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Dear EPOS members, colleagues and friends,
 As the summer season unfolds, I am delighted to share the latest updates from the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society in this edition of our newsletter. This past year has been marked by significant activity and achievement, with all our planned meetings and courses being successfully held.
The standout event of the year was undoubtedly the EPOSNA meeting, which took place at National Harbor, USA, from 8th to 11th May 2024. This joint event with our North American colleagues proved to be a resounding success, bringing together experts from across the globe to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and foster international collaboration. The energy and enthusiasm at the meeting were truly inspiring, and the impact of the discussions and presentations will undoubtedly benefit our community for years to come.
On behalf of the Executive Committee, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our past president, Professor Hakan Ömeroğlu, for his exceptional leadership over the past year. His vision and dedication, particularly in guiding EPOS towards establishing an independent office and developing our strategic plan alongside the presidential line, have laid a strong foundation for the future of our society.
Looking ahead, we are excited to have Professor Carol Hasler at the helm for the coming year. His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build on our successes and strive towards new goals.
I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and find the updates both informative and inspiring. Wishing you all a wonderful and relaxing summer!
Warm regards,
Catharina Chiari
Councillor EPOS Executive committee · Contact: newsletter@epos.org
Photo: MedUni Wien/feelimage |
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Presidential Letter
by Prof. Carol C. Hasler
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Dear Members,
It is both an honour and a privilege to serve as the 31st President of EPOS. I sincerely thank you for the trust you have placed in me to advance our society, alongside my presidential line colleagues, Dror Ovadia, Ralph Sakkers, and our past president, Hakan Ömeroğlu.
Under his inspiring leadership, we developed a SWOT analysis, which now serves as our strategic framework (Strategic Plan 2024-2028) to ensure the sustainability of our society.
Our priorities are as follows:
- Establishing Our Own Central Office:
After many years of being contractually bound to EFORT, we will mark 1st September 2024 as our historic independence day. Our new office will be led by Ms. Ceylan Tokgöz, EPOS Association Director, and Ms. Sanni Hiltunen, EPOS Education & Business Development Director.
- Strengthening Connections with National Societies:
We are focusing on developing a core curriculum to standardise paediatric orthopaedic training across Europe. This initiative aims to reinforce our specialty and enhance its appeal to the next generation of surgeons. We are currently halfway through a survey among leaders of national societies, which indicates that paediatric orthopaedics is often integrated into a general orthopaedic curriculum rather than being recognised as a distinct speciality. With healthcare resources becoming increasingly constrained, there is a risk that paediatric orthopaedics may be absorbed by adult departments, reduced, or abandoned.
To address this, we will continue our campaign with a task force comprising national representatives and EPOS leadership.
The combined EPOSNA Meeting (8th-11th May 2024, Washington, DC) was a tremendous success, offering high-quality scientific content and ample opportunities for networking at the splendid Gaylord Convention Centre.
Please mark your calendars and register for the 43rd EPOS Annual Meeting in Toulouse, France, from Wednesday, 2nd April to Friday, 4th April 2025 (EPOS 2025).
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Carol C. Hasler
EPOS President (2024-2025)
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Meet Our EPOS Leadership Team:
Sanni Hiltunen and Ceylan Tokgöz
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We are delighted to introduce the EPOS leadership team:
Sanni Hiltunen, EPOS Education & Business Development Director, and Ceylan Tokgöz, EPOS Association Director.
Sanni Hiltunen, EPOS Education & Business Development Director
 Sanni Hiltunen, our Education & Business Development Director, brings almost two decades of experience in managing international healthcare-related projects from which last 13 years she has dedicated to the diverse & complex educational projects within the NGO environment.
Her passion for fostering learning and development within the EPOS community has been instrumental to the success of our programmes.
Before joining EPOS, Sanni served as Project Manager in the Science Department at the World Heart Federation, who has an official Consultative Status with ECOSOC at the United Nations (UN), she played a pivotal role in developing the scientific programme for the World Congress of Cardiology.
This experience provided her with invaluable insights into large-scale event management and how to successfully navigate between different target groups from grassroot to the board level.
At EPOS, Sanni oversees a wide range of educational activities, including basic and advanced courses, international travelling fellowships, and live webinars. She is responsible for managing faculty, securing sponsorships, and ensuring that all logistical aspects of our events run seamlessly. Her involvement in creating and promoting educational content is vital, as she collaborates closely with the Educational Committee to design impactful learning experiences.
Sanni’s dedication to delivering high-quality education and her ability to tackle complex challenges make her an indispensable part of our team.
Ceylan Tokgöz, EPOS Association Director
 With a decade of diverse experience across NGOs, the United Nations, and the private sector, Ceylan brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Her expertise spans programme and project management, event planning, finance, and operations, with a focus on gender, sexual and reproductive health, youth leadership, and peace and security.
Ceylan's work has taken her to Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, where she has facilitated training, conducted field research, and supported capacity-building initiatives.
She has created and delivered advocacy and training programmes, impacting communities across numerous countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
As EPOS Association Director, Ceylan manages our specialty society with precision, ensuring smooth operations, governance and successful events.
Together, Sanni and Ceylan are instrumental in driving EPOS forward, advancing education, and supporting the paediatric orthopaedics community. |
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Reflecting on the EPOSNA 2024 Meeting:
A Landmark Event in Paediatric Orthopaedics
by Tony Riccio, MD and David Farrington, MD
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Last May, the EPOSNA meeting in National Harbor, USA, marked a historic milestone as the second joint conference of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS) and the Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). This landmark event, the largest academic paediatric orthopaedic meeting ever held, drew over 1,000 attendees from more than 60 countries and featured over 400 scientific presentations.  The scale of the conference was truly remarkable. A staggering 1,359 abstracts were submitted for consideration, leading to 250 podium presentations and 197 ePoster sessions, showcasing research from 168 institutions across 39 countries.
 This impressive turnout facilitated a truly global exchange of ideas, enriching our collective knowledge and fostering collaboration.
We were honored to hear from distinguished speakers at the event.
Dr. Manuel Cassiano Neves, EPOS Presidential Speaker, is renowned for his contributions to paediatric orthopaedic education in Europe.
Dr. Larry Lenke, POSNA Presidential Speaker, is celebrated for his pioneering work in paediatric spine deformity correction.
The meeting also recognized outstanding contributions with awards:
Dr. Deborah Eastwood received the Pro Maximis Meritis Award, and Dr. Elhanan Bar-On was honored with the EPOS Humanitarian Award. Dr. Gianluca Testa and Dr. Marco Turati received the EPOS Young Researcher award.
 From POSNA, Dr. Charlie Johnston was awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award, Dr. Colleen Sabatini received the Humanitarian Award, and Dr. Carter Clement was recognized with the Special Effort and Excellence Award.
Beyond the enriching educational sessions, Washington DC, offered fantastic opportunities for dining, sightseeing, and networking.
The closing reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History provided a memorable setting for reconnecting with old friends and forging new connections.
A special thank you is due to the exceptional POSNA and EPOS staff whose tireless efforts and dedication made this monumental event possible. Their professionalism and commitment were integral to the success of the meeting. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the EPOS and POSNA leadership for their vision and perseverance in bringing this historic international gathering of paediatric orthopaedic surgeons to fruition.
We look forward to continuing the momentum from this groundbreaking event and to future collaborations that will advance the field of paediatric orthopaedics.
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Introducing the EPOS Humanitarian Committee
by Prof. Elhanan Bar-On
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We are delighted to announce the formation of the EPOS Humanitarian Committee, which was officially launched during the EPOSNA meeting in National Harbor, MD, USA. This new initiative aims to centralise and expand EPOS’s humanitarian efforts, a longstanding hallmark of our organisation.
Over the years, EPOS members have actively participated in humanitarian activities worldwide, contributing to various organisations and delivering Regional Core Curriculum Courses (RCCC) in countries beyond Europe, including Morocco, Nepal, and Ethiopia. Building on this solid foundation, the newly established committee has outlined several key objectives:
- Centralising Humanitarian Efforts
Unifying EPOS’s humanitarian activities under a single structure.
- Mapping Activities
Documenting all current and past humanitarian efforts by EPOS members.
- Expanding Scope
Enhancing EPOS’s humanitarian outreach with a focus on three main areas:
- Education
Continuing the RCCC initiative with both foundational and advanced courses on specialised topics.
- Surgical Outreach
Conducting missions in low-resource countries to provide essential surgical care.
- Travelling Fellowship Programme
Establishing fellowships for paediatric orthopaedic surgeons from low-resource regions.
- Global Expansion
Extending EPOS humanitarian activities to new regions around the world.
- Member Engagement
Connecting with EPOS members involved in humanitarian work to leverage their experience and networks.
- Awareness and Education
Organising sessions on humanitarian efforts and disaster response during EPOS meetings and courses to raise awareness and educate members.
- Collaborations
Partnering with international organisations such as WHO, AO, SICOT, and MSF to enhance our humanitarian impact.
- Funding Support
Securing financial resources from EPOS and external sources to support our humanitarian initiatives.
The committee believes that strengthening EPOS’s role in global humanitarian care will greatly benefit our society.
 We encourage all EPOS members who have participated in or are interested in humanitarian activities to get in touch.
Please contact the committee chair, Prof. Elhanan Bar-On, to share your experiences and connections or to get involved in these meaningful efforts.
We look forward to your participation in advancing our humanitarian mission and making a positive impact worldwide.
Prof. Elhanan Bar-On
Chair, EPOS Humanitarian Committee
Director, Humanitarian and Disaster Response Center
Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
Contact: e-mail
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EPOS Summer Update:
Exciting Developments in the Educational Committee
by Sebastian Farr, MD
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As we navigate through the summer heat, EPOS continues to advance its projects in paediatric orthopaedic education with several exciting initiatives.
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Upcoming EPOS Textbook
 We are thrilled to announce the nearing completion of the EPOS textbook titled Practical Guide to Paediatric Trauma.
Co-edited by S. Farr, I. Sanpera, H. Ömeroğlu, and M. Witbreuk, this resource is set to be a highly practical guide aimed at both emerging and experienced professionals. Unlike conventional textbooks, it will focus on actionable surgical techniques for managing common paediatric injuries, offering hands-on advice and best practices.
Upcoming Courses
 Following the successful BAT1 and BAT Advances courses, we are excited to announce BAT2, which will focus on trauma and take place at the end of November in Vienna.
Furthermore, an Advanced Course on Clubfoot treatment will be held in September in Porto. This course, co-chaired by Professors Radler and Alves, will cover the latest advancements in this critical area of paediatric orthopaedics.
Leadership Transition
 We are pleased to share that Prof. Christina Alves has been appointed as the Educational Co-Chair for 2024 and will succeed to Sebastian Farr in 2025.
Prof. Alves is renowned for her dedication to paediatric orthopaedics and her contributions to education. Her exceptional background and passion for teaching position her as an outstanding leader for EPOS’s educational initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sebastian Farr, MD
Educational Committee Chair
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EPOS Launches New Educational Resources and Announces Travelling Fellowship Recipients
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EPOS is excited to unveil several new initiatives designed to enhance knowledge and support in the field of paediatric orthopaedics.
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- New Educational Videos Now Available
EPOS has introduced an innovative project featuring open access peer-reviewed educational videos. These resources are designed to provide high-quality surgical education for healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in paediatric orthopaedic surgeries. These videos feature insights from leading experts and are a valuable resource for enhancing your skills.
 Videos available on our website at EPOS Education Videos.
Two comprehensive surgical videos are already accessible, with plans to expand the collection over time. These videos aim to enhance learning and improve surgical outcomes for young patients by making advanced knowledge more widely available.
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- Launch of Parental Information Sheets
In addition to educational videos, EPOS is proud to introduce a new series of parental information sheets.
EPOS Parental Sheets, are designed to offer clear and practical information to parents about their child’s orthopaedic care.
The goal is to empower parentswith the knowledge they need to support their child’s recovery and overall well-being. The collection will continue to grow, providing valuable resources for families navigating paediatric orthopaedic treatments.
 Currently published
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- Congratulations to the 2024 Travelling Fellowship Recipients
 EPOS is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 EPOS-SLAOTI Travelling Fellowship.
This prestigious fellowship will take the selected members on a journey through Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Panama this October.
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The recipients are:
- Karol Gawelowicz from Sweden
- Alexandru Herdea from Romania
- Darius Rad from UK
These fellows will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts and gain invaluable insights across different regions, representing EPOS on an international stage.
We look forward to sharing more updates and resources as EPOS continues to support and advance the field of paediatric orthopaedics.
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Save the Date for EPOS 2025
by Prof. Franck Accadbled, Prof. Jérôme Sales de Gauzy
(Local hosts) & Prof. Carol Hasler (EPOS President)
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We are excited to invite you to the 43rd Annual EPOS Meeting, set to take place from 2-4 April 2025 in the picturesque city of Toulouse, France.
The event will be hosted at the distinctive Pierre Baudis Congress Centre.
Programme Highlights
EPOS 2025 promises an engaging lineup featuring keynote addresses, study group sessions, free paper presentations, and industry symposia. Key topics will include:
- Basic Science
- Trauma
- Spine
- Hip
- Lower Limb Deformity
- Foot & Ankle
- Sports
- Upper Limb & Hand
- Neuromuscular
- Tumours & Infections
- Dysplasias, Congenital & Syndromic Conditions
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Call for Abstracts
 We encourage you to contribute by submitting your abstract.
This is a great chance to showcase your research to colleagues and leaders in the field.
The submission deadline is 1 October 2024.
For detailed submission guidelines, please visit EPOS 2025 Abstract Submission.
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Social Events
Enjoy a range of social events throughout EPOS 2025, all conveniently located near the congress centre:
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- Welcome Reception
2 April 2025
At the City Hall, Capitole Square
A historic and cultural centrepiece of Toulouse
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- Presidential Dinner
3 April 2025
At Hôtel Dieu
An architectural gem with breathtaking views
of the Garonne River
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- Gala Dinner
4 April 2025
At Carmes Market
A vibrant venue known for its lively atmosphere
and exquisite local cuisine
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Accompanying persons are also welcome to join
our curated social programme.
Discover more about the available tours:
EPOS 2025 Social Programme
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 Explore Toulouse Known as "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City), Toulouse is celebrated for its striking architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history.
As the global hub of the aeronautics industry and a centre for innovation, Toulouse offers a wealth of attractions.
Wander through historic sites, explore UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, and savour local specialties such as foie gras and cassoulet.
Join us for a conference that merges cutting-edge science with the allure of one of France's most historic cities.
We look forward to seeing you in Toulouse! |
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Join the EPOS Reading Committee!
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📣 EPOS is seeking dedicated members to join our Reading Committee!
As a committee member, you will play a vital role by reviewing pioneering studies and influencing the programme for our annual conference.
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You can also scan the below QR codes with your mobile to access our handles directly!
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Send your application by email
