By Juston Gates, Vice President Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes EMEA Trauma Lead
I’m thankful, once again to have my feet on the ground in Davos, the epicenter of inspiration, innovation, and education for orthopaedic trauma. Around this time each year, AO Davos Courses again takes its rightful place as the Holy Grail of learning for those of us who share the same sacred purpose of continuing to shape the medical device space in ways intended to exponentially improve the delivery of patient care.
Basking in the presence of the crème de la crème of the medical world in Davos holds a special place in the history of innovative disruption to only improve the way people are treated following orthopaedic trauma injuries. In a way, this week feels like a chance to be part of something greater, to serve a bigger purpose. The collective idealism and expertise that I experience at Davos continues to fill me with fresh energy to do my part to leave “it” better than I found it.
Learning from best-in-class faculty and sharing ideas amongst the top minds in our field
AO Foundation courses have always represented the “Alpha and Omega” of orthopedic education. At their flagship Davos event, the brightest medical minds have again come together from multiple disciplines to share their knowledge. The deep collaboration and first-rate education occurring here amplify insights-driven clinical learnings, sparking new ideas and moving the industry forward.
Forging time-tested partnerships to help shape future products and technologies
Surgeons from around the world flock here at the onset of winter to soak up knowledge, and DePuy Synthes joins to become inspired to develop and launch the next wave of industry advancements. In Trauma alone, over 31,000 participants attend AO Trauma courses annually. Year after year, I become increasingly excited to see how the legacy of innovation and education born more than 60 years ago in partnership between the AO and my company continues to evolve in dynamic ways.
As many know, AO develops the principles underlying best-in-class surgical techniques. With our focus on unmet clinical needs and our commitment to evidence gathering, we, in turn, try to add value to AO’s research mission by supporting it with meaningful innovation. One example of many: while AO drives international efforts in a fight against fracture-related infections, we develop such unique products as Expert Tibial Nail ProTect with antibiotic coating and a Reamer Irrigator Aspirator (RIA) to positively impact outcomes in this challenging area.
Providing a trusted platform of products and services to learn on and to lean on
I couldn’t be prouder watching our product make the learning possible: at the source of fundamental clinical training and helping to set the standards for surgical practice worldwide. This is a true honor for us, as well as a responsibility that we do not take lightly. We also feel privileged that this close collaboration helps us to incorporate lasting AO principles into our ongoing product development efforts.
Every day, we work for surgeons and with surgeons in a spirit of continuous co-creation, where research, experience, innovation and education come together to give birth to new technologies. And, every day, I feel that we take a step forward in the direction of better solutions designed to address surgeon’s unmet needs more completely. As I walk the halls of Davos, I can’t help but feel in awe as I ask myself, “How many surgeons have developed and improved their skills here?” Skills that protect the well-being of others and saves lives, for a lifetime. My team and I look forward to connecting with you here, in Davos. We will do our best to continue being worthy of your trust and honoring the mission that motivates us daily: We are Leading Trauma, Together.