World-Class Spine Surgery Education in Latin America

Across Latin America, access to specialized neurosurgical care remains uneven. Recent research published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience estimates that nearly 40% of the population lives more than two hours away from neurosurgical care. Training opportunities, access to advanced technologies, and subspecialty exposure also continue to vary between countries and institutions.

In spine surgery specifically, studies involving surgeons from countries across Latin America (including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico) have shown barriers to minimally invasive spine surgery technologies and intraoperative monitoring systems due to cost and limited institutional access. These realities reinforce the importance of high-level international training opportunities that create long-term professional networks capable of supporting the development of spine care throughout the region.

Working against these circumstances, the OMI MEX seminar in Neurosurgery (Spine) took place in Mexico City from May 11–13, bringing together a select group of fellows from Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico for an intensive educational program focused on modern spine surgery.

Leading the seminar was Roger Härtl, Director of Spinal Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and one of the world’s leading experts in minimally invasive spine surgery, computer-assisted spinal navigation, and augmented reality in surgery. Dr. Härtl’s longstanding relationship with the OMI reflects a commitment that spans more than two decades: this year marked his 21st OMI seminar, with his first participation dating back to 2005 in Salzburg.

Adding to his distinguished career, Dr. Härtl was recently recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his leadership, service, and impact in medicine. The honor, endorsed by the US Congress, has previously been awarded to US presidents, Nobel laureates, and global leaders. He has also been recognized among America’s top spine surgeons by Newsweek and Becker’s Spine Review.

Co-directing the seminar was Dr. Claudius Thomé, Director and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria. Dr. Thomé is recognized as one of Europe’s leading neurosurgeons and has held numerous major leadership positions in the field, including Past-President of the Austrian Spine Society, the Austrian Society of Surgery, and the Austrian Society of Neurosurgery. Most recently, he was elected President-Elect of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies.

The faculty was strengthened by Michael Dittmar, a spine surgery leader in Latin America. Dr. Dittmar serves as Education Coordinator for Spine at the Mexican Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Founder and Member of the Mexican Association of Spine Surgeons, Medical Director of Hospital Angeles Andares, and Chief Professor of the Spine Training Program at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.

Together, the faculty represented a combination of leadership in North America, Europe, and Latin America, offering fellows direct interaction with internationally recognized experts shaping the future of spine surgery. Reflecting on the course, Dr. Härtl shared:

“The seminar offered a comprehensive spine curriculum tailored to the needs of a Latin American fellowship audience. Over the course of three days we covered a wide breadth of modern spine surgery: degenerative cervical and lumbar disease, spinal trauma, tumors, and deformity. A major emphasis throughout the course was placed on minimally invasive spine surgery and the use of navigation and modern intraoperative imaging — from indications and patient selection to practical tips on workflow, accuracy, and avoiding pitfalls. A particular highlight of the seminar were the case presentations brought by the fellows themselves, which generated some of the most substantive discussions of the week and gave everyone in the room the chance to learn directly from the realities of practice across Latin America.”

The interactive case-based discussions allowed fellows to exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within their own healthcare systems while receiving direct feedback from faculty members with decades of experience.

On a personal note, Dr. Härtl also emphasized the role of the OMI in making these exchanges possible:

“Leading this seminar with a select group of fellows from across Latin America has been a genuine privilege. The level of engagement, clinical experience, and intellectual curiosity in the room was remarkable, and the discussions consistently moved beyond technique into the realities of delivering spine care in very different healthcare systems. Teaching opportunities like this — made possible by the Open Medical Institute — are exactly where I find the most meaning in academic medicine: the exchange goes in both directions, and the relationships formed here will continue well beyond the week itself. I am grateful to the OMI for the opportunity to be part of it.”

As spine surgery continues to evolve through minimally invasive techniques, navigation systems, and advanced imaging technologies, access to high-quality education remains essential for improving patient care across Latin America. We are proud to have Dr. Roger Härtl, Dr. Claudius Thomé, and Dr. Michael Dittmar as part of our faculty and extend our immense gratitude for their dedication, leadership, and continued commitment to advancing spine surgery education in Latin America.