AO Access Steering Committee members and task force leads leave a legacy of commitment and inspiration after completing their terms

Established in 2020 to remedy disparities in the AO’s membership demographics—specifically with regard to underrepresented groups in medicine—and using an evidence-based approach, AO Access and its initiatives are key components of making the organization more diverse and inclusive.

Today, the global AO Access community celebrates the achievements of AO Access Steering Committee members as well as task force leads. At the same time, AO Access is sharing the names of their successors and recruiting new task force members this November; please express your interest to contribute to AO Access via this survey by November 15, 2024.

After more than three years of working to deliver the AO’s diversity, inclusion, and mentorship programs, six of the first leaders of AO Access are retiring with a staggered approach after their first terms—and their AO Access peers on the task forces are detailing their significant contributions.

The structure of AO Access is based on Terms of Reference (ToR) that direct responsibilities and terms for everyone active in the program. There are three levels of AO Access leadership: AO Access Steering Committee, AO Access task force leads and members. 

AO Access Steering Committee Chairperson and AO Past President Robert McGuire had his last meeting in December 2023. McGuire, who joined the steering committee as AO Past President in 2020, was succeeded by current AO Immediate Past President Florian Gebhard. Task force member Claudia Medina was anonymously elected to become the diversity and inclusion representative at the AO Access Steering Committee succeeding Amy Kapatkin, whose last meeting was in March 2024. Urs Rüetschi, the AO Executive Committee (AO EC) representative to the steering committee, was succeeded by AO EC member Eberhard Denk in 2023. 

All task force leads since 2020; Samantha Morello, Matthew Allen and Marinis Pirpiris have rotated out of their positions and new task force leads were anonymously selected from the current pool of task force members by the AO Access Steering Committee. All these AO Access champions will continue to serve the program and the AO as ambassadors for diversity, inclusion, and mentorship. 

As Kapatkin highlights, AO Access is based on principles of transparency and rotation up or outward is of utmost importance, making room for new talent wanting to contribute to AO Access. “We feel we’ve come a long way,” Kapatkin said. “What’s most important is that when we set up our Terms of Reference for AO Access, we understood that it was really important to have open voting and have the selection process blinded so that people are chosen on their merits and not necessarily on who they know.”

Open call to get involved

Kapatkin said the ongoing AO Access open call for task force members is crucial. “It’s very important to do a term and then move up and out, because that is the only way we can engage new people. New people bring new ideas,” she emphasized. “We promote and really live by what we’re talking about, which is that if we’re going to be a very successful organization, we need opportunities for many people. If we keep getting new ideas, we will get better and better through that process.

Vision, drive, commitment

Gebhard applauded McGuire’s devotion to AO Access.

"Without Bob's leadership, AO Access—especially its mentorship initiatives—would not be where it is today,” Gebhard said. “His vision made an impact and his drive and commitment from the highest position in the AO have been key to its success."

Creating ‘lasting change’

AO Access Steering Committee member Amy Kapatkin stepped down from her role as the diversity and inclusion representative to the AO Access Steering Committee after one term, and Claudia Medina, previously on the AO Access Mentorship Task Force, will succeed Kapatkin on the steering committee.

"Thank you for your incredible leadership vision and commitment to making diversity and inclusion a priority. Your efforts have set a powerful example,” said Medina. “We are grateful for the path you’ve carved. Your work has not only inspired me but has created lasting change that will benefit generations to come. I am deeply thankful for the foundations you have built and will strive to continue your important work with the same passion and dedication.

‘A pivotal role’

At the same time, Denk lauded his predecessor’s leadership.

"Urs played a pivotal role in establishing the AO Access Steering Committee and was its first AO EC representative,” Denk said. “His leadership was instrumental in driving AO Access forward and making it a key organizational priority."

Generous, inspirational

Morello was lauded by AO Access Faculty and Leader Development Task Force members as generous and inspirational.

“Sam…opened my eyes to diversity. With [her] generosity, we all learned a lot,” said Héctor Aguado Hernandez, member of the AO Access Faculty and Leader Development Task Force and will succeed Morello as task force lead. “I can now say I am a better team player for my family, work, and the AO.”

Task force member Nicola Kildea, also had high praise for Morello.

"To me, Sam was inspirational, an amazing mentor, and an incredible role model,” Kildea said. “I have gained so much knowledge and insight from our conversations and meetings. She will be very much missed."

The embodiment of mentorship

Allen was acclaimed by his AO Access peers as the embodiment of mentorship, a driving force behind the AO Access Officer and Faculty Selection Processes Task Force is a “true believer” in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

"Matthew embodies mentorship. He always elevates others by sharing his advice with a combination of passion and enthusiasm that is infectious,” said Jessica McCarthy, a current task force member who will succeed Allen in the role of task force lead. “Matthew listens attentively and is always willing to learn from those around him, even if they may be much earlier in their careers than him. [He] leads by example, always volunteering to take on extra tasks and working tirelessly to improve access for all at the AO.”

Pedro Jorba, who represents AO Trauma Latin America on the task force, applauded Allen’s commitment.

"For me, being part of AO Access has been a chance to continue to work for a cause that is very important to me. An unexpected plus has been the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of very talented and highly motivated surgeons,” Jorba explained. “As the task force lead, Matthew has been the driving force behind us from day one, with unparalleled commitment to our mission. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with him, and I'm a better person for having done so."

Task force member Waeel Hamouda, who will soon move to the AO Access Mentorship Task Force, praised Allen’s experience, leadership, and dedication.

"As a true believer in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, he managed to promote several initiatives and has successfully accomplished many,” said Hamouda. “His vast professional experience, quality leadership, dedication to AO Access goals, and most importantly his funny character and witty jokes made him an idol for all of the members within the group and beyond."

‘A greater purpose’

Pirpiris led the AO Access Mentorship Task Force, helping the AO expand its understanding of its membership and its mission.

I am lucky to have served with Marinis Pirpiris. Through his leadership we were able to establish today's mentorship framework to strategically and tactically create a formalized mentorship program with mentor/mentee collaborative networks, and virtual platforms necessary in today's communicative needs,” said David Hamlar. “Thank you, Marinis, for your time and deduction to a greater purpose for me and my medical and administrative colleagues who want to provide better care for our patients and ourselves in the future.”

Task force member Lynette Spalding, who will succeed Pirpiris as task force lead, described him as a principled leader.

"Marinis is well known for his belief in the benefits of mentorship and has led the AO Access Mentorship Task Force following these principles. He has guided the development of the AO Access Mentorship Program whilst facilitating the development of the task force members,” she said. “He is always open to new ideas and alternative viewpoints and is skilled at distilling these into effective outcomes and communicating them to our community. It has been a pleasure and an education to work with him during his tenure as task force lead."

Open call to get involved

Those interested in working on AO diversity, inclusion, and mentorship topics are invited to answer the AO Access open call by November 15, 2024.