We are pleased to announce that Prof Amjad Hossain, a member of the AO Alliance Asia Steering Committee and coordinator for nonoperative education, was appointed vice-president for the Asia-Pacific Region of SICOT (International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology) in November 2020. SICOT is an international non-profit association with the aim to promote the advancement of the science and art of orthopedics His three-year term will include advocating for SICOT and supporting their various activities in countries of the region. The AO Alliance has partnered with SICOT through the World Orthopaedic Concern (WOC), another non-profit organization for the advancement of orthopedic education and care in LMICs, which is affiliated with SICOT.
Hossain has dedicated his career to trauma and orthopedic surgery, and the development of arthroplasty in Bangladesh. Currently working as chief consultant of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Arthroplasty Center at Labaid Hospital, Dhaka, he has also been involved with the AO Alliance since its creation.
Whilst he regrets the slowdown in AO Alliance education events due to the pandemic, he notes that “COVID has taught us that we can manage most fractures nonoperatively. Most people in our AO Alliance countries cannot afford operative care, and nonoperative care is sometimes the only option. Proper education in this field is crucial to saving limbs and preventing amputations. If we can involve more healthcare workers in AO Alliance nonoperative education, there will be a huge impact on patients, as well as on the wider socioeconomic status of our countries.”
Hossain’s outstanding commitment has recently earned him official recognition from Bangladesh, as the government awarded him the country’s highest honor, the Swadhinata Padak 2021 (Independence Award), in recognition of his excellent work and contribution to public service.