AO North America presented a unique, CME-certified meeting that capitalized on the strength and diversity of AO North America. The clinical divisions AOCMF, AOSpine, AOTrauma and AOVET joined together in a single, multidisciplinary, scientific and educational event in Las Vegas from February 5–7, 2015. Themed One AO—Common Problems and Common Solutions Across Disciplines, the meeting brought together surgeons, fellows, and residents in orthopedic trauma, CMF, spine, neurosurgery and veterinary medicine. More than 200 surgeons, fellows, and residents came from all over the world to share knowledge, recent advances in research, and best practices in improving the care of patients. Concurrently, two Faculty Education Programs (FEPs) were held as cross-divisional programs.

The 2015 Surgical Preservation of the Hip Course took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, January 8–10, 2015. This is the sixth surgical preservation course to be directly provided by AO North America. Participants engaged in an observational bioskills lab using human anatomical specimens, which were set up in a mobile unit outside of the hotel. Experts in the field of surgical preservation techniques from around the world were present, with lectures and case discussions focusing on symptomatic improvement, long-term joint preservation, and the future direction in the evaluation and management of young adults with hip pain. The program committee is already planning to hold another course in 2017.

On January 16—19, 2015 orthopedic community surgeons met in Stowe, Vermont to discuss interesting cases and learn about the future of fracture treatment in community hospitals. Among the presenters were such legendary surgeons as Professor John McElwain, from Dublin, who is considered the godfather of orthopedic trauma in Ireland. His entertaining presentation on "Operative Treatment of Combined Acetabular and Associated Fractures" was highly appreciated by the audience.

The seventh annual faculty retreat in AO Latin America is quickly approaching. This event brings together representatives from across all AO Clinical Divisions in Latin America.

The AO Latin America (AOLAT) Faculty Retreat for 2015 will be held in Panama from April 23–25, 2015. The focus will be on education in the 21st century. Attendees can expect an interesting journey through the current status of medical education in Latin America. According to AOLAT Chairperson Dr. Sergio Fernandez, 2015 is the year to exploit the role of new educational technologies in greater depth.

The event will bring together guest speakers such as Urs Rüetschi, Director of the AO Education Institute, and Michael Redies, AOTrauma Global Education Manager, as well as regional faculty members. Representatives from all clinical divisions will deliver presentations on topics such as, “How to deliver effective education” and “How to implement innovative teaching methods”.

Latin American AO leaders will also meet and develop new strategies, in order to improve AO educational outcomes.