New Chairman


Michael Janssen (left) and AO Foundation President Paul Manson (center) congratulating Luiz Vialle

AOSpine is pleased to announce that Dr Luiz R Vialle assumed the position of Chairman of the AOSpine International Board at the International Board Meeting held on April 17, 2009, in Dubai.

 

Luiz Vialle succeeds Dr Michael Janssen, who remains with the board in the official capacity of Past-Chairman.

 

Luiz Vialle, who holds a PhD in Clinical Surgery from Brazil Federal University, currently holds the following professional appointments:

  • Chief of the Spine Unit at the Cajuru University Hospital in Curitiba, Brazil
  • Professor and Head of the Orthopedic Department at Pontifical Catholic University

 

His ongoing research includes radiological and histological analysis of a model for disc regeneration in animals, stem cell research for animal disc degeneration and stem cell research for experimental spinal cord injury.

Commenting on his vision for his tenure as the AOSpine International Board Chairman, Luiz Vialle said, “My plan is to develop our progressive and open approach to membership and set in motion the evolution of AOSpine towards becoming a unique academic society, as opposed to the traditional professional spine societies we have today. Through research and clinical studies, AOSpine will produce a significant database of knowledge, which will in turn drive an exceptional education system. This is critical as spine care specialists gravitate to societies where they can learn.”

In making the transition to Past-Chairman, Michael Janssen said, “I ask you to welcome Luiz Vialle, who is the first Latin American to the Chair of AOSpine International. Luiz has been involved in the AO for over 20 years, and was involved in AOSpine from its start, where he successfully chaired and pioneered the first AOSpine Latin America Board and our expansion in this region. His proven track record is testament to the confidence we place him; Luiz will lead AOSpine from strength to strength to reach our goal to become a recognized academic spine society (phase four of five in our ten year plan) during his term.”



Luiz Vialle taking his first AO Course, September 7 to 13, 1975


Luiz Vialle’s journey to AOSpine Chairman started in 1975 at his first AO course. Since then, highlights of his AO career journey include:

 

  • Chairperson: AOSpine Latin America—2003 to 2007
  • Member: AOSpine International Board—2003 to 2007
  • Past Chairperson: AOSpine Latin America Board Member—2007 to date
  • Member: Latin American Spinal Education Committee—1995 to 2002
  • Trustee: AO Foundation—2005 to date
  • Editor-in-chief: MyAOSpine magazine—2007 to date
  • Table Instructor: Davos Course (his first trip to Davos)—1995
  • Course Chairperson: First AO Course in Spine in Brazil, Curitiba—1996

 

During his tenure as the Chairman of AOSpine Latin America, the region opened eleven National Chapters and has the most active membership of neuro and orthopedic surgeons in the AOSpine community.

AOSpine enthusiastically welcomes Dr Luiz Vialle as the new Chairman of the International Board and looks forward to the next three years.


About the AOSpine International Board
The AOSpine International Board (AOSIB) was created in October 2003 as the sole board representing the single specialty of spine with the AO Foundation. The AOSIB is mandated by the AO Board of Directors (AOVA) to develop, foster, and strengthen the worldwide AOSpine network to improve patient care, patient outcomes, and ensure cost effective spine surgery.