Musculoskeletal conditions affect millions of people, yet access to specialized orthopedic care and the resources needed to deliver it are uneven across Latin America. A 2019 Global Burden of Disease analysis estimated that 52 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean were living with other musculoskeletal disorders alone, excluding conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and back and neck pain. With this in mind, medical education and sharing of clinical expertise are important for orthopedic professionals working across different healthcare settings.
From October 26-28, 2026, OMI MEX hosted the first Bone and Joint Surgery seminar in Mexico City, in partnership with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). 35 fellows from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico, gathered to learn from an international faculty while sharing experiences from their respective clinical practices.
Directed by Dr. Mathias Bostrom, associate surgeon-in-chief, director of quality and safety, and attending orthopedic surgeon at HSS, the seminar featured three additional faculty members with complementary areas of expertise. Dr. Daniel W. Green, chief of pediatric orthopedic surgery at HSS joined Dr. Michelle Kew, orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. From Mexico, was Dr. Ana Cristina King Martínez, former OMI fellow and orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery, with a primary focus on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and arthroscopic procedures at Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González in Mexico City.
Across three days, the faculty addressed a range of surgical approaches and clinical challenges, from primary total knee and hip arthroplasty to multiligament knee injuries, shoulder instability, ankle arthrosis, Achilles tendon lesions, and complications of total joint arthroplasty. Pediatric orthopedics was another important component of the program. We were particularly honored to have Dr. Green share his expertise through several sessions on pediatric ACL reconstruction, patellar dislocation, and knee conditions such as tibial spine and patella sleeve fractures. His contribution added an important dimension to the course, especially for surgeons interested in the specific considerations involved in treating younger patients. Dr. Bostrom also led a session on medical leadership, bringing attention to the responsibilities orthopedic surgeons take on beyond the operating room.
The range of topics reflected the different demands of orthopedic practice, but the importance of addressing regional needs also came into focus. A 2025 nationwide study in Chile documented significant differences in access to orthopedic surgery between public and private healthcare systems, particularly for elective procedures. Such findings highlight some of the challenges facing orthopedic care in Latin America and the importance of continued professional exchange and adequate training.
For Dr. Bostrom, the opportunity to bring surgeons from different countries into the same classroom was one of the most rewarding aspects of the seminar. “Bringing early-career surgeons from across Latin America together is really a unique part of this program. Fellows have the chance to learn through didactic lectures in a small, community-like environment. While two-thirds of the participants are from Mexico City, the remaining third come from various Latin American countries, making the interactions really special.”
That exchange was equally important for the fellows themselves. Macarena Lucena, OMI MEX fellow from Argentina, shared: “The seminar gave me the chance to step out of my daily routine, reflect on my work, and see challenges from new perspectives.”
Learning does not happen in isolation, and experiences such as Macarena’s are an important reminder. A discussion about surgical techniques can take on a different meaning when colleagues bring examples from their own hospitals, patient populations, and healthcare systems. For early-career surgeons, these conversations can also open doors to professional relationships and future collaboration. More importantly, across borders.
Diego Martinez-Leyton, MD
OMI MEX fellow from Chile
Dr. Kew’s lectures were fantastic, particularly in the way she delivered them. I plan to use the new knowledge I gained in knee surgery and share the experience at my university in Chile. I also connected with doctors from Mexico, Argentina, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, and Brazil, as well as faculty members from HSS, whom I look forward to meeting again at future conferences.
José Manuel Domínguez Estrada, MD
OMI MEX fellow from Mexico
Patellar instability and multiligament knee injuries were my favorite topics. Both are highly debated in terms of treatment and the best approaches. The faculty presented the main points very clearly and reached sound conclusions. Furthermore, Dr. Bostrom and Dr. Green did an excellent job of explaining such complex topics in an easy way.
Laura Natalia Clavijo Epia, MD
OMI MEX fellow from Colombia
The seminar was an incredible networking opportunity. I met many colleagues from across Latin America and even learned a bit of Portuguese! The concepts presented by the faculty were very relevant to my work in Colombia, and it was valuable to learn from their experience.
José Fernando Chinchilla, MD
OMI MEX fellow from Honduras
Dr. Kew was a true expert, and it was an honor to learn from her and the other HSS faculty members. It was also valuable to have the opportunity to share my daily clinical practice in Honduras with colleagues from across Latin America. Exchanging these experiences gave me the opportunity to reflect on and adapt my own processes for the better.
