What does surgical excellence look like over a lifetime? How do top surgeons sustain their skills and confidence through decades of demanding work? We all know you cannot learn these answers from a textbook alone. You need to hear directly from those who have lived it.
At OneAO® 2026, the Sages on Stage session brings together distinguished AO North America surgeons for a candid conversation. We will explore performance, leadership, and longevity in modern surgical practice. This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from experience, moving beyond theory to uncover the practical realities of a lifelong surgical career.
👉 Learn more and register for OneAO® 2026: https://oneao.org
What Makes This Session Different?
Aligned with the OneAO® 2026 theme—Elevating Performance, Inspiring Confidence—this moderated panel steps away from traditional lectures. Instead, it offers a dynamic, interactive conversation filled with real-world insights and candid reflections.
The expert panel will explore exactly how surgeons develop and refine their proficiency. They will share honest advice on navigating complications and failure, turning setbacks into stepping stones. You will also learn how to sustain excellence over decades of practice while leading teams and mentoring the next generation.
Meet the Distinguished Sages
Our panel features leaders who have actively shaped modern surgical practice across multiple specialties.
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Denis Marcellin-Little, DVM A veterinary orthopedic surgeon with over 30 years of teaching experience. He brings unparalleled expertise in joint replacement, deformity correction, and surgical innovation. |
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George Russell, MD An orthopaedic trauma surgeon and the Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at UPMC. He offers exceptional insights into surgical leadership and managing complex trauma cases. |
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Joseph Van Sickels, DDS Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Kentucky. With over 200 publications to his name, he shares extensive experience in orthognathic surgery and clinical education. |
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Jeffrey Wang, MD Professor at USC and Co-Director of the USC Spine Center. He holds leadership roles across major spine organizations and brings deep insights from a prolific, highly published career. |
Join Us in Tampa for OneAO® 2026
Sages on Stage is a cornerstone of the OneAO® 2026 flagship multi-specialty conference program. This unique event brings together surgeons across various specialties to learn, collaborate, and advance the future of surgical care.
Location: Tampa, Florida
Dates: April 29–30, 2026
Register for OneAO® 2026 today to secure your spot. Join us to elevate your performance, inspire confidence in your practice, and learn from the sages who paved the way.
