Success in advanced surgical techniques and understanding the intricate biomechanics of sports injuries often depends on learning from the best in the field. The AO Sports NA Course—Principles of Sports Medicine: The Joint Is an Organ provides participants with an exceptional opportunity to study under some of the foremost authorities in orthopedic surgery and allows them to earn 15.5 CME.
The ortho sports course will happen on February 27–28, 2026, in Long Beach, California. It offers an immersive experience that goes beyond regular lectures. Faculty members help attendees understand how to treat the knee and shoulder as connected systems. They provide practical and theoretical insights to improve patient care.
Course Leadership: Renowned Chairpersons
The course is directed by two distinguished leaders who bridge academic achievement and practical expertise in clinical settings.
Cassandra Lee, MD
Professor and Chief of Sports Medicine, UC Davis Health
Dr. Cassandra Lee possesses an extensive background in both clinical practice and research innovation. As Chief of the Sports Medicine Service at UC Davis Health, she oversees the management of complex cases and serves as a team physician for collegiate athletes.
Her training comprises prestigious fellowships at Washington University in St. Louis, including roles with professional teams such as the St. Louis Rams and Blues. Dr. Lee is recognized as a pioneer in joint preservation. Her current research, funded by NIH and Department of Defense grants, focuses on ligament engineering and the modulation of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Ryan Martin, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon, University of Calgary & Banff Sports Medicine
Dr. Ryan Martin’s expertise encompasses trauma and sports medicine, bolstered by dual fellowships at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and the University of Toronto.
Based in Calgary, he maintains a busy Level 1 trauma practice and serves as an orthopedic surgeon for the Calgary Stampeders (CFL) and Calgary Flames (NHL). His combined focus enables a unique perspective on complex knee injuries involving fractures, cartilage, and ligaments.
Faculty of Thought Leaders
Supporting the chairpersons is a faculty team of highly regarded lecturers, each recognized for their specialized expertise and significant contributions to sports medicine.
John Grant, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Associate Professor, University of Michigan
Dr. Grant directs the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Fellowship at the University of Michigan. With a clinical focus on complex knee injuries, including cartilage transplantation and osteotomy, he also serves as a team physician for USA Hockey.
Sommer Hammoud, MD
Associate Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University
Dr. Sommer Hammoud is an authority in knee and shoulder injuries, combining her academic role with real-world experience as an assistant team physician for the Philadelphia Phillies and 76ers.
Her clinical interests include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions, multi-ligament knee injuries, knee meniscus tears, shoulder instability and labral tears, as well as rotator cuff repair
Bogdan Matache, MDCM, FRCSC
Assistant Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ottawa
Dr. Matache brings specialized training in knee reconstruction and upper-extremity arthroscopy of the hip and shoulder. His training includes an upper extremity fellowship at the Roth|McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre and a fellowship in sports medicine at New York University Hospital, Langone Health. He is the team physician for the Ottawa 67’s, Ottawa Senators, and Gatineau Olympiques.
Brent Ponce, MD
Professor, Vice Chair, Faculty Development, Medical University of South Carolina
A distinguished veteran, Dr. Ponce has held prominent academic positions and served in the US Air Force. Authoring nearly 200 peer-reviewed papers, he is a recognized authority in orthopedic research, offering deep expertise in shoulder pathology and sports medicine.
Gehron P. Treme, MD
Chair and Professor, Department of Orthopedics, University of New Mexico
As Chair at UNM, Dr. Gehron Treme is noted for his dedication to education and for managing complex clinical cases. His specialization includes multiple ligament injuries and patella instability, and his leadership extends to supporting pediatric sports injury care.
Additional Faculty
Robert Lindeman, MD – Associate Program Director, UTMB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
William Pullen, MD – Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina
The Value of Our Course Faculty
One of the best benefits of the Principles of Sports Medicine course is the great access to faculty it offers. This program focuses on small group discussions and hands-on lab sessions. It promotes evidence-based learning and encourages meaningful interaction.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Consult on challenging cases with the faculty’s expert input.
- Receive personalized feedback on surgical techniques during practical sessions.
- Engage leaders in discussions on clinical decision-making, managing complications, and career development.
Connecting With Leaders in Sports Medicine
The chance to learn directly from experienced, accomplished professionals is the standard for AO Sports NA CME courses. Whether a participant is an orthopedic resident, a sports medicine fellow, or an experienced orthopedic surgeon seeking to advance their skills, insights from this faculty are poised to significantly enrich both practice and patient outcomes.
