Surgical excellence depends on far more than technical skill. It is shaped by leadership, team dynamics, resilience, and how surgeons respond to the most difficult moments in clinical practice.
At OneAO® 2026, orthopedic surgeons will have the opportunity to explore these human factors in a thoughtful, small-group session titled Together in Surgery: Performance, Resilience, and Purpose.
Designed for surgeons at all career stages, this academically grounded session brings men and women across specialties together to discuss the realities of modern surgical practice and the systems that support high-performing surgical teams.
Examining the Human Factors in Surgical Performance
Through facilitated discussion, case-based analysis, and lived experience, the session will explore the human dimensions of surgical excellence that are often under-discussed in formal training.
Participants will examine topics including:
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High-performance teams in the operating room
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The psychological impact of complications
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The second victim phenomenon in surgery
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Identity, peer support, and professional purpose
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Practical frameworks for supporting surgeons after adverse events
These conversations are increasingly important in a profession where performance expectations are high and complications can carry both clinical and emotional consequences.
The session encourages open dialogue about how surgical teams can foster cultures that support accountability, recovery, and sustained excellence.
Invited Speaker: Rex Marco, MD
The session will feature Rex Marco, MD, an internationally recognized orthopedic spine and musculoskeletal oncology surgeon whose career has focused on caring for patients with complex spinal disorders and tumors.
Dr. Marco has held leadership roles at several prominent institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, and UTHealth Houston, where he currently serves as Spine Fellowship Director.
In 2019, Dr. Marco sustained a life-changing C2 spinal cord injury following a cycling accident. Since then, he has become a leading voice on resilience, leadership, and the human dimensions of surgical practice.
His experience brings unique insight into conversations about recovery, purpose, and sustaining excellence in medicine.
Who Should Attend
Together in Surgery: Performance, Resilience, and Purpose is designed for orthopedic surgeons at all career stages who are interested in strengthening surgical performance, supporting colleagues, and sustaining long and meaningful careers in medicine.
The session provides a rare opportunity for surgeons to engage in a professional dialogue about performance, responsibility, and leadership in modern orthopedic surgery.
Experience It at OneAO® 2026
Together in Surgery is part of the OneAO® 2026 flagship multi-specialty conference program, bringing surgeons together across disciplines to explore innovation, collaboration, and the future of musculoskeletal care.
📍 Tampa, Florida
📅 April 29–30, 2026
OneAO® unites surgeons, fellows, and residents from across orthopaedic trauma, spine, craniomaxillofacial, hand, foot and ankle, veterinary medicine, sports, and reconstruction to exchange ideas and advance surgical performance.
👉 Learn more and register for OneAO® 2026:
https://blog.aona.org/oneao-2026/
