Michelle Clarke, MD, PhD Elected as AO Spine North America Representative on the AO North America Board of Directors
April 7, 2026 – (Wayne, PA) – AO North America is pleased to announce the election of Michelle Clarke, MD, PhD as the new AO Spine North America (AO Spine NA) Representative on the AO North America Board of Directors, effective immediately. Dr. Clarke will serve a four-year term, bringing extensive clinical expertise, educational leadership, and commitment to the AO mission to this important role.
Dr. Clarke currently serves as a Professor of Neurosurgery and Orthopedics and as Associate Dean for Surgery and Surgical Specialties at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She is the Program Director for the Neurosurgery Enfolded Spine Fellowship and the CARE PhD Program. She also remains clinically active in complex spine surgery with a focus on oncology. Dr. Clarke is accomplished in the field of spine surgery, with a background spanning clinical spine surgery, fellowship leadership, education science, ethics, and research. Along with this varied experience, she is also well versed in resource allocation, quality oversight, and operational leadership within complex healthcare systems.
An engaged member of AO Spine North America, Dr. Clarke has served continuously in educational and governance roles for more than a decade. Through these roles, she has enhanced the experiences of the full range of AO learners, from residents to those in early practice. She is a strong advocate for the priorities of the spine specialty while remaining closely aligned with the broader goals of the AO community.
“Dr. Clarke’s demonstrated commitment to and effective oversight of AO initiatives make her an ideal choice to represent AO Spine on the AO North America Board of Directors,” said Amy S. Kapatkin, DVM, MAS, DACVS, Chair of the AO North America Board. “In this role, her experience supporting education, research, and fellowship training at both the regional and international levels will continue to amplify the AO community.”
“I am honored to join the AO North America Board of Directors in this role,” said Dr. Clarke. “AO’s commitment to advancing education, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration across clinical specialties continues to shape the future of patient care. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen our shared mission.”
AO Spine NA Representative Responsibilities
The AO Spine NA Representative plays a critical role in supporting the Clinical Division, fostering communication between AO Spine North America and the AO NA Board of Directors, and contributing to strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and governance. Through her service on the Board, Dr. Clarke will help guide initiatives that advance AO North America’s mission while supporting the organization’s commitment to education, innovation, and excellence in patient care.