AO Access Liasons

The AO Access Liaisons play an important ambassadorial role mandated by the AO Foundation Board (AO FB) in June 2022.

AO Access gained five new ambassadors to promote equal access and opportunity in their divisions and unit with the recent appointment of AO Access Liaisons representing the link between the AO’s clinical specialties and AO Access. 

The AO Access Liaisons serve as ambassadors who engage the community and create a two-way communication channel between AO Access and the clinical specialties to ensure equal access and opportunities by leveraging available AO Access resources and promoting personal and professional development in three ways: 

• Raise awareness in their speciality about the current status quo of their community. 
• Promote AO Access’ educational opportunities to engage in self-reflection via various learning opportunities. 
• Recommend policy and practice changes that foster systematic changes.
  
  

The Liaisons align their work with international board strategies, engage with Community Development Commission members, and collaborate with Nomination Committees. Liaisons implement AO Access’ one-, three-, and five-year strategies within their divisions and unit, aiming to promote broader participation and engagement. Their responsibilities also include aligning various groups within their clinical specialties, preventing project duplication, and enhancing efficiency. To support them in their role, Liaisons receive training opportunities in areas such as unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and advocating for allies, which also support their broader leadership development. 
Furthermore, since 2023 the AO Access Liaisons have closely collaborated with an AO Access partner on selection priorities for each speciality based on needs. Regular feedback sessions and reports from Community Development Commission and board meetings ensure that AO Access is an integral part of the speciality work as requires by the AO Foundation Board and that AO Access resources are leveraged—based on needs—in each region.  

The clinical divisions’ respective community development chairpersons—Muhammad Wajid (AO Trauma), Michael Dittmar (AO Spine), Ana Catalina Tobon (AO CMF), Bruno Peirone (AO VET) and Michael Huo (AO Recon)—are the clinical specialties’ contacts for all questions and suggestions concerning this exciting collaboration.