President’s Reception at AO Annual Meeting was a Huge Success

The venue for this year’s President’s Reception, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, dedicates itself to honoring the accomplishments of yesterday to inspire the leaders in aviation today. It was a fitting place for old and new members of all ages and nationalities to celebrate the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) 31st Annual Meeting.

AO aspires to do the same for its members, both young and old. It’s the interaction of all the clinicians from around the world with different backgrounds and various levels of experience that make the AO meeting special.

“It’s almost a misnomer to call it the President’s Reception,” said Dr. Russell Nishimura, AO President. “It’s really AO’s reception. It’s a chance to get everybody at the meeting to relax, kick back, reunite and meet new friends. It’s great to see so many people of all ages here.”

When it comes to the AO’s Annual Meeting, the President’s Reception always proves to be one of the most memorable events. This year was no exception.

“It’s a wonderful evening to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished in the last year under Dr. Nishimura’s guidance,” said President-Elect Dr. Alan Pollack. “I look forward to continuing to advance the strategic initiatives we’ve laid out to support our members.”

In addition to the opportunity to mingle and make new friends, attendees had exclusive access to the exhibits throughout the museum, as well as plenty of food and drinks. 2016 President’s Reception was complimentary to all attendees and bus transportation was provided to the site.

“I think it’s great to see all these people out here enjoying their time and just coming together and spending time with each other,” said Dr. Benjamin Yagoubian, who was heading to check out exhibits in the adjoining hall.

Dr. Tara Aghaloo, AO Board member, looks forward to the President’s Reception every year. “You can see a lot of old friends and colleagues while getting together just to kick back after a packed scientific meeting.” She was considering a dance before checking out some of the planes on exhibit or trying out the flight simulator.

Resident Dr. Grant Nishimura, son of AO President Dr. Nishimura, was attending his first AO Annual Meeting as a member this year. Celebrating with his father as he wrapped up his presidency, he shared his thoughts on the meeting.

“It’s amazing. I’ve never seen so much diversity of research in one meeting. It’s a great opportunity to meet other clinicians. I have been meeting a bunch of the residents. I have also met a lot of members, new and old, and a lot of people that have a lot of influence in the field of osseointegration.”