A 2012 study found that over 20% of core information guiding clinical practice changes each year. This is probably not a surprise to surgeons who encounter almost daily, rapid advances in technology, knowledge, and techniques—a hallmark of their profession.

 

This second issue of the AOTrauma FacultyFocus newsletter contains articles that look at change in terms of AOTrauma education and related fields. For example, we will present you a brief outline of the changes you can expect at the Davos Courses. Rest assured that the course quality and networking opportunities will be preserved, just how we go about it is has been refreshed.

 

In terms of changing leadership, the AO Foundation welcomes its new president Suthorn Bavonratanavech from Thailand. Just at the start of his two-year term, he sat down with us and shared his perspective on the changes our organization as a whole faces and his long-term goals for AO.

 

We also look at the reasoning behind the 2013 standardization changes made to the Basic and Advanced Principles courses. Regardless of where a course is held, it now must adhere to a set of mandatory content. Freedom for regional adaptation has been built into the framework, and this has resulted in increased confidence that our educational offerings are consistently of the highest quality.

 

You can also read about massive online open courses (MOOCs), a new trend in education that could alter how we view and deliver medical education.

 

We welcome your feedback and hope you enjoy the diverse selection of articles in this issue.