In memory of Max Landolt (1925–2025): A pioneer who bridged generations

Max Landolt during an AO Course in Chongqing, China, in 1997.
The AO Foundation mourns the passing of Dr med Max Landolt, an early champion of the AO philosophy, whose influence spans the very first AO Davos Course to the global fellowship network that continues to shape surgical education today. Landolt passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 100. A memorial service was held on December 9, 2025, at the Reformed Church in Höngg, Zurich, Switzerland. 
Max Landolt (right) celebrating his birthday with Peter Matter in 1993.
Max Landolt and his wife Heidi during a dinner at the AO Davos Courses in 1994.

A first generation advocate of the AO principles

Landolt’s AO journey began in 1960, when he attended the inaugural AO Davos Courses as a senior physician representing Stadtspital Waid (Zurich). At a time when participation was limited to senior or chief physicians, his early leadership paved the way for deeper AO engagement; following his appointment as chief physician in 1967, he became a member of the AO during the organization’s formative years. 

Faculty, mentor, and builder of a global fellowship network

By 1969, Landolt had joined the AO Davos Courses Faculty as an instructor. After retiring from clinical leadership, he dedicated himself to building capacity across continents at AO International, where he supervised the placement of approximately 2,000 fellows in AO clinics worldwide—seeding a culture of shared practice and lifelong exchange that defines the AO to this day. 
Max Landolt with Chris Colton during the AO Trustees Meeting in Segovia, Spain, in 1993.
Peter Ochsner (left), Maurice Müller, and Max Landolt at the opening of the AO Center in Davos, 1992.
Peter Matter, David Pitts, Max Landolt, and William Murphy meeting at Max Landolt’s holiday home in Davos Wiesen in 1996.
Susy Jann and Max Landolt at the 20th anniversary celebration of the AO Foundation in Davos, 2004.

An enduring presence in the AO’s governance and community

Landolt was recognized as an AO Honorary Trustee in 2003 and was present at key milestones—including the AO Center’s inauguration (1992) and numerous AO Trustees Meetings—symbolizing a bridge between the AO’s founders and successive generations of educators and innovators. 

Rooted in Zurich, serving patients and trainees

Beyond his roles with the AO, Landolt was part of the senior leadership at Stadtspital Waid and involved with the city’s expanding hospital system, which encompassed Triemli Hospital—a testament to his contributions to public health in Zurich over the course of several decades. 

The AO extends heartfelt condolences to Landolt’s family, colleagues, former trainees, and friends. We honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed: bridging generations to advance patient care through science, teaching, and collaboration.

«Max Landolt passed away just before this year’s AO Davos Courses. He celebrated his 100th birthday last July with his familiy after a long lasting activity as chief of surgery at Stadtspital Triemli in Zurich and later on together with me at AO International at the AO Center in Davos. Together with me, he was the last living founding member of AO Switzerland, founded in November 1958! We both experienced the highly interesting AO surgical fracture treatments, including intense discussions, especially during the first years of the AO in Switzerland. During his time with AO International he selected and organized AO Fellowships and kept contact with all the AO clinics. During his last few years he enjoyed spending time in his holiday home in Davos Wiesen near where we often met to relive our AO experiences!»
Peter Matter, AO Past President