Published 1/30/2026
The Dominican Republic will be the Guest Nation at the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, March 2-6, with the Dominican Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (SDOT) representing the country. From left: Christian Guillen, M.D., Hector Lopez, M.D. (past SDOT President), Julio Landron, M.D. (past SDOT President), Delfilio Martinez, M.D., Jose Taveras, M.D., Andy De Leon, M.D. (current SDOT President), Cristobal Mata, M.D., Reicy Bobadilla, M.D.
AAOS will welcome the Dominican Republic as the Guest Nation at the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, March 2-6, with the Dominican Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (SDOT) representing the country.
“SDOT is honored to be recognized as the Guest Nation at the AAOS Annual Meeting,” said Dr. Andy De Leon, SDOT President. “Our longstanding partnership continues to grow, and we look forward to expanding educational and research opportunities for our members.”
The Guest Nation Program was inaugurated in 2005 to foster greater recognition and awareness of the contributions made to the practice of orthopaedics by orthopaedic surgeons from around the globe and to enhance the robust international character and excitement of the AAOS Annual Meeting. Previous Guest Nation honorees have included Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Thailand, Mexico, Japan, Canada, France, China, Colombia, India, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Germany, Chile, and Egypt.
The Dominican Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology emerged at a pivotal moment in the development of the specialty. Orthopaedic practice was gaining strength but lacked a formal institutional framework to support academic growth and professional organization. In the late 1960s, a group of orthopaedic surgeons recognized the need to establish a scientific society that would bring specialists together and foster academic exchange while providing representation at both national and international levels.
The society was officially founded in December 1969 and has since played a central role in the advancement of orthopaedics in the Dominican Republic. Currently, there are more than 700 members. The SDOT has contributed significantly to professional development, the dissemination of knowledge, and the strengthening of ethical and academic standards.
“We are truly honored to be the invited country at the AAOS Annual Meeting,” said Dr. Jose Taveras. “Showcasing the Dominican Republic’s scientific expertise at the Academy is a remarkable milestone for SDOT.”
AAOS International Committee Chair Carlos Higuera Rueda, MD, FAAOS, shared his enthusiasm for the Dominican Republic as the Guest Nation: “AAOS is thrilled to welcome orthopaedists from the Dominican Republic and to highlight their country as the Guest Nation at our Annual Meeting in New Orleans. We look forward to sharing ideas and advancing our collaborative efforts.”
Guest Nation events at the 2026 AAOS Annual Meeting include:
- Guest Nation Symposium: From Growth Plates to Game Day — Elbow Injuries in Youth and Adult Baseball Players in the Dominican Republic
12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, Room 212
This symposium will examine the spectrum of elbow injuries in youth and adult baseball players in the Dominican Republic, from growth plate disturbances to ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries. It will explore biomechanical risk factors, diagnostic strategies, and both nonoperative and surgical management options tailored to baseball athletes. Focus will be placed on prevention protocols, rehabilitation, and the unique cultural and logistical challenges faced by Dominican players. - Guest Nation posters
View 10 scientific posters from Dominican authors on display in OrthoLive. - Guest Nation Poster Presentations
2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4
Dominican moderators will guide attendees through an exciting discussion of the Guest Nation posters. - Your Academy Ceremony 9:30 to 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4
- Guest Nation Exhibit
View a showcase of orthopaedics in the Dominican Republic and speak with representatives from the SDOT. The exhibit is located in the OrthoLive Hall.
The SDOT will receive special recognition during the program.
In addition, SDOT will have a series of articles featured in the AAOS Now Daily Edition, which will be distributed at the AAOS Annual Meeting.