Letter From Claudio Mella, MD
Chair 2010 – 2011

Dear ISOC Members:
Since 2006, ISOC has grown in importance, fulfilling our initial objectives to increase the exchange of ideas and best practices between leading international orthopaedic academic centers around the world.

We all can remember the third ISOC Meeting recently held in Bologna, Italy that was perfectly organized by the team at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli. During this gathering, beyond the sharing of scientific knowledge we significantly advanced our plans in the areas of education, research and registries. Of special value in Bologna was the presence of the CEOs of our centers who got to meet each other and, with great enthusiasm, shared insights into the opportunities and challenges of running the leading orthopaedic programs in the world.

At this moment, I have the honor to preside over ISOC in the name of Clínica Alemana de Santiago, Chile. In that role, I invite all members to participate actively in the creation of new projects and collaborations, especially in the areas of scientific research. In September, our website will be launched, allowing for easier communication between us about projects and activities taking place at our centers. Additionally, we will announce the ISOC Traveling Fellowship, which has been well organized by the education task force to begin in September 2011.

All these new ideas, research and projects will be part of the agenda during the fourth ISOC meeting in Santiago de Chile in October 13 – 15, 2011. Save the date! For Clínica Alemana de Santiago, it will be a great honor to host this event where we can come together to discuss and analyze the progress of all the ISOC projects since our last meeting. Also, beyond the participation of physicians and CEOs, we encourage our most experienced fellows from our institutions to actively participate, as the ideas from this younger group are the future of ISOC for generations to come.

Beyond the scientific activities, we look forward to showing you the organization and work of our team at Clínica Alemana in Chile, the most austral country of the world. Please make sure to leave time when you come to Chile to travel before or after the meeting to see all of our natural wonders: the desert, the great lakes, the fjords, several national parks and Easter Island, all of which await you. It is my hope that all ISOC members will learn more about our beautiful country with its short history, its abundant natural resources and its fascinating geography.

Warm regards to all ISOC members,
Claudio Mella, MD
Chair ISOC 2010 - 2011
Clínica Alemana de Santiago, CHILE