MODERNIZING AND EXPANDING IAOMS
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ust a few months into 2019, and IAOMS is striving to advance our mission while modernizing the opportunities we provide to our members. Last year, we heard from our members regarding the challenges facing the international OMF community. IAOMS is hearing those voices loud and clear and implementing strategic action plans to help expand our educational programming and networking opportunities. Online learning is at the forefront of our efforts to ensure IAOMS remains a prominent voice for the OMF specialty. This past February, our first ever Virtual Conference took place allowing participants to access this live event from the comfort of their home or office. Implementing programming such as this allows participants to engage, ask questions, and learn from presenters and attendees alike in a dynamic learning environment. The Virtual Conference provided a keynote session by Dr. G. E. Ghali, and three additional breakout sessions that catered to different topics in the specialty. IAOMS is dedicated to strengthening online learning that it is more accessible to those in regions where access to handson opportunities is limited. The IAOMS Review Course has been made available to members and non-members with updated content. The review course contains ten modules that are available for purchase individually or as a full course. Additionally, our new NextGen page has just launched and provides a unique platform for the NextGen community to engage and stay up to date. Features include chatting with the community, challenging yourself with a Scientific Quiz, having quick access to IJOMS and ICOMS registration, and much more!
Our biennial ICOMS is just a few months away in May! We have just announced the addition of simultaneous interpretation in Portuguese that will be offered in select sessions throughout the conference. For those it may apply to, MedTech Europe has determined the ICOMS compliant, and more information can be found on IAOMS.org. Be sure to attend the pre-conference day at ICOMS on May 20 and participate in the Next Level Forum “Get Inspired” session which will bring together six young surgeons who each have a personal connected that inspired them to pursue a career in the OMF profession. And don’t forget to attend our social events at ICOMS. Witness the beauty of Brazil at Brazilian Cultural Night or join us at our Gala Dinner at the Casa das Canoas. During the month of March, we will be asking for your participation in an IAOMS needs assessment survey. The purpose of this survey is to continue to understand the needs of IAOMS members, and how we might develop products, services and meaningful experiences for you as a member of the IAOMS community. The survey will take less than 10 minutes of your time. We encourage your participation! We are excited to continue to provide leading opportunities across our learning management system, online webinars, online resources, and biennial ICOMS to further your knowledge in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Warm Regards,
Mitchell Dvorak EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IAOMS