Faculty Development
AO’s faculty development programs are designed specifically for our faculty, blending practical teaching strategies with evidence-informed best practices. What sets AO apart is its commitment to faculty excellence—investing in surgeon-led education grounded in adult learning principles, aligned with global standards, and delivered through engaging blended and hands-on formats.
Faculty development at AO supports a clear pathway—from preparing new faculty for their first teaching roles to supporting those taking on leadership in education. Through this structured and progressive approach, faculty are empowered to grow in confidence, effectiveness, and impact—ensuring consistently high-quality learning experiences across all AO activities.
Faculty Development Essentials
We’re excited to launch three new standalone online modules created for all AO members who contribute to education. These short, focused learning experiences are ideal for building confidence and sharpening your teaching approach—explore them at your own pace, whenever it suits you.
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Feedback EssentialsFind out how feedback can develop your learners and build your own constructive feedback skills.Register now More informationAO Faculty Development Module—Feedback Essentials is a short, interactive online course designed to help you build effective feedback skills. Recognize the impact of feedback in healthcare, explore different feedback models, apply AO’s 4-step approach, and reflect on your own practice through videos, quizzes, and real-world scenarios.
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Principles of Teaching and Learning EssentialsGrasp the basics of how adults learn, and how you can use this knowledge to improve your teaching skills.More informationAO Faculty Development Module—Principles of Teaching and Learning Essentials is an informative and interactive online module that explores how and why adults learn—grounded in key concepts and theories from learning science. Connect the theory to practice through real-life scenarios where the learner is front and center. Discover hands-on strategies to motivate learners tailored to the teaching methods used at AO and your own broader teaching practice.
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Assessment and Evaluation EssentialsGain the knowledge and skills to apply assessment and evaluation concepts to enhance your teaching.More informationAO Faculty Development Module—Assessment and Evaluation Essentials is a practical online module introducing the key frameworks and tools for assessing learning and evaluating education. You’ll learn how measuring impact, anyalyzing motivation, and monitoring learner progress allows you to make informed decisions in support of continuous improvement.
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Faculty development blended programs – by invitation through AO regions
AO’s faculty development programs are invitation-based, designed to ensure that all faculty—whether new or experienced—are equipped to meet the same high standards in teaching, feedback, and learner engagement. These standardized, blended programs are delivered across all AO regions by trained teams of surgeon educators and education specialists.
Through interactive workshops, peer exchange, and focused feedback, participants build their skills as teachers, coaches, course chairpersons, and education leaders. This deliberate and ongoing investment in our faculty is not only worthwhile—it’s essential to maintaining the quality and consistency of AO’s global education.
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Faculty Education Program (FEP)The FEP equips new faculty members with an upcoming faculty assignment with the skills required to successfully give a lecture, facilitate a small group discussion, or run a practical exercise at an AO educational event. This program introduces participants to core adult education principles and how they apply to teaching at AO.Program duration: 5 weeks online—1.5 days face-to-face—1 week online. |
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Chairperson Education Program (CEP)The CEP is targeted at experienced faculty members with an upcoming chairperson assignment and prior FEP attendance. The program introduces program planning principles, faculty management, as well as assessment and evaluation.Program duration: 5 weeks online—1.5 days face-to-face—1 week online. |
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Leader Education Program (LEP)This program supports experienced faculty and officers in governance or education roles to lead more effectively and advance their initiatives within AO. Through interactive discussions and practical application, participants strengthen leadership skills by reflecting on their own behaviors, applying models to build and guide performing teams, facilitating change and improvement, advocating for education at all levels, and fostering a continuous learning culture.Program duration: 5 weeks online—2 days face-to-face—1 week online. |
