AO North America Honors Dr. Michelle Clarke with a 2026 Educator Award
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AO North America Honors Dr. Michelle Clarke with a 2026 Educator Award
April 27, 2026 – Wayne, PA — The AO North America community is set to come together at the OneAO® event in Tampa, FL, this April to celebrate the 2026 Educator Awards, honoring outstanding educators for their extraordinary contributions to medical education. These prestigious awards will recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to training physicians at every stage of their careers across a wide range of specialties, including orthopedic trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, hand surgery, and veterinary medicine.
Among this year’s distinguished honorees will be Michelle Clarke, MD, PhD, a leader in spine surgery and education, who will receive the John France Educator Award. Dr. Clarke has been selected for this honor in recognition of her commitment to advancing spine education and training future surgeons.
Dr. Clarke is a Professor of Neurologic Surgery and Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic and serves as Program Director for the neurosurgery enfolded spine fellowship. Her clinical focus includes intradural and vertebral column malignancies, as well as complex spine trauma and degenerative disease. With advanced training that includes degrees in aerospace engineering, medicine, bioethics, and a PhD in medical education, she brings a uniquely multidisciplinary perspective to her work.
The 2026 Educator Awards will spotlight those who exemplify excellence, innovation, and leadership in medical education. Dr. Clarke’s recognition highlights her impact on spine education and her dedication to mentorship and innovation.
About AO North America
AO North America, Inc. (AO NA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in patient care and outcomes for trauma and musculoskeletal disorders through education, optimized clinical treatment, and research innovation. Serving orthopedic trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, and veterinary surgeons, AO NA provides resources for continuing professional development, fostering a community of learning and expertise exchange.
As part of the international AO network, AO NA values diversity and inclusion among surgeons, healthcare professionals, and researchers. Committed to integrity, camaraderie, accountability, excellence, and lifelong learning, AO NA strives to advance its mission and maintain its position as a global leader in medical education and clinical practice.
