A Successful Final Chapter: OMI MEX Neurosurgery (Spine)

Nov 21, 2024

Our last OMI MEX seminar of the year is here, and we could not have closed the 2024 chapter of our journey in a better way than by hosting the Neurosurgery (Spine) course! From November 11 to 13, 2024, we were honored to have brought Dr. Roger Härtl, course director from Weill Cornell in New York City, and Dr. Claudius Thomé, co-course director from the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria for the second time to Mexico City for an event that can only be described in a sentence using the word “successful” in it.

Both Dr. Härtl and Dr. Thomé are OMI veterans, having partnered with OMI seminars since 2005 and 2007, respectively. Along with these two outstanding international lecturers, we were joined locally by Dr. Michael Dittmar, faculty of the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico.

The seminar counted with 32 fellows from different regions of Mexico, all coming together sharing the OMI spirit of medical collaboration and advancement beyond borders. Quoting our course directors, the event was simply “fun and energic with the participation of attendees”.

The lectures covered key topics in Neurosurgery (Spine), such as minimally invasive spine surgery, spine tumors, and thoracolumbar and cervical trauma, along with sessions focusing on surgical strategies and instrumentation techniques. Dr. Pedro Chavira, fellow from Mexico City, inspiringly stated: “the seminar helped me to further my knowledge in spine tumors, an area I did not have much experience with, but with immense relevance in my practice”. Dr. Chavira was awarded an award for his outstanding performance during the seminar – an important encouragement for committed fellows.

Beyond the lectures, fellows got the opportunity to engage in discussions with all lecturers during breaks and reconnect with peers both from the same city and from different ones, apart from meeting new colleagues with potential professional ties! As quoted by Dr. José Gerardo Arroyo Del Castillo, fellow at this week’s seminar from Mexico City, “the event created an international atmosphere of knowledge sharing and an opportunity to create bonds with fellow neurosurgeons, something not often seen here”.

Finally, we are proud to conclude our 2024 chapter with OMI MEX, dedicating a heartfelt thank you for Dr. Härtl, Dr. Thomé, and Dr. Dittmar. We look forward to OMI MEX 2025 full of exciting new partnerships, more Latin American fellows, and a higher will to advance medical education in the region. Here’s to a new year full of anticipation!

The seminar offered an excellent balance between networking and learning. I had the opportunity to connect with peers from other hospitals and gain insights into specific surgical techniques that I can apply with my patients. The event has contributed tremendously to both my personal and professional development.
Jose Herrera, MD

OMI MEX fellow from Mexico City, Mexico

Dr. Dittmar was very engaging and actively sought to involve all fellows by asking questions during his lectures. As an orthopedist, his experience resonated with me. The seminar will help me not only apply advanced techniques in spinal surgery but also enhance my daily practice as an orthopedist.
Maria Monserrat Hurtado Garcia de Alba, MD

OMI MEX fellow from Querétaro, Mexico

I found it remarkably helpful how Dr. Härtl focuses on the clinical, radiological, and surgical aspects that aid physicians in decision-making. The lecture ”Target’: How to Examine Spine Patients and Make Surgical Decisions’ will help me in navigating available treatment options.
Michel MondragĂłn-Soto, MD

OMI MEX fellow from Mexico City, Mexico

Dr. ThomĂ© is truly an inspiring speaker! His lectures were motivating and delivered passionately and effectively, incorporating the latest evidence, which inspired me. The overall seminar experience was incredible; it allowed me to reconnect with friends I hadn’t seen in years and make new ones in my field.
José Gerardo Arroyo Del Castillo, MD

OMI MEX fellow from Mexico City, Mexico