Our last OMI MEX seminar of the year is here, and we could not have closed the 2024 chapter of our journey in a better way than by hosting the Neurosurgery (Spine) course! From November 11 to 13, 2024, we were honored to have brought Dr. Roger Härtl, course director from Weill Cornell in New York City, and Dr. Claudius Thomé, co-course director from the Medical University of Innsbruck in Austria, to Mexico City again for a successful event.
Both Dr. Härtl and Dr. Thomé are OMI veterans, having partnered with OMI seminars since 2005 and 2007, respectively. Along with these two outstanding international lecturers, we were joined locally by Dr. Michael Dittmar, faculty of the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico.
The seminar counted 32 fellows from different regions of Mexico, all coming together to network and learn from top experts in the field. Quoting our course directors, the event was simply “fun and energic with the participation of attendees”.
The lectures covered key topics in Neurosurgery (Spine), such as minimally invasive spine surgery, spine tumors, and thoracolumbar and cervical trauma, along with sessions focusing on surgical strategies and instrumentation techniques. Dr. Pedro Chavira, a fellow from Mexico City, inspiringly stated: “The seminar helped me to further my knowledge in spine tumors, an area I did not have much experience with, but with immense relevance in my practice”. Dr. Chavira was given an award for his outstanding performance during the seminar – an important encouragement for committed fellows.
Beyond the lectures, fellows got the opportunity to engage in discussions with faculty members during breaks, reconnect with peers, and meet new colleagues in their specialty! As quoted by Dr. José Gerardo Arroyo Del Castillo, a fellow from Mexico City, “The event created an international atmosphere of knowledge sharing and an opportunity to create bonds with fellow neurosurgeons, something not often seen here”.
Finally, we are proud to conclude our 2024 chapter with OMI MEX, dedicating a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Härtl, Dr. Thomé, and Dr. Dittmar. We look forward to OMI MEX 2025 full of exciting new seminars, more Latin American fellows, and countless networking opportunities. Here’s to a new year full of anticipation!
I found it remarkably helpful how Dr. Härtl focuses on the clinical, radiological, and surgical aspects that aid physicians in decision-making. The lecture ”Target: How to Examine Spine Patients and Make Surgical Decisions” will help me in navigating available treatment options.
