Annual symposium keeps participants coming back

Now in its 8th year, the International Pediatric Orthopaedic Symposium (IPOS) is a distinctive educational program that covers the spectrum of pediatric and adolescent orthopaedic conditions. This year’s event takes place at the World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., Dec. 7–10, 2011.

Presented by the AAOS and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), the 4-day program is led by course director John M. Flynn, MD, and taught by a select group of U.S. and international surgeons who bring their unique perspectives to the curriculum.

“Each year the course director and the IPOS Advisory Board select the most contemporary topics for presentation by some of the foremost pediatric orthopaedists in the world,” said Kenneth J. Noonan, MD, IPOS Advisory Board member and faculty member. “The material is presented in lectures, concurrent sessions, case-based small group workshops, and hands-on technique sessions.”

The meeting covers the spectrum of pediatric and adolescent conditions—from frequently seen problems to rare conditions that demand specialized care. Recognize the increasing complexity, diversity, and specialty interests within pediatric orthopaedics, the IPOS schedule enables participants to customize their learning experience to their unique practices.

International participation
In 2010, orthopaedic surgeons from more than 30 countries participated in IPOS.

“Surgeons from more developed regions of the world naturally want to hear about the latest techniques and ways of thinking,” said Richard M. Schwend, MD, IPOS faculty member. “However, IPOS is also an opportunity for surgeons from regions with limited resources to broaden their understanding of pediatric orthopaedics.

“AAOS and POSNA have established a scholarship program for surgeons from impoverished countries to attend IPOS for free; the recipients also receive additional money for expenses,” he added. “We are looking forward to the participation of this year’s scholarship recipients—Nariman Abol-Oyoun, MBBCh, from Egypt; Serdyk Svetlana Alexandrovna, MD, from Ukraine; and Hai Li, MD, from Shanghai, China.”

On-site mentoring program
In 2007, Dr. Flynn recruited Brian G. Smith, MD, to develop a program specifically for resident attendees of the course.

“Initially the goal was to increase the number of residents interested in a career in pediatric orthopaedics. I added the mentoring program to allow interested residents to connect with faculty members over breakfast and make plans to shadow the faculty throughout the course,” said Dr. Smith. “This program has been well received as a unique opportunity to meet with and receive guidance on career plans from the outstanding IPOS faculty members.”

Due to the popularity of this program, the course offers a Friday symposium on Career Planning and Professional Development for Orthopaedic Residents and Fellows. This session discusses issues such as “How to Make the Most of your Fellowship,” and “How to Find your First Job.”

“This attention to the specific learning needs of residents and fellows in training, at a large international meeting such as IPOS, is unique,” said Dr. Smith. “It not only supports pediatric orthopaedics and POSNA, but also enhances career opportunities for all residents who attend the meeting.”

The focus on today’s cutting-edge issues in pediatric orthopaedic surgery prepares attendees to meet the diagnostic, procedural, and management challenges of caring for children and adolescents. Previous attendees say the meeting is “a valuable opportunity to interact with colleagues from around the world,” “well-organized and received,” “a great meeting that won’t be my last.”

Collaborative efforts and a passion for knowledge make IPOS the premier educational event for those who treat orthopaedic conditions in young patients. For more information on IPOS, visit www.aaos.org/ipos

Myria A. Stanley is a CME course coordinator for AAOS.