AO Presidents

Mark D. Markel, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon and former dean at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, is the President of the AO Foundation. Markel has served as a UW-Madison faculty member since 1990, conducting research in comparative orthopedics focused on bone, tendon, and cartilage regeneration. He previously chaired the AO Research and Review Commission and served on the AO Foundation Board as Veterinary Expert. As the first veterinarian elected AO President, Markel brings over 35 years of experience in musculoskeletal research and education and is committed to advancing surgical innovation and patient care worldwide.