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Resident Douglas Saeks, MD speaking at the podium during the general session. (Photo: UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
The global orthopaedic trauma community gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, for the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) Annual Meeting, hosting a comprehensive series of sessions fostering international collaboration.
Several faculty members from the UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery moderated sessions and delivered lectures. Notable highlights included:
- International Trauma Care Forum (ITCF): Spearheaded by former OTA President and UCSF Orthopaedic Trauma Chief Dr. Theodore Miclau, this session focused on "Orthopaedic Trauma Education: Developing the New Generation of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons," addressing the evolving landscape of global residency and fellowship training. Dr. Miclau also moderated ITCF Symposium IV, a highly anticipated session titled "Traumaplasty: Considerations and Controversies," which explored the complex intersection of joint reconstruction and trauma care. Dr. Anthony Ding presented on “Competency-Based Training Standards: How Should We Measure Competence?”
- Artificial Intelligence & Innovation: Technological innovation took center stage during the symposium "Artificial Intelligence is Here—Now What? A Practical Guide for the Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon." Led by Dr. Meir Marmor, the session offered practical insights into how machine learning and digital tools are transforming diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in real-world clinical settings.
- Research presentations, from the podium, 'The Association of Timing From Injury to Amputation with Patient Reported Pain, Function and Mental Health.' by Dr. Saam Morshed and Resident Doug J. Saeks, MD.
- Surgical Technique & Consensus: Dr. Miclau presented findings from a critical Delphi Study on "Open Tibia Fracture Management," aimed at establishing a global consensus on highly debated clinical questions. Additionally, Dr. Utku Kandemir served as faculty for a specialized session on "Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Trauma Surgeon," providing vital instruction on managing complex proximal humerus fractures and joint reconstructions.
- Global Recognition: The conference underscored its international reach during the Guest Nation Presentation and Recognition ceremony. Moderated by Dr. Miclau, the session formally recognized Greece and Ecuador for their outstanding contributions to the field, facilitating a cross-border exchange of clinical knowledge.
- Leadership & Networking: Dr. Saam Morshed and Dr. Miclau led the Fellowship Program Director Meeting and welcomed aspiring trainees at the OTI Fellowship Informational Session. Professional networking included the annual OTI Hosted Reception at AJ’s on Broadway, which attracted over 150 surgeons, researchers, and alumni from around the globe. Dr. Miclau and Dr. Morshed also hosted the prestigious Presidential Reception and FIOTA Reception, celebrating international fellowship and leadership in orthopaedic trauma care.
We look forward to next year's event in New Orleans.
