you.
Contact us at globalspinediploma@aofoundation.org.
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