- Welcome from CDC Chair
- 2025 Young Investigator Research Grant Award Winners
- Event spotlight: AO North America at OTA
- 2026 Course Calendar is Now Live
- Visit the AO SNA Resource Hub
View the Fall 2025 newsletter email
Welcome from Dr. Elizabeth Yu, AO Spine NA CDC Chair
Dear AO Spine NA Community,
I am excited to write the introduction for the first issue of the AO Spine North America newsletter produced since I assumed the position of Chair for the Community Development Committee. This is a great opportunity to share achievements, upcoming events, and other relevant news.
Since the summer issue of this newsletter, Dr. Brett Freedman has taken over as the Chair of the AO SNA Fellowship Committee and Dr. Jefferson Wilson has extended his term as Chair of the Research Committee through 2028. We welcomed our new AO SNA Fellows with the annual Controversies in Complex Spinal Surgery for Fellows with Practice Essentials Component held in September in Palm Beach Garden, FL. This year proved to be another wonderful course that combined education, teaching, and networking. Thank you to Dr. Joseph Cheng and Dr. Scott Daffner for their organization of the course, and Dr. Ryan Spiker for organizing the Practice Essentials component.
Remaining educational opportunities in 2025 include the inaugural Advanced MISS Techniques course will be held in October in Raynham, MA. Limited space still remains in the Managing Complications: Clinically, Ethically and Legally in November in Tampa, FL. Details about 2026 courses are linked below.
Beyond education of trainees, our organization is a community of spine surgeons dedicated to fostering fellowship, disseminating and imparting new surgical skills, and advancing the field of research. The Global Spine Congress, happening in Istanbul, Turkey from May 27-30, 2026, promises to be a forum for exchanging ideas, networking with thousands of leading spine professionals, and highlighting the latest research and technologies.
I look forward to serving and continuing to engage existing members, as well as recruiting new AO Spine North America members.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Yu, MD
AO Spine NA – Community Development Committee Chair
Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Spine
Chief, Division of Spine Surgery
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
2025 Young Investigator Research Grant Award Winners
In July, the AO Spine North America Research Committee announced the recipients of the 2025 Young Investigator Research Grant Award (YIRGA).
The AO SNARC continues to offer research funding that is available to new investigators (within 5 years of first appointment). The purpose of these grants is to encourage high-quality, clinically-relevant spinal or spinal cord research by providing start-up funding of up to $20,000 for one year.
This year’s recipients are exploring a range of topics including the potential application of AI to improve early detection and surveillance of cervical myelopathy; identifying risk factors and ways to reduce poor cognitive outcomes for elderly patients undergoing spine surgery; addressing the high rate of pedicle screw failure in osteoporotic patients through a combination of a flexible pedicle screw instrumentation with robotic-guided curved drilling trajectories; and harnessing digital technologies such as smartphones and wearables to assess and monitor degenerative cervical myelopathy.
Event spotlight: AO North America at OTA
Attending this year’s Orthopedic Trauma Association’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ? Catch up with longtime AO friends at the AO North America Reception at OTA.
Join us on October 17, 2025, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at Jacy and Dakota’s, located in the Westin Phoenix Downtown. The evening promises engaging conversations, along with an assortment of food and refreshments on hand to keep the night going!
Come ready to enjoy fantastic company and celebrate being part of the AO family!
You can also visit AO North America in the exhibit hall at booth #115 to learn more about the latest offerings, meet our team, and explore opportunities to get involved. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.
RSVP
2026 Course Calendar is Now Live
AO North America is excited to unveil our comprehensive 2026 orthopedic course schedule, designed to enhance the expertise of orthopedic surgeons, residents, and fellows across various specialties.
Our spine education program offers a variety of distinct learning opportunities throughout 2026, addressing both fundamental principles and specialized techniques:
The 2026 Spine course highlights include:
Principles and Treatment of Spinal Disorders | La Jolla, CA (May 2026) and Las Vegas, NV (October 2026)
Managing Complications: Clinically, Ethically, and Legally – Focused on critical aspects of complication management | Tempe, AZ (November 2026)
Seminar-Part II ABOS Oral Board Review – Targeted preparation for board certification candidates | Chicago, IL (June 2026)
View the complete 2026 schedule
Visit the AO Spine NA Resource Hub
Check out the newly launched AO NA Blog! This recent addition to the AO NA website makes it easier than ever to stay updated on what’s new and next for the AO NA community including announcements, updates, and accolades.
Access the Spine Resource Hub for the latest AO SNA news, information, events, opportunities and more.