Jorge Barla is the new AO Trauma Latin America Chairperson-elect

Following the elections of March 2022, Argentina’s Jorge Barla was elected as the new Chairperson of AO Trauma Latin America. He will hold the position of Chairperson-elect from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, and his three-year term will start on July 1, 2023. He is currently a staff member in the orthopedic trauma department at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires and an AO Trauma trustee. Barla has been part of the AO Trauma family since 2010.

He shared some of his views on the region:

What does AO Trauma mean to you?

I cannot think of myself as an orthopedic surgeon without the AO. Since I first joined a principles course during my residency, the AO philosophy has become a part of me. The AO is an environment in which we share our experience and knowledge seeking to improve our performance and patients' results.

What goals would you like to achieve as the AO Trauma Latin American Chairperson?

The AO Foundation has done an incredible job worldwide spreading its philosophy and changing the lives of physicians and, more importantly, of patients. Still, we need to continue working to keep AO visible and relevant, both for the new generations and the current members. Education and research have been two main pillars for our success, and our international network provides unparalleled opportunities to reinforce our strategy and persuade the best minds to join our mission.

What were your first thoughts upon learning of the results?

First of all, I felt honored by the results of the election. To represent a group of extremely qualified surgeons with outstanding careers is a great responsibility. The world is changing and there are incredible opportunities for AO to maintain its leadership in the field of orthopedic trauma.

What are your biggest passions in life?

I am convinced that, if we train and commit ourselves to our profession with passion, we have the gift of being able to change lives. Reconstructing post-traumatic injuries has stimulated me since I was a resident; it drives me to my workplace every morning. AO cannot be separated from this practice since what I am as a physician is directly linked it. Family and friendship are my other passions, and anyone who has been involved with the AO at any time knows we are a family of friends.

What would you say to encourage the upcoming generations that wish to grow with AO Trauma?

The AO foundation offers incredible opportunities for the upcoming generations to develop their careers. It is the best environment to grow as a trauma surgeon, with fantastic ways to learn, combine experiences and interact with people worldwide.