Effort will increase ed programs worldwide

International Physician Group Launches New Educational Initiative

Effort will increase educational programs worldwide

Dr. Barry Tietjens, well-known Orthopaedic surgeon to the All Blacks, last night announced a major international educational initiative at the largest specialist orthopaedic conference ever held in New Zealand. The initiative; Global Connection: Expanding International Education will greatly increase educational opportunities for members and specialists around the world. It was launched to over 1,100 delegates from 56 countries at the biennial congress of The International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) at Auckland's Aotea Centre.

Dr. Barry Tietjens is ISAKOS' past president and the Global Connection campaign co-chairman.

He says; "The Global Connection campaign will allow ISAKOS to sponsor hands-on workshops, broadcast live surgical procedures worldwide, and offer other exciting new educational programs. Patients around the world will benefit as their physicians learn more about advanced technologies and new patient care products."

New Zealand's incidence of serious knee injuries is high. Last year over 13,500 claims were made to ACC for serious knee injuries. The cost of these was over $51million NZD. In addition, 4,000 cases from the previous financial year take the total cost in 2002 of serious knee claims to $88million NZD. (Source: ACC Injury Statistics, 2003)

The international campaign, which will culminate at the group's fifth biennial congress in 2005, has supporters including; Smith & Nephew, Endoscopy Division; Stryker Corporation; Aircast Inc.; Arthrex, Inc.; Biomet/Arthrotek; Zimmer; Centerpulse; Mitek Worldwide; dj Orthopedics and ArthroCare. ISAKOS will seek the support of additional corporate partners and other organisations, both in New Zealand and internationally in the next two years.

"We are grateful for the generous support of our partners," said Tietjens. "Increasing the international exchange of information in our specialties will greatly improve medical care around the world."

The International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine is an international organisation of surgeons established to promote the worldwide exchange and dissemination of education and research in arthroscopy, knee surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine. With 1,600 members from 70 countries, ISAKOS brings together leading orthopaedic surgeons from all regions of the world.

Media attendance at the conference is able to be arranged, and host Dr. Barry Tietjens can be available for interviews.

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