The AO Education Platform (EP) sets the long-term strategic direction for the AO Education Institute (AOEI), ensuring quality, innovation, and synergies in all of AO’s continuing medical education activities.

 

The meetings of the EP are chaired by the President-Elect of the AO. Its members include the Chairs of the Clinical Divisions' Education Commissions, the President of the AOF, the Vice-Chair of the AOFB/CEO, the Executive Directors of the Clinical Divisions, the Director of the AOEI, and guest representatives from DePuy Synthes (DPS).

 

This year's 2-day meeting took place in April, in Zurich, and was chaired by Nikolaus Renner. On the agenda were ongoing, cross-divisional AOEI projects, including the Faculty Development Alignment Project and the Assessment and Evaluation Project. In addition, the new AOEI Advisory Committee was introduced. This committee will support the AOEI in its strategy development, in order to be prepared for the future.

 

In the area of technology, the ICUC app was presented by Pietro Regazzoni, and a progress report about the Simulation Strategy Fund Project was given. Initiatives with potential for best practice were presented such as the AOTrauma Surgical Training and Assessment for Residents  (AOTSTaRT) program—an interactive eLearning hub for residents—and the CMF curriculum including small group discussions. AOTrauma and AOSpine also discussed future cross-divisional cooperation in the area of fellowships, Key Performance Indicators, and online education.

 

Special guest Professor Tony Gallagher, from the University of Cork and lead author of the book "Fundamentals of Surgical Simulation", spoke about a possible Strategy Fund research project exploring the link between education and its impact on patient outcomes.

 

Claude Martin jr., Managing Director of the AO Alliance Foundation, updated the group on the current AO Alliance activities and projects.

 

Finally, the head of DPS Professional Education, Diana Bacci-Walsh, together with online specialist Sheri Fitzgerald from DPS, gave an insight into strategic focus areas and their distance education environment.