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1992 | 1993 | 1994
| 1995 | 1996 | 1997
| 1998 | 1999 | 2000
| 2001 |
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| 1992 |
| XI ICOMS in Buenos Aires |
| XI ICOMS held in Buenos Aires, Argentina under the chairmanship of José Luis Ferreria. Named Honorary Chairmen of the conference were Enrique Müeller, the Association’s Vice President in 1992, Basilio Arienza, a former Council and Executive Committee member and Eduardo E. Michael. The conference was given sanction and endorsement by Dr. Elsa Margarita Moreno, the Secretary of Health and Ministerio de Salud y Accion Social of Argentina, which signified the importance which Argentina held for the worldwide assembly of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Buenos Aires. |
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11th ICOMS Poster, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
The scientific program of the XI ICOMS contained symposia cover three principle topics:
 Pathology: Locally Aggressive Benign Tumors
Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma
Facial Surgery
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| Conference Chairman Dr. José Luis Ferreria and IAOMS Secretary General Daniel M. Laskin at the XI ICOMS in Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
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The XI ICOMS enjoyed the largest attendance of any ICOMS to that point: 920 registrants, of which 460 were members, 365 were trainees and 105 were accompanying persons. The conference was dedicated to three distinguished international pioneers in the oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty and association, Fred A. Henny, Norman L. Rowe and Sir Terence G. Ward.
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Sir Terence Ward
Fred
Henny
Norman L. Rowe
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| In his opening address, then IAOMS President Robert Walker said of his colleagues: “Each possessed unique abilities and characteristics entirely different from the others but the one thing common to all was that they were enormously capable and courageous surgeons who attracted wide local and international and celebrity patronage to their care. While Henny and Ward are conceded to have been the principal organizers of the 1st International Conference on Oral Surgery, convened at the Royal College of Surgeons of England in London, July 1st-4th, 1962, which led to the establishment of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Rowe was quite involved in all aspects of the Conference and in the organization of the International Association which shortly followed. Every aspect of the 1st International Conference was conducted under the steel-eyed and willed scrutiny of Ward, and it came off as a spectacular, spirit-lifting energy for oral surgeons around the world. The specialty was immediately and immensely elevated by the event and oral and maxillofacial surgery has been an effective force in health care planning and delivery since that occasion.”
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| OMS Training and Education |
| The Council also approved the affiliation of IAOMS with the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Training (IAMFST). Members of IAMFST did not need to become members of IAOMS, however. It was also recommended that when affiliated, IAMFST be allowed to have a non-voting member in Council as an observer. This person would also represent the trainee members who belong to IAOMS, and be selected by IAMFST.
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| Honorary Fellowships |
| At the conference, IAOMS awarded the title of “Honorary Fellow” to Bernard J. Degen, II, then Executive Director of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), and Professor David E. Poswillo, an IAOMS Life Founder Fellow and Secretary-General of the Association from 1983-1989.
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David E. Poswillo |
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| ICOMS Moves to Biennial Schedule |
| In 1992 the Executive Committee recognized the need for more visible activity of the IAOMS and thus decided the ICOMS should be convened biennially, beginning in 1997. In the interim years, smaller, regional clinical congresses developed by member nations and jointly sponsored by the IAOMS will be held on specific topics. These meetings were to be available to IAOMS Fellows at a reduced registration fee. The first of these meetings was the International Symposium on the Comprehensive Management of Craniofacial Anomalies—State of the Art, held in Aarhus, Denmark in June, 1993.
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Dr. Daniel Laskin and Dr. Robert Walker at the Executive Committee meeting in Buenos Aires. |
| Membership
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In 1992 there were 1,393 regular fellow in the IAOMS, of which 579 were life fellows, 48 were trainees, and 209 were retired fellows. The following nations were affiliated to the IAOMS in 1992: Bolivia, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong(Peoples Republic of China)and Sweden.
The Membership Committee contacted 15,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in 1992 in its campaign to build association membership. Fellows were encouraged to pass along to colleagues the membership applications that were sent with the IAOMS Newsletter.
Among the significant changes made in the Regulations by the Council in 1992 was the establishment of categories for Retired Fellows and Trainees. A fellow who is retired may be placed in that category provided that dues have been paid for 10 consecutive years. Such fellows still maintain the same privileges as other fellows, but pay no dues or subscriptions. They must pay for the Journal, however, if they wish to receive it. Trainee members pay annual reduced dues, which includes the Journal, and are entitled to all privileges except the right to vote or hold office. It was also decided to eliminate the life fellow category and to no longer accept three-year subscriptions at a reduced rate.
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IAOMS Founder
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| 1992 also marked the passing of IAOMS Founder Sir Terence G. Ward in Bexhill, England. In his “Message from the President” in the IAOMS Newsletter (Issue No. 1, 1992), Robert Walker wrote: “Terry Ward’s death is an immense loss to the world of oral and maxillofacial surgery , but we can all rejoice in the inspiration and leadership he gave to everyone involved in our specialty. I will shed more than a few tears on the passing of Terry, but I am so grateful for having been touched by him, his work, and the supreme commitment he made to excellence in our specialty and this organization. We will miss Terry Ward, but we can be most happy with what he left us.” |
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IJOMS
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IJOMS Editor-in-Chief Paul J.W. Stoelinga predicted that subscriptions for the Journal would reach a total of 2,500 for the year with IAOMS receiving a profit of approximately $48,000. The Journal’s Impact Factor, as reported by the SCI Journal Citation Report, went up from 0.321 in 1987 to 0.597 in 1989. The Journal was ranked third among OMF Journals at the time.
During the XI ICOMS, Dr. Robert Walker presented the awards for the best paper published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (IJOMS) in 1990 and 1991. The winners were selected by the Scientific Committee. The 1990 award was for the paper entitled “Bone promoting factor in relation to bone healing by J.R. Deatherage, J.C. Moore, E.J. Miller and V. Matukus.
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Dr. Matukus accepts the award for Best Paper in
IJOMS for 1990 from IAOMS President Dr. Robert Walker. |
| The 1991 winner was the paper entitled “The treatment of orbital blow-out fractures in relation to age” by K. DeMan, P.T. de Jong, J. Hes and R. Wyngaarde. |
Dr. Deman accepts the award for Best Paper in IJOMS for 1991 from IAOMS President Dr. Robert Walker. |
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Dr. Robert Walker Honored
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Dr. Robert Walker was honored for his contribution to the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery by the establishment of “The Robert V. Walker, DDS, Chair in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Texas.
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Dr. Robert Walker |
| Alumni of the residency program in OMS donated two-thirds of the funds for the chair. Other substantial donations came from the Biological Humanics Foundation, the McDermott Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lorenz, who owned Walter Lorenz Surgical Instruments in Jacksonville, Florida. |
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| 1993 |
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IAOMS Co-Sponsors Symposium
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An International Symposium, “Comprehensive Management of Craniofacial Anomalies—State of the Art” was held in Aarhus, Denmark on June 12-13, 1993. The event was organized by Aarhus University Hospital and co-sponsored by IAOMS. It was one of the activities celebrating the centennial anniversary of Aarhus University Hospital.
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Walter Lorenz Announces Gift of $250,000 to IAOMS
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In 1993, Walter Lorenz, Founder, President, and President Emeritus of Walter Lorenz Surgical Instruments, announced that a gift of $250,000 had been made to the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, to be made at the death of he and his wife.
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Walter Lorenz, Founder,
President and President Emeritus of Walter Lorenz Surgical Instruments, Inc. |
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| Mr. Lorenz was well-known for his generosity of giving back to the OMS specialty and his community. He was responsible for establishing many fellowships in OMS, he committed more than $5.5 million to the Oral and Maxillofacial Foundation, participated in the monetary creation of several oral and maxillofacial chairs at various universities in the United States and underwritten lavish dinners, entertainment and receptions at annual American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and many other specialty meetings. |
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Training Programs Survey
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At its meeting in Amsterdam, the Executive Committee, in conjunction with the Education Committee, initiated a worldwide survey of training programs. The results were to provide the basis for a consensus conference at the XIIth ICOMS in Budapest in 1995. In his “Message to the President” in the IAOMS Newsletter, Issue No. 1, 1993, Robert M. Cook wrote: “Already the increasing acceptance of a single specialty with a broad scope is having a dramatic impact on training and surgical standards in many countries. This will inevitably increase the opportunities for trainees to accept internationally based fellowships and similar exchanges. This process is already in place in Europe and North America.”
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Dr. Robert Cook, IAOMS President (center), with Dr. Rudolph Fries,
Vice President (on his right) and Dr. Daniel Laskin, Secretary General (on his left) at the
Executive Committee meeting in Amsterdam, 1993. |
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Need for Secretariat Explored
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The Executive Committee at the time also appointed a committee to investigate the establishment of an internationally based secretariat to co-ordinate association activities. The intent was to have an international headquarters that would serve as a reference center for national and regional associations that would be unique and set an example to other health specialties worldwide. In addition to advancing scientific and educational standards, it was intended that the international secretariat would administer an international foundation for the improvement of training and services, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions.
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ALACIBU Congress Co-Sponsored
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The Executive Committee also approved the co-sponsorship of the ALACIBU Congress in Santiago, Chile, in April 1994. The Executive Committee meeting of 1994 was planned to take place immediately prior to the conference.
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Four IAOMS Presidents Meet
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A unique occasion occurred in Amsterdam in March 1993 at the end of the Executive Committee session when four IAOMS Presidents met together in Amsterdam: Dr. Robert Cook, Dr. Daniel Laskin, Dr. Robert Walker, and Dr. van der Kwast.
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Drs. Robert Cook, Dan Laskin, Robert Walker, and Willem van der Kwast at the
Executive Committee meeting in Amsterdam in 1993. |
| Seven affiliated national associations (Argentina, British, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Chile, Dutch, and Scandinavian) responded to the request of allowing regular member registration fees for visiting IAOMS Fellows attending their meetings.
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IJOMS
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IJOMS Editor-in-Chief Paul J.W. Stoelinga reported that the Journal had moved from number 5 to number 1 in the SCI Citation for OMF journals during the previous five years, reflecting the improved quality of the journal.
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The two editors—IAOMS Newsletter Editor Dr. John Frame and
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (IJOMS) Editor in Chief Paul J.W. Stoelinga. |
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Membership
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The Secretary General prepared an updated directory of the IAOMS membership in 1993. There were 1,377 dues paying regular fellows and 53 trainees in 1993. Additionally, there were 561 life fellows and 232 retired fellows. The year also marked the establishment of the Belarus OMS Association, the Byelorussion Collaborating Centre for Maxillo-Facial Surgery (BCCMFS) of the European Association of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeons (EACMFS).
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AAOMS Celebrates 75th Anniversary
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The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons celebrated its 75th anniversary meeting in conjunction with the German Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on September 29-October 3, 1993. The Association’s Journal marked its 50th year of publication in 1993 as well.
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| 1994 |
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XI Congress of ALACIBU, Co-Sponsored by IAOMS
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Clinicians from throughout South America and the rest of the world met in Santiago, Chile for the XI Congress of ALACIBU. The event was co-sponsored by IAOMS and coincided with the meeting of the IAOMS Executive Committee. Support for the congress was expressed by Chile’s Minister of Health, Carlos Massad. The scientific program covered the whole range of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorders, tumors, preprosthetic surgery, osseointegrated implants, orthognathic surgery, mandibular reconstruction and rigid fixation. The principle guest lecturer was Dr. Robert V. Walker (USA) on the topic of “The present and future of maxillofacial surgery.”
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The official opening ceremony of ALACIBU. |
Drs. Robert Cook and Daniel Laskin at
the opening ceremony of ALACIBU. |
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Need to Maintain OMS Scope Stressed
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In his “Message from the President” IAOMS Newsletter, Issue No. 1, 1994, President Robert M. Cook cautioned the membership against the industry breaking into sub-specialties. “…Few, if any, practice the complete range of procedures and techniques which oral and maxillofacial surgery now embraces…As a result, many special interest groups have developed in our field, however it is important we avoid any tendency to fragment into a series of sub-specialties. This would perpetuate the professional jealousies which have previously hindered our progress. Our title, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, although cumbersome, embraces the concept of a mono specialty based on the gnathological system.”
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Education Committee Recommendations
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The Education Committee recommended to the Executive Committee the expansion of two important educational programs utilized by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The first includes the consideration of including oral and maxillofacial surgeons in training in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery In-Training Examination (OMSITE). In addition, an excellent home self-study program has been developed for the self-assessment of oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have completed their formal training. This exam and review text is called the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Knowledge Update (OMSKU). The Education Committee was encouraged to pursue potential use of the OMSITE examination on an international basis, with a progress report at the next Executive Committee meeting. It was also recommended that they pursue the possibility of making the AAOMS oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Knowledge Update available to IAOMS fellows at the same price as for AAOMS fellows.
The Education Committee recommended to the Executive Committee the expansion of two important educational programs utilized by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The first includes the consideration of including oral and maxillofacial surgeons in training in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery In-Training Examination (OMSITE). In addition, an excellent home self-study program has been developed for the self-assessment of oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have completed their formal training. This exam and review text is called the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Knowledge Update (OMSKU). The Education Committee was encouraged to pursue potential use of the OMSITE examination on an international basis, with a progress report at the next Executive Committee meeting. It was also recommended that they pursue the possibility of making the AAOMS oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Knowledge Update available to IAOMS fellows at the same price as for AAOMS fellows.
A major “Forum on Education” was planned in conjunction with the Budapest ICOMS. The results of the international survey would be presented and formal presentations made on the various methods of OMS continuing education and assessment. The Committee received responses from 32 countries for the survey. The session also would include a review of the U.S. “Parameters of Care” document and methods for outcome assessment.
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International Guidelines Reviewed
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The International Guidelines for Specialty Training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were reviewed during the 1994 Executive Committee meeting. The review included proposed changes from the Education Committee, the Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The Executive Committee recommended that concerned associations, in the interest of international unity and ongoing development of the specialty, should consult together, review the preface and attempt to recommend unified changes, bearing in mind that such changes should not weaken or alter the standards of education, training or scope of the specialty as described in the document.
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Need for Permanent Home for IAOMS
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A need for permanent headquarters for the IAOMS also was discussed at the Santiago, Chile Executive Committee meeting in 1994. Locations discussed were London, Amsterdam, and Chicago. It was suggested that as a transition, the current Secretary-General could temporarily continue in the position of executive director, maintaining the headquarters in Richmond until more permanent arrangements could be made.
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Regionalization of IAOMS
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The Executive Committee discussed a proposal by Dr. Robert Cook to restructure the committee in order to provide greater representation of regional associations. An alternative proposal was adopted which involved a two-step process in which the Council would first elect the President, President-elect, Secretary-General and three Executive Committee members at large. In the second stage, the Council would elect three additional Executive Committee members who would be nominated by affiliated continental regional associations and/or nations with more than 20% of the active IAOMS membership. There should be no more than one elected member from any country on the Executive Committee at any time with the exception of the President, President-elect, and Secretary General.
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Affiliation with FDI and IAMFST
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A letter was received concerning the possibility of IAOMS reaffiliating with the Federation of Dentaire Internationale (FDI). In the past there was such an affiliation and IAOMS sponsored a program on oral and maxillofacial surgery at each meeting. The Secretary-General was instructed to write a response indicating the desire of IAOMS to cooperate and to determine what the obligations of the association would be under these circumstances.
The Secretary-General reported that the International Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons in Training (IAMFST) had indicated its desire to affiliate with IAOMS according to the previously stipulated arrangements, except that they did not wish to add the word “oral” to their name. Although the Executive Committee expressed concern over the matter, it was agreed to recommend to the Council provisional approval for the affiliation, with a review of the situation in two years.
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Membership
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The Association boasted affiliated national association membership of 38 countries in 1994. Membership stood at 2,034 of which 1,115 were Fellows, 541 were Life Fellows, 226 were retired Fellows, 70 were retired Life Fellows, and 72 were Trainees. The following national OMS associations were approved for affiliation: Albania, Bolivia, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the Ukraine. The application of the Finish Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for affiliation was approved and referred to the Council for further action. The IAOMS Council approved the affiliation of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1994 as well.
The Executive Committee reaffirmed its position that Fellows in economically depressed nations be offered reduced dues, provided there was an affiliated national association. Under these circumstances, there would be a charge of $1 per member up to $100. Each affiliated association would receive one free Journal subscription to be provided by the publisher. These Fellows would have full membership privileges. The reduced fee schedule would be subject to review every two years. |
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First IAOMS Patron Named
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As a result of a mail ballot sent to members of the Council, Walter Lorenz of Walter Lorenz Surgical Instruments was elected an IAOMS Patron.
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Walter Lorenz, Founder |
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Plan for IAOMS Foundation Presented
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Dr. Robert Cook presented a plan for the establishment of a foundation to support the educational activities of IAOMS. The plan was approved in principle and was to be developed in more detail and presented for further discussion at the next meeting.
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Brazilian Association Celebrates 50th Anniversary
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In La Paz, Bolivia, the Sociedad Boliviana de Cirugia Buco Maxilo Facial celebrated its 50th Anniversary with an International Congreso on August 2-6, 1994.
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Asian Association Publishes 1st Journal
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The Asian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons published its first-ever Journal in 1994, the Asian Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Plans were to publish journals twice a year.
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Overtures Made to People’s Republic of China OMS Association
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In June 1994, Dr. Robert Cook made an official presidential visit to the People’s Republic of China to establish contacts between the IAOMS and the Chinese Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The visit was arranged by Professor Henk Tideman of Hong Kong who maintains close links with IAOMS Chinese colleagues, particularly in post-graduate training and clinical interchange. It was hoped that the visit would result in affiliation with the Chinese Association, which the IAOMS expected to be represented at the XIIth ICOMS in Budapest in 1995.
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| 1995 |
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XII ICOMS in Budapest
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The XII ICOMS was held in Budapest on June 29—July 2, 1995 under the chairmanship of Dr. György Szabó. The event marked the first occasion that the ICOMS was held in a former Communist country and the first time attendance hit nearly 1,000 participants coming from 62 countries. |
12th ICOMS Poster, Budapest, Hungary |
| Organizers were heartened by the high numbers of attendees after some initial fears were expressed about whether a good congress could be organized in a post-communist country. |
Dr. Robert Cook, Immediate Past-President; Dr. Linz, Dr. J. Kelly; and Dr. Rudolf Fries,
newly inducted President, Budapest ICOMS. |
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The President for the Hungarian Republic was represented at the Opening Ceremony and the Minister of Public Welfare took part in person.
Topics for the Symposium, which included more than 400 scientific lectures, included:
Oral and Maxillofacial Implant Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery (Endoscopic and Laser Surgery)
Maxillofacial Aesthetic Surgery
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| The consensus conference chaired by Professor K. Moos discussed open and closed management of condylar fractures. The Presidential Lecturer was Professor H. Sailer from Zurich, Switzerland, then President of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, who delivered a “State of the Art” address, including a historical and philosophical statement on the OMS specialty as it approached the year 2000. On June 28th, a seminar on craniofacial prosthesis was given by Professor Anders Tjellstrom and Kerstin Bergstrom of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The 3rd SORG international conference on osteosymthesis techniques also was held on June 28th and on July 2nd, two seminars on the IMZ and Frialit-2 osseointegrated implants were presented by Prof. Dr. R. Ewers and Mr. J.I. Cawood. |
Dr. György Szabó, Chairman of the Organizing Committee
for 12th ICOMS in Budapest, Hungary in 1995.
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Dr. John Helfrick, Dr. and Mrs. György Szabó, and Dr. Rudolph Fries at the 12th ICOMS Dinner.
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Honorary Fellowship
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Dr. Daniel Laskin was inducted into Honorary Fellowship of the Association during the 12th ICOMS in Budapest.
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Dr. Laskin receives Honorary Fellowship in the IAOMS (left: Bob Walker and Peter Cook).
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In his citation to Dr. Laskin, IAOMS President Dr. Robert V. Walker said: (IAOMS Newsletter, Issue 1995): “It is as Secretary-General, 1989-1995 that he has functioned to the fullest need of the Association by organizing the central administration of our international requirements better than had previously existed…He has worked far beyond advocacy for principles in oral and maxillofacial surgery as he has exemplified everything that is productive, beneficial and elegant about our specialty.”
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Inaugural Patron Plaque Awarded
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Dr. Cook presented Walter Lorenz’ widow B.J. Lorenz with an “Inaugural Patron” plaque for her husband’s generosity to the specialty and to the community. In his comments to attendees of the ceremony, Dr. Cook wrote: “Walter Lorenz rightly occupies the position as our first patron. It is therefore with much pleasure that I would ask Mrs. B.J. Lorenz to come forward and accept a plaque commemorating Walter’s contribution to OMFS. I might add this generosity has continued through the company, with which Mrs. Lorenz is still involved” (IAOMS Newsletter, Issue 1995). |
B.J. Lorenz and Dr. Peter Cook
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IJOMS Report
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During the time period of 1992-1995, the IJOMS’ impact factor rose from 0.6 to 1.080, which made the Journal rank number one among the competing journals in the field. Almost 600 articles were submitted during that time, of which 270 were accepted for publication, amounting to an acceptance rate of approximately 45 percent. |
Prize winners for the best paper published in IJOMS were:
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1992: “Sagittal split osteotomy fixed with biodegradable, self reinforced poly-l-lactide screws.” Authors: Drs. R. Suuronen, P. Laine, E. Sarkiala, T. Pohjonen, and C. Lindqvist, all of Finland. |
Dr. Robert Cook congratulates Dr. Riita Suuronen
for the Best Paper published in the IJOMS in 1992.
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1993: “Secondary management of the nose in the cleft patient.” Authors: Drs. V.J. Matukas and P.J. Louis, both of the USA. |
Dr. Robert Cook congratulates Dr. Victor J. Matukas
for the Best Paper published in the IJOMS in 1993.
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1994: “Miniplates in the frontozygomatic region.” Authors: Drs. P. Reher and G.C. P. Duarte of Brazil. |
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Executive Committee Decisions
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Decisions made by the Council during the ICOMS included the establishment of permanent headquarters, the appointment of Dr. Daniel Laskin as Executive Secretary and provision for representation on the IAOMS Executive Committee from regional associations. The Council also gave approval to establish an International Foundation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
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Drs. Peter Cook and Daniel Laskin during the Executive Committee meeting in Budapest, 1995.
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The IAOMS Executive Committee was restructured and under a new format that began in 1997, the three executive officers would be the President, President-Elect, and Secretary General. Three Executive Committee members would be elected by the Council biannually and ex-officio members without a vote will include the Executive Director, Journal Editor, Newsletter Editor, and the member representing the Organizing Committee of the next ICOMS. The immediate Past President will continue to serve on the Executive Committee with a vote. The Executive Committee is also considering the potential for further reorganization of the Executive Committee to include regional/continental representatives. Of significant importance was the establishment of an Executive Director’s position. Dr. Daniel Laskin was appointed to this position for the first two years.
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The Council also addressed and approved three major policy issues:
Vertical membership was approved—in the future fellows must be members of their national organization in order to be Fellows of the IAOMS. If there are extenuating circumstances, the Fellow can appeal to the Executive Committee.
Fellows can only run for one office or a position on the Executive Committee at a time. In the past, Fellows have been able to place their name on the ballot for one or two officer positions and an Executive Committee position—in the future this will not be acceptable.
The concept of proxy votes was approved.
And finally, a revision of the Preface of the Training Guidelines was adopted.
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IAOMS Co-Sponsors Joint Meeting of Three OMS Associations
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IAOMS announced it would co-sponsor a joint meeting in 1996 of the British, Dutch and South African OMS Associations.
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Year of the X-Ray
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In Würzburg, the place of the discovery, 1995 was declared “Röntgen-Year – Year of Sciences” with numerous meetings and conferences on X-Rays in many fields. The Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, in cooperation with the Department of Radiological Diagnostics, University of Würzburg Medical School, marked the centennial with its own conference in October 1995, “3D-Imaging and Model Manufacturing in Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Planning.” In Würzburg, the place of the discovery, 1995 was declared “Röntgen-Year – Year of Sciences” with numerous meetings and conferences on X-Rays in many fields. The Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, in cooperation with the Department of Radiological Diagnostics, University of Würzburg Medical School, marked the centennial with its own conference in October 1995, “3D-Imaging and Model Manufacturing in Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Planning.” In Würzburg, the place of the discovery, 1995 was declared “Röntgen-Year – Year of Sciences” with numerous meetings and conferences on X-Rays in many fields. The Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, in cooperation with the Department of Radiological Diagnostics, University of Würzburg Medical School, marked the centennial with its own conference in October 1995, “3D-Imaging and Model Manufacturing in Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Planning.”
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| 1996 |
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Executive Committee To Recommend All Future ICOMS Sites to Council
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At its meeting in Houston in January 1996, the Executive Committee decided that it would recommend to Council in the future all bids for future ICOMS venues, with two or three cities then submitted to the Council for their action. In making their recommendations, the Executive Committee should give strong consideration to regional rotation.
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At the Executive Committee meeting in Houston, January, 1996.
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Executive Committee Decisions
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The Secretary General presented the Executive Committee with job descriptions for both the Executive Director’s position and that of the Secretary General. Both were adopted as was the Executive Director’s two-year contract starting September 1995.
Of significant importance at the Executive Committee’s meeting was the development of an “Action Plan” related to the resolution of issues facing the Association. The areas for improvement that were identified were: membership, budget, communication, ICOMS profitability and the IAOMS Foundation.
The Executive Committee recommended to Council that the IAOMS Regulations be revised to permit Executive Committee members to vote in the Council on all matters except the election of officers and Executive Committee members. The Executive Committee also recommended to Council that the Past President be allowed to vote on the Executive Committee. It was also recommended that use of the words “ex-officio” in the regulations be clarified to reflect that the Editor-in-Chief, Newsletter Editor, Executive Director, and representative of the host nation for the next ICOMS do not vote.
The Executive Committee also recommended to Council a change in the Regulations that would eliminate proxy voting for elections. Instead a mail ballot would be sent to all Council members in advance of the Council meeting, which would be returned to the Secretary-General if the Councilor would not be in attendance at the Council meeting.
To alleviate the difficulties associated with IAOMS Committee activities, specifically not having sufficient time to effectively accomplish their activities and the frequent turnover which results in lack of experience of committee members, the Executive Committee decided that all committees would have eight members appointed for four-year terms. One member would be Chairman and another would be designed Chairman-Elect. By making half of the appointments for two years initially, there would be a rotation established whereby there always would be at least four experienced committee members, including an experienced Chairman. Although terms would be for four years, the new decision would not preclude reappointment for additional terms.
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Dues Structure Changes
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Approved in principle at the Executive Committee meeting was the concept of using the United Nations classification of nations for establishing a graduated dues structure. The decision regarding actual amounts was deferred until the next Executive Committee meeting to permit a better evaluation of current dues income. The four proposed categories were: Developed Industrial, Emerging Industrial; Underdeveloped, and Least Developed.
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Education Committee
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Key recommendations of the Education Committee (under the Chairmanship of Professor Alastair Goss of South Australia) for consideration under the international survey on “The Training and Scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons” included:
The process of international surveys should be repeated on a regular basis.
All member associations of IAOMS should develop, and regularly review, the National Training Guidelines.
Each national association should review its current characteristics to determine variations from the broad patterns which have been demonstrated. This may be useful for nations to refine their educational and scope patterns.
IAOMS should make contact with individual oral and maxillofacial surgeons practicing in Least Developed Nations to assist regional development of the specialty.
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It was proposed that all National Guideline documents will be collated into a single document for those countries which have such guidelines and a model to assist those countries which have not developed National Training Guidelines will be developed.
A further important issue of the Educational Committee in 1996 was the determination of whether it is possible to have a single International Exam by which the educational standards of trainees in different countries can be assessed. It was arranged that most trainees in Australia and New Zealand will sit the OMSITE Examination that had long been used in North America. A full evaluation of the examination was to be performed to test the validity of the exam beyond the North American Continent. Australia and New Zealand were chosen to test the OMSITE’s effectiveness due to the countries’ similarities to North American countries in oral and maxillofacial surgery practices and delivery although each has a different educational system. Depending on the outcome of this trial, the possibility of OMSITE becoming the international standard examination will be pursued.
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Educational Symposium Planned
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An educational Symposium on the role of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on the educational standards and scope of training was planned for presentation at the ICOMS in Kyoto in 1997.
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Membership
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Under the Chairmanship of Conrad Masureik, the Membership Committee unveiled a new incentive for membership in 1997: national OMS associations could retain 5% of IAOMS dues as a handling fee. Therefore, the more members a national association signed up for IAOMS, the more income for the national association. The incentive was to be coordinated with the IAOMS Executive Secretary.
The decision was made in 1996 not to affiliate with trainee groups but rather to allow IAOMS trainee membership for $15 annual dues without requiring subscription to the Journal. Trainee members would, however, be able to obtain the Journal at a reduced rate, if they wished to subscribe. The plan would be operational in 1997.
In 1996 there were 893 Fellows, 561 Life Fellows, 48 Trainees, 2 Associate Members and 248 Retired Fellows in IAOMS for a total of 1,752 members. There also were about 600 former Fellows who were in inactive status because of failure to pay dues. It was decided to continue to send the IAOMS Newsletter to any Fellow in the first year in which dues are not paid. The Estonian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was approved for affiliation with the IAOMS during 1996 as well. The association was founded in 1991 and numbered 19 members in 1996.
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Exchange Program
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In 1996, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the European Association for Cranio-Facial Surgery ratified an agreement establishing an exchange program on graduate and postgraduate level involving clinical and research endeavors. A similar agreement was reached between AAOMS and the Japanese Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. In the IAOMS Newsletter, it was reported that: “The IAOMS has undertaken as its major initiative the responsibility for coordinating these worldwide research and education opportunities and within that context, to identify, coordinate and sponsor exchange programs for residents and faculty so that they may achieve competence as well as familiarity in areas of interest or need.”
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Liaison with EACMFS |
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During the Executive Committee meeting, Dr. Daniel Lew reviewed the concept of Fellowship Guidelines being developed by AAOMS and the possible accreditation of such fellowships by the American Dental Association. It was suggested that similar guidelines could be developed for exchange programs in other countries. Dr. Lew also described the agreement between AAOMS and the Mexican government to staff a full-time program in pediatric surgery in that country and noted that this could also serve as a pattern for other such programs.
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Continuing Education Credits |
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Since obtaining continuing education credits was becoming necessary in many countries in 1996, the Executive Committee discussed how it would be beneficial to IAOMS members if they could obtain CE credits for IAOMS sponsored programs. To do this, it would be necessary to establish guidelines for such an activity. Dr. John Helfrick was to investigate with AAOMS how this can be accomplished.
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Regionalization of IAOMS |
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The Executive Committee reviewed and approved a position paper on the rationale, structure and process of regional affiliation that was prepared by the Secretary-General. It was agreed that funding for representatives of affiliated regional associations would be paid by IAOMS and giving authority for approval of applications for affiliation to the Council.
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Planning for ICOMS in Kyoto |
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It was anticipated, based on past attendance at Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons meetings, that about 1,400 Japanese would attend the 1997 ICOMS in Kyoto. An additional 400 attendees from overseas also were expected, which would result in a balanced ICOMS budget.
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IAOMS Foundation |
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The Executive Committee approved Dr. Robert Cook proceeding with the establishment of the IAOMS Foundation, working in conjunction with Dr. Andrew Linz to develop a draft of the constitution and bylaws and to determine the appropriate site for incorporation and investment of funds.
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IJOMS |
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Editor-in-Chief Paul J.W. Stoelinga indicated in 1996 that he would resign his position in 1999 rather than 1997 in order to allow a better transition. He requested the appointment of Dr. Piet Haers as his Assistant Editor during this period. It was recommended that the position of Assistant Editor be made permanent and that perhaps there should be two Assistant Editors with the caveat that the Assistant Editor be aware that an Assistant Editor does not necessarily ascend automatically to the position of Editor-in-Chief. Dr. Stoelinga was to report to the Executive Committee in 1997 as to whether he would like to appoint a second Assistant Editor.
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IAMFST |
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Because of the desire to increase trainee membership in IAOMS, as well as difficulties in establishing proper communication with the International Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons in Training (IAMFST), it was decided to terminate their two-year trial affiliation in 1997. IAOMS intended to instead make an effort to increase trainee membership by having a minimal dues structure ($15 US) and not make subscription to the Journal mandatory, but providing it at a reduced rate to trainee members.
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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Knowledge Update |
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Because of the desire to increase trainee membership in IAOMS, as well as difficulties in establishing proper communication with the International Association of Maxillofacial Surgeons in Training (IAMFST), it was decided to terminate their two-year trial affiliation in 1997. IAOMS intended to instead make an effort to increase trainee membership by having a minimal dues structure ($15 US) and not make subscription to the Journal mandatory, but providing it at a reduced rate to trainee members.
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Identification of Areas for Training |
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The Association was identifying under-served areas of the world to develop officially sponsored, ongoing training program opportunities to specialized areas such as cleft lip and palate management.
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Webpage Development |
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The development of a page on the “Worldwide Web” was first discussed by the Executive Committee in 1996.
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Jubilee Congress of EACMFS |
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The European Association of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery celebrated its centennial anniversary with a Jubilee Congress in Zurich in September, 1996. Sessions on important issues relevant to the future development of OMS were highlighted by “state of the art” lectures. Internationally recognized speakers presented updates on craniofacial anomalies, surgery of the cranial base, bone regeneration by means of bone morphogenetic proteins, distraction osteogenesis, and fetal surgery. There was a separate symposium on computer-assisted surgery.
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Responsibility of IAOMS For Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Worldwide |
In his “Message from the President” in the IAOMS Newsletter, Issue No. 2, 1996, Univ. Prof. Rudi Fries wrote: “There is a great challenge for all OMF-Surgeons worldwide to support the development of our “Monospecialty” of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. To promote our dental, medical, and surgical specialty by:
Strengthening and harmonizing education, postgraduate training and scope
Organizing primarily logistical support by identifying teachers who are willing and able to offer courses and seminars within the various countries
Organizing exchange of information appropriate to the “information age” in which we are living
Exchange of colleagues, creating partnerships by persons and institutions.
Supporting the development of OMFS is not only a task for scientific associations, boards, clinics, and departments, it is a challenge and responsibility of each OMF-Surgeon worldwide to support the stabilization of OMFS personally too.”
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| 1997 |
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XIII ICOMS Held in Kyoto
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| The 13th ICOMS was held in Kyoto, Japan on October 20-24, 1997 with over 1,700 participants from 64 countries. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee was Professor Tsuyoshi Kawai and the host association was the Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, an organization which boasted 6,721 members in 1996, the majority being DDS-single qualified specialists. The 42nd annual meeting of the JSOMS was held at the same time as the ICOMS. |
13th ICOMS Poster, Kyoto, Japan
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The Opening Ceremony of the 18th ICOMS in Kyoto, Japan.
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The scientific program for the 13th ICOMS of over 800 presentations included a major symposium on the management of panfacial trauma, including imaging modalities, surgical access and treatment sequencing, soft tissue management, the use of resorbable plates and screws, and the management of naso-orbital-ethmoid injuries.
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Professor Tsuyoshi Kawai, Chairman of the 13th ICOMS Organizing Committee, welcomes delegates. |
Professor Rudolf Fries at the 13th ICOMS Opening Ceremony |
| A second symposium was devoted to osteogenesis including presentations on bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and distraction osteogenesis. Two additional symposiums focused on current concepts in the management of oral cancer and mandibular reconstruction, including the use of microvascular free-flaps. The conference also included a major sessions featuring internationally recognized speakers on the current concepts in the management of maxillofacial deformities in cleft patients. |
Left to right: Professor Iizuka Tadahika, Professor Rudi Fries, Professor John Helfrick, and Professor Kan-ichi Seto |
A toast to ICOMS! Left to right: Professor Kawai, Professor Fries and Mrs. Fries. |
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A conference on education at the ICOMS focused in the role of the IAOMS in fostering international education: “The Role of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Fostering International Training Opportunities.”
A feature at the conference was a live session linked between Vienna and the conference site where an operation in Vienna was conducted under the direction of a doctor in Kyoto.
Honorary Fellow Awarded
During the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Robert V. Walker of Dallas, Texas, USA, received the Honorary Fellowship of the IAOMS from the President, Professor Rudolf Fries.
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Dr. Robert V. Walker, a former president of IAOMS, receives his Honorary Fellowship of IAOMS from the President. The citation was read by Dr. Daniel Laskin.
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Leadership Conference Held Prior to ICOMS
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A Leadership Conference was held at the beginning of the 13th ICOMS, attracting 68 participants from 36 countries. The purpose of this conference was to define a future course for international oral and maxillofacial surgery. A consensus was reached on a number of principles, foremost being that in order for the profession to thrive, it must strive to provide increased access to oral and maxillofacial surgery care worldwide and that this care must be at the highest possible level. It was concluded that the identification of surgical and educational needs and the method of satisfying these needs be carried out by the regional organizations with the International Association acting as a facilitator. The following options were recommended to confront the problem of insufficient regional manpower, deemed to be one of the principal causes of limited access in some regions of the world:
Data must be obtained to crystallize problems.
Where necessary, existing programs should be upgraded.
Where necessary, new training programs should be established in strategic regions.
A well-financed mechanism for satisfying the need for teachers who require additional training should be established.
Assure the vitality of the International Foundation.
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Some of the participants at the Leadership Conference held in Kyoto, Japan, October 1997.
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The conference reiterated its commitment to the preface and the curriculum previously adopted by the Association. “The conference felt most strongly that to assume a high level of training and ultimate practice, an accreditation process was essential,” wrote Dr. Daniel Lew in his report in the IAOMS Newsletter. “It therefore concluded that in order to help training programs reach the desired level of competence, the IAOMS will aid in the development of a regional accreditation process leading to the creation of accreditation boards.”
Dr. Lew also reported that “the conference was united in its recommendation that we incorporate the residents in training into the International structure. It was, therefore, concluded that we should sponsor the formation of regional resident organizations and sponsor a meeting between representatives of these organizations at International conferences.”
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Executive and Council Meetings
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During the ICOMS Executive and Council meetings, the following decisions/reports were made:
Affiliation requests from the following national societies were approved: Bangladesh, Thailand, Georgian Republic, Kazakhstan, and Panama.
Affiliation requests from the following regional Associations were approved: Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia.
Membership stood at 2,207 Fellows, 551 Life Fellows, 184 Retired Fellows, 12 Honorary Fellows, 5 Associate Members and 209 Trainees for a total of 3,240.
The IAOMS dues structure was revised where Fellows from Tier 1 and 2 countries paid $100/year and Fellows from Tier 3, 4, and 5 countries paid $50/year. Vertical membership was $65/year and Assisted Membership (5% rebate) was $100/year.
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| Dr. John F. Helfrick reported on the proposed move of IAOMS headquarters to Chicago, a move that was to be completed by June 30, 1998. |
| The Executive Committee prepared the following activities in 1997: |
| Development of Aid in OMF Surgery: Logistical support by:
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 Sending teachers to the various countries and collecting a pool of teachers who are able and willing for teaching |
| Exchange of heads and senior residents |
| Support the creation of partnerships between colleagues, clinics, and nations |
| Support the creation of training programs and centers. |
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| Financial Support by the Foundation of IAOMS
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| Regionalization: Each affiliated continental association can delegate a representative of their own choice to the Executive Committee of the IAOMS.
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| Leadership Conference in Kyoto: To work out the modalities and how to organize “development aid”, leading OMF surgeons (Councilors and presidents of affiliated national associations, executive members of the continental associations etc.) were invited.
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| At the 1997 ICOMS, the Council approved the move of the Secretariat to Chicago and the recommendation of the Executive Committee to eliminate the position of Secretary General. The two principal reasons for eliminating the Secretary General were: |
| The role of Secretary General has been less clearly defined, and
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| The person occupying the role of President-Elect must be more intimately involved with the day-to-day running of the Association.
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| With the move to Chicago, the new, to-be-named Executive Secretary would assume a more important role and would work very closely with the Executive Director, President, and President-Elect. With the approval of the new position of President Elect, this individual will now assume responsibility of agenda development, which will better prepare the President Elect to assume the role as President. |
The Executive Committee also discussed the regional concept and restructuring of IAOMS during its January 1997 meeting, with the following resolutions:
Dr. Paul Stoelinga would develop criteria for recognition of new regional associations.
The following associations were approved as currently acceptable regional associations: North American, South American, Asian and European.
The position of Secretary-General be eliminated, with implementation at Kyoto meeting.
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President Rudolf Fries with Vice-President Peter Banks on his right, and Secretary-General John Helfrick on his left during the Executive Committee meeting in Houston, January 1997.
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The Executive Committee identified two primary missions regarding the regional concept:
Train surgeons in their own countries. Asking these colleagues to obtain foreign training opportunities is unrealistic given the many financial, language and cultural hurdles they face.
IAOMS has to develop new programs or support the growth and development of existing programs. “Local teaching talents together with willing help from abroad will initially be needed until new programs can become established and provide a continuous training base for practitioners and teachers,” wrote Dr. Daniel Lee and Dr. John Helfrick in an IAOMS Newsletter report on regionalization (Issue No. 1, 1997). “The newly formed International Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation will act as the body whose critical function will be to raise money to fund the various projects undertaken by the regions and the International Association. Its success is crucial to any enterprise we jointly undertake.”
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Education Committee
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| The Education Committee had collated and scanned into disc National Training Guidelines from over 30 countries. Similarly, the Training Opportunities Questionnaire had been collated and detailed records of over 200 training institutions from 24 countries worldwide. Dr. Daniel Lew, with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, developed a Registry of American Educators who were willing to offer their time to teach in less-developed countries. The new Education Committee would expand this concept internationally. |
The Education Committee had the following actions approved by the Executive Committee during its Houston meeting:
Accepted principle of early appointment of committee members by President-elect.
Increase term of committee members to four years.
Efforts to be made to have regional representation on committee.
Education Committee to develop guidelines for the development of regional in-training examinations.
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A report by the Education Committee in 1997 noted how a considerable amount of time and effort had been put into the development of an international exam (OMSINT). The AAOMS examination, OMSITE, was used on a trial basis in Australia and New Zealand in 1996. Detailed negotiations were held in September, 1996 with AAOMS and the American Centre for Testing which conducts the exam in the United States. It was established that it was feasible to develop and conduct such an examination. However, there would be formidable logistic, linguistic and cost issues. At the January 1997 International Executive Meeting, it was decided to defer further developing of OMSINT but to encourage Regional development of examinations. This was to be developed as a future initiative of the Education Committee.
The Executive Committee extended some of the changes of the Education Committee to other IAOMS Committees. As a result, it was decided that a role for the Scientific Committee no longer existed as there no longer were Consensus Conferences at ICOMS. The committee was thus eliminated.
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IJOMS
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IJOMS Editor-in-Chief Paul J.W. Stoelinga reporting on the IJOMS progress in the IAOMS Newsletter, Issue No. 1, 1998 for the period of 1995-1997, said that the Journal had expanded from 64 to 80 pages per issue and that the average number of articles per issue went up from 13 to 16. The numbers reflected the growing number of submitted articles that increased in the last 10 years from approximately 170 to 225. The average acceptance rate, however, remained the same at 45 percent.
The production of a supplemental issue containing all abstracts of the 13th ICOMS was a major enterprise in 1997, implying a tremendous effort from both the Japanese Organizing and Scientific Committee as well as from the editorial office.
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The following were the prize-winning papers in IJOMS in 1995 and 1996:
Dr. Michael Cohen for his series of papers “Perspective on craniofacial asymmetry”, 1995
Dr. A.B.M. Rabie and Dr. R.K.P. Lie Ken Jie for their paper “Integration of endochrondral bone grafts in the presence of demineralized bone matrix.”
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During the 13th ICOMS, Dr. Rabie received his prize for best paper in the 1996 IJOMS from Professor Rudolf Fries, with the Editor-in-Chief Paul J.W. Stoelinga in attendance.
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A supplemental issue of the IJOMS was printed following the ICOMS which contained the Abstracts of the conference. Additional copies printed: 13,000.
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Development of IAOMS Website
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At its January 1997 meeting in Houston, Texas, USA, the Executive Committee received a report on the development of the association’s website. General information was to include membership applications, meeting lists, and a bulletin board. The site also was to have areas of services such as consultation limited to members only with the proper password. Future opportunities such as video conferencing and internet phone communications were also discussed. The Executive Committee accepted the concept of developing a website and agreed to go online as soon as was possible with $2,500 approved as the budget for the project.
In his “Secretary-General’s Report” in the IAOMS Newsletter, Issue 1, 1997, Dr. Helfrick reported on the establishment of the IAOMS website on the Internet. “The IAOMS has accepted the challenge of improving international communication and this is a major step forward,” he wrote. “The leadership of the IAOMS considers communication to be fundamental to the future of the specialty. The rapidly evolving electronic medium will become increasingly important in the future and the IAOMS must be on the cutting edge as this new form of communication evolves. Although our current website has a modest beginning, we anticipate in the future that interactive conferences will be held, patient consultations will be achieved, and personal communication will be enhanced by using this medium.”
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Honorary Fellowship Award Changed to “Distinguished Fellow”
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The Executive Committee recommended the change of “Honorary Fellow” to “Distinguished Fellow” for all Fellows who receive this honor in the future. Honorary Fellow will continue to be used for those so honored who are not eligible to be regular Fellows.
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Project Share Begun
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| Dr. Eugene Friedman’s concept of “Project Share” became reality in 1997 when the Executive Committee approved his final proposal. “Project Share is a person-to-person activity based on the perception that certain developing countries can effectively utilize the professional journals of our specialty but may have a problem in financing their purchase,” he wrote in an IAOMS Newsletter article (Issue No. 1, 1997). Participants were solicited by the IAOMS Executive Director’s office. There were two categories of participants: donor and recipient. The database in 1997 contained 46 donors and 30 recipients. Twenty-five countries and six continents were identified under Dr. Friedman’s proposal as recipients. |
Eugene Friedman and Project Share, 1997
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IAOMS Fellows Honored by Royal College of Surgeons of England
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| In May 1997, at the Ceremony of Presentation of Diplomates organized by the Faculty of Dental Surgery, the Dean Mr. John Ll Williams, admitted to the Honorary Fellowship in Dental Surgery Professor Rudolf Fries, IAOMS President and admitted to the Fellowship in dental Surgery-by-Election Professor John F. Helfrick, IAOMS Secretary General. |
Photograph taken in front of the statue of John Hunter, pioneer surgeon and shows (left to right) Professor John W. Frame, Board Member; Dr. Peter Banks, IAOMS Vice-President; Professor Rudolf Fries, IAOMS President; Mr. John Ll Williams, Dean; and Professor John Helfrick, IAOMS Secretary General.
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1998
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New Offices of the IAOMS
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| In July, 1998, the IAOMS completed negotiations with AAOMS to rent office accommodation in their building in Rosemont, Illinois. All national OMS associations were asked to donate to help with the furnishing of the new offices. The opening of the Rosemont, Illinois office also introduced the IAOMS to its new Executive Secretary, Lynne Sayler. |
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Education Committee
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| The efforts of the Education Committee to collate National Training Guidelines and register National Training Opportunities was greatly facilitated in 1998 with the regionalization of committee membership. The Education Committee was also actively involved in the finalization of the core curriculum which had been developed by the International Executive and in the development of the Educational Conference at the next ICOMS in Washington, D.C., USA. Wrote Education Committee Chairman Professor Alastair Goss in a report in the IAOMS Newsletter, Issue No. 1, 1998: “The Education Committee Chairman and the International President, are working on ways of ensuring smooth delivery of the educational aims of the Association.” |
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Membership Committee
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| Membership Committee Chairman Thomas P. Osborn announced in his report in the IAOMS Newsletter (Issue No. 1, 1998) how he was formulating a concept for a membership “adoption” program whereby all current members would be encouraged to “adopt” a colleague, partner, associate, or friend as an IAOMS member for one year. |
During 1998, Alexis Olsson was appointed Assistant Executive Director of IAOMS.
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Alexis Olsson, Assistant Executive Director, IAOMS
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International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (IJOMS)
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| In his report to the Executive Committee at its meeting in Helsinki, Finland in September, 1998, IJOMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Paul J.W. Stoelinga reported that the Journal’s impact factor had increased to 0.525 and that the subscription base had grown to 3,500 subscribers. He also announced the three candidates for the Editor-in-Chief’s job: Drs. Piet Haers, Peter Ward Booth and David Perrott. |
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IAOMS Newsletter
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| It was agreed that some articles from the IAOMS Newsletter would be translated and printed in about four pages of the Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons’ Newsletter, which is distributed to all JSOMS members. |
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Executive Committee Meets in Helsinki, Finland
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Dr. Banks chairs the Executive Committee meeting in Helsinki, Finland in September 1998.
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| 1999 |
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XIV ICOMS Held in USA
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| The 14th International Conference on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery was held in Washington, D.C. in April 1999 and was presented by IAOMS and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. More than 1,300 participants from 80 countries attended the event. Major symposia addressed maxillofacial trauma, advances in head and neck oncology, congenital and developmental cranio-maxillofacial disorders, and new perspectives on dentoalveolar surgery. |
14th ICOMS Poster, Washington, D.C., USA
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Dr. John Helfrick reads the roll call of Nations at the opening ceremony of the XIVth ICOMS.
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| The conference also featured a Great Debate, an educational conference, and an extensive selection of limited attendance clinics and abstract and poster sessions. |
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Educational Seminar
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As a result of the leadership conference at the 13th ICOMS in Kyoto, Japan, an invitational educational conference was held immediately preceding the 14th ICOMS. It was titled, “Harmonization of Education and Training in OMFS Worldwide.” The program was developed by Drs. Banks, Stoelinga, Helfrick and Fries. All association presidents, IAOMS Council and Executive Committee members, Executive Committee members of Regional Associations, representatives from the AAOMS Foundation and IAOMS Foundation, the IAOMS Education Committee and the representatives from the AAOMS Faculty Section were invited to attend the Educational Conference. The event attracted over 100 attendees.
Dr. David Frost informed participants about the way “Health Volunteers Overseas” (HVO) operates in the various target countries. His basic message was: make sure there is a local infrastructure and liaison person who ensures that the education and training can be presented in the most efficient way. Continuity of teaching over a long period of time was another prerequisite for successful co-operation given by Dr. Frost. The main goal of HVO is to leave a legacy after volunteers depart as to render further support unnecessary.
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The speakers at the 1999 Invitational Conference, “Harmonization of Education and Training in OMFS Worldwide.
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The second part of the morning was devoted to reports from the various existing programs in different parts of the world, which included:
Tubingen-Tiblisi-Exchange: A team from Tubingen, Germany spent several days in Tiblisi, Georgia teaching 350 students, accompanied by books and professional literature.
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Prof. Schwenzer and Prof. Reinert, Tübingen, during an operation in a hospital in Tibilisi. |
Japan: Japanese colleagues had found funds from government and private sources to invest not only in teaching local colleagues but also in establishing facilities such as operation rooms and equipment (Vietnam) and even a dental school (Sri Lanka).
Australia-Bangladesh: Modestly supported by the Australian government, this project was considered an external, technical and intellectual catalyst for the establishment of a formal program in OMF surgery in Bangladesh. In 2000, there was one trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon for every 24 million population, despite having a population where oropharyngeal cancers constitute 25 percent of all cancers and there are hundreds of thousands of untreated cleft lip and palates. Under the program, the unpaid volunteers spent at least one month in Bangladesh, taking 4-5 trainees per year through a five-year training program. The first half of training consisted of 6 months of pre-clinical training and 2 years of clinical training. The second half would imply 6 months general surgery and 2 years advanced training. Additionally, there was an option for candidates to spend 3 months in an Australian program. The program was begun in 1990 by the individual efforts of Dr. Barry Fitzpatrick, an Australian maxillofacial surgeon, and Professor Molla of Bangladesh.
European-Arabian: There were different stages of development apparent in the various Arab countries with Alexandria being an advanced center with mostly European standards.
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In the afternoon of the educational seminar, the participants were split up into workshops by regions to discuss the particular problems in their region with respect to education and training. Issues addressed included: target countries to establish training centers for regional use, structure of educational program, logistic support, regional responsibilities and coordination with IAOMS executive office, and funding of regional training centers. The most urgent issues included:
The need for a basic program on oral and maxillofacial surgery that could be taught in the developing countries with the help of a group of volunteer teachers.
International accreditation was necessary. For this reason, IAOMS will provide guidelines along which national associations may arrange for national accreditation but approved by IAOMS.
A similar procedure was to be followed for certification.
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The group from the North American/Latin American workshop recommended that IAOMS move toward formulating an accreditation body that would accredit each country’s accrediting and board certification process. Wrote workshop Chairperson Kent Cohenour in the IAOMS Newsletter (Issue No. 1, 2000): “This body should not dictate standards but should provide an accreditation and certification format to follow, e.g. to site visitors, and independent commission to review, etc. We should attempt to do this within the next two years and report back in South Africa. This would allow each country to seek its own level within the international matrix.”
The attendees of the Europe/Middle East/Africa workshop recognized that the African countries themselves must decide on the centers to be targeted for training. However, it was agreed that as far as East Africa was concerned, the initiatives being taken in Nairobi suggested that it would be a suitable center for the surrounding countries. Similarly, a West Coast Center would have to be developed. As the meeting was only attended by delegates from Nigeria, it was difficult for the group to assess where a center should be established. It was agreed that the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (EACMFS) would take the initiative and be the focus for activities in Africa. In turn, EACMFS would communicate with the IAOMS Education Committee in order to coordinate activities.
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The Asian/Oceania workshop group recommended that the receiving country be the one to organize the training for oral and maxillofacial surgery. For that reason, a local national association would be necessary for serving as a partner when discussing possible assistance from IAOMS or other regional association. The group also recommended that conceptual and financial support from the side of the receiving country be obtained and that a local OMF surgeon be appointed to serve as a liaison person. The group identified the following “Projects and Responsibilities”:
Sri Lanka Training Center (for Indian subcontinent/SE Asia). Coordinated by Japan.
Bangladesh Training Center (Local development of training and region). Coordinated by Australia.
Specialized courses to India. Coordinated by IAOMS.
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Faculty Session
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A faculty session, “Today’s challenges for teachers of oral and maxillofacial surgery” also was co-sponsored by AAOMS and IAOMS and held during the 14th ICOMS in Washington, D.C. Presentations included the following topics:
A proposal on the development of a core curriculum.
Using information technology to teach residents.
The Japanese experience in delivering education to less developed nations, particularly in the wider Asian region.
The integration of research into the academic curriculum.
The challenges faced by less developed nations.
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Awards at the 14th ICOMS
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| Dr. Robert Cook was given the Distinguished Fellow Award during the ICOMS as a tribute to his work for the Association and the Foundation and Dr. Andrew Linz was given the Distinguished Service Award for his work with the IAOMS Foundation. Ellie Coyne also was recognized for her previous work as Secretary of the IAOMS. |
The President of IAOMS, Dr. Peter Banks, with the three award recipients: Dr. Bob Cook—Distinguished Fellow; Ms. Ellie Coyne—Former Secretary of IAOMS; and Dr. Andrew Linz—Distinguished Service
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Twelve Years of IJOMS Editorship
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| Dr. Paul J.W. Stoelinga handed over the responsibilities of Editor-in-Chief of the IJOMS to Dr. Piet Haers during the 14th ICOMS, ending a 12-year period of exemplary leadership. During Dr. Stoelinga’s tenure, the circulation of the Journal went up from less than 1,000 to almost 4,000 while the number of submitted papers per year went from 150 to 250. The number of published papers increased from approximately 70 to 90 per year. This implies an acceptance rate of approximately 35 percent. |
Dr. Piet Haers is congratulated for his new role as Editor-in-Chief by outgoing Editor Dr. Paul J.W. Stoelinga
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| The content of the Journal also changed under Dr. Stoelinga’s guidance. In his final IAOMS Newsletter (Issue No. 1, 1999) report as Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Stoelinga wrote: “I am proud to be able to say that the current Journal has a proper balance in that the number of clinical articles has grown while the emphasis of the pathology and research articles has been on clinical application as well.” Dr. Stoelinga’s term ended with the Journal earning an impact factor of 0.721. |
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Prize-Winning Papers in IJOMS
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| “Detailed topography of cervical lymph node metastasis from oral squamous cell carcinoma” (Vol. 26: 3-9) was named the “Best Paper Published in the Year 1997” at the 14th ICOMS. The author was Dr. J. Woolgar of England. |
Dr. Paul Stoelinga congratulates Dr. J. Woolgar on her Best Paper published in IJOMS in 1997.
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| “Condylar remodeling and resorption after Le Fort I bimaxillary osteotomies in patients with anterior open bite” (Vol. 27: 81-91) was named “Best Paper Published in the Year 1998.” Its authors were Dr. T.J. M. Hoppenreijs, Dr. Paul J.W. Stoelinga, Prof. Dr. H.P.M. Freihofer, Prof. Dr. D.B. Tuinzing, and Dr. M.A. van ‘t Hof, all of the Netherlands. |
IJOMS Editor-in-Chief Paul J.W. Stoelinga presents the Award for the Best Paper published in IJOMS in 1998 to Dr. Hoppenreijs et al
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Value-Added Membership Services
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A number of “value-added” membership services were established during the 14th ICOMS, including the formation of a Communication and Technology Committee with David Perrott of the USA as its Chairman. This committee had two subcommittees: a Communication Subcommittee, headed by Patrick Magennis from the United Kingdom, and a Technology Subcommittee headed by Rolf Ewers of Virginia. The Technology Subcommittee was charged with identifying and communicating to the specialty advancements in technology which will help to maintain the IAOMS’ leadership position in maxillofacial surgery.
At the recommendation of a Website Task Force, the Executive Committee allocated funds for the establishment of a sophisticated website, to be available to the specialty in early 2000.
Another Washington milestone was the establishment of a Trainees Organization. One of the major goals of this group was the development of a Trainees page on the new IAOMS website which would communicate various training opportunities, available fellowship programs, and exchange programs.
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Membership
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| Membership Committee Chairman Victor Moncarz was successful in recruiting 82 French members to the IAOMS. General membership in the Association under Dr. Moncarz increased by 279 Fellows over a year’s time. |
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Education Committee
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Due to the increased realization that the delivery of a high quality education is a core business of the International Association, the structure and function of the Education Committee was revamped, regionalized, and placed directly in the Executive structure in 1999. The Committee Chairman became a non-voting member of the Executive Committee and the chair of each regional association’s Education Committee, along with two further representatives from each Region, made up the Committee. Although it made for a larger Committee, it was an internationally balanced one. During its meeting at the 14th ICOMS, the committee established its priority plan for the next two years, which included the continued collection of data on training schemes and individuals willing to assist in education in developing nations and a working relationship with the American organization, Health Volunteers Overseas. The committee also was assigned the following tasks:
Develop a core curriculum
Training center requirements
An accreditation mechanism
Review the International Guidelines (1992)
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| The new Information & Technology Committee and the Education Committee were to interact to help generate educational resources on the IAOMS website.
During the time period between the 14th ICOMS and the Executive Committee’s meeting in December 1999, the Education Committee developed a series of interlinked papers aimed primarily at developing a “Basic Program of Education and Training for Least Developed Countries.” On the instruction of the IAOMS President, these were linked into the International Guidelines. A companion document on the “Recognition of Basic Training in Centers in least Developed Countries” was also produced. At the Executive Committee meeting, the documents were re-split into their component parts, revised and sent to a subcommittee of the Executive for a review for their political appropriateness. The intent was for all materials to be finalized by the September 2000 Executive Committee meeting.
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Professor Alastair N. Goss, 2000 Chairman of the IAOMS Education Committee.
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| Immediately prior to the Executive Committee meeting, the Chairman of the Education Committee, Alastair N. Goss, met with the IAOMS Foundation Committee to develop a joint Educational and Funding strategy for the training centers the IAOMS was in the process of identifying. |
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Executive Committee Retreat
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| In December 1999, the IAOMS Executive Committee attended a one-day retreat immediately prior to the committee’s formal meeting. The retreat, facilitated by Russell Massaro, M.D., Executive Vice President for Accreditation Services at the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, was held to discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the IAOMS. As a result of these discussions, it was recommended that a Strategic Plan be developed that incorporated the observations made during the retreat. |
President Helfrick with the members of the IAOMS Executive Committee and the IAOMS Foundation during their meetings in Chicago, December 1999.
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Table of Organization
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| In a practical decision, a Table of Organization for the IAOMS was approved. This was done to help alleviate the confusion expressed by Fellows as to the IAOMS’ structure. A policy and procedures manual also was developed and the identification of a treasurer (Dr. Kent Cohenour) resulted in a comprehensive financial audit and a full accounting of the Association’s assets and liabilities. |
Kent Cohenour, IAOMS’ First Treasurer |
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Membership Drive to Trainees
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| In his “Note from IAOMS Executive Director” in the IAOMS Newsletter (Issue No. 1, 1999), Dr. Victor Moncarz urged Fellow members to promote IAOMS membership among trainees. “The viability of the IAOMS is depended upon its present membership base while its future rests with the trainees throughout the world.” At the time, the association boasted 211 trainee members out of the membership’s total of approximately 2,700 from 77 member countries. |
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| 2000 |
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Parameters and Pathways—2000
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| Another important decision made by the Executive Committee in December 1999 was the endorsement of “Parameters and Pathways—2000”, a patient-care guideline document first published by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) in 1992 and again in 1993. The AAOMS Board of Trustees agreed to allow the IAOMS to officially endorse the 2000 edition and they concurred with the Executive Committee’s recommendation that individual affiliated nations be able to be listed as endorsers of the latest edition. A survey done prior to the Executive Committee meeting revealed that a large number of IAOMS affiliated nationals requested that they be identified in “Parameters and Pathways—2000.” Such endorsement meant nations could use the document without having to go through the laborious and very expensive process of guideline development for their country. These developments meant countries could use “Parameters and Pathways 2000” as their official document for guidelines. |
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New IJOMS Publisher
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| One of the decisions made by the Executive Committee during its December 1999 meeting was to change from current Journal publisher Munksgaard to Harcourt Brace. The change was made due to growing concern that IAOMS was not benefiting from the arrangement with Munksgaard, which was consequently putting a strain on the association’s financial viability. The transition was expected to be completed by December 2000. |
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Dues Increase
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| The Executive Committee also decided during the Washington ICOMS to raise IAOMS dues by $25 beginning in 2000. |
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International Training Guidelines
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| A task force identified by the Executive Committee finished its review of the guideline document and suggested recommendations for its revision. The Education Committee reviewed and concurred with the recommendations. With one only minor modification, the document was unanimously endorsed by Council. |
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IAOMS Website
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| Thanks to a lot of hard work by Dr. Patrick Magennis and Dr. Alexis Olsson the IAOMS website got up and running in 2000. Support for its ongoing maintenance and revision was approved by the Executive Committee. |
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| 2001 |
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XV
ICOMS Held in Durban, South Africa
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| The 15th ICOMS was held at the Durban Convention Center in Durban, South Africa in May, 2001. The event attracted 539 registrants from 56 nations, including 112 trainees, 127 accompanying persons and a large number of exhibitors. |
15th ICOMS Poster, Durban, South Africa
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| A highlight of the ICOMS was the “Great Debate” where the “Operative Treatment of TM Joint Dysfunction and Distraction Osteogenesis” was debated with vigor. |
Mrs. Marsden Bell with Dr. and Mrs. Cook at the ICOMS Banquet.
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IAOMS Executive Secretary Lynne Sayler (right) tirelessly mans the registration booth at the ICOMS.
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Distinguished Fellowship Awarded to Rudolf Fries
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| During the 15th ICOMS, University Professor Doctor Rudolf Fries from Linz, Austria, was honored with the election to Distinguished Fellow of the IAOMS. In his citation to Dr. Fries, published in the IAOMS Newsletter (Issue 2001), Dr. Peter Banks wrote: “He was pre-eminent in cementing the links between Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in North America and Europe, acting always as a catalyst between differing surgical cultures...His initiatives in Eastern Europe, which have had such positive results, were his alone largely financed from his own pocket. And he has continued this work in South America, Africa, and central Asia during the years since his retirement from university practice and after completion of his term as president of the IAOMS (1995).” |
Distinguished Fellow Rudolf Fries (center), flanked by Peter Banks (left and IAOMS President John Helfrick.
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Strategic Plan Developed
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| As a result of two planning retreats, the Executive Committee developed a draft of a five-year comprehensive strategic plan, which was reviewed by Fellows at the Invitational Conference which immediately preceded the Durban ICOMS. |
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Outstanding Committee Person Award
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| The tireless efforts of Dr. Patrick Magennis in the development of the IAOMS website were recognized by the Executive Committee with the presentation of a special “Outstanding Committee Person” award at the 15th ICOMS. |
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FDI
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| After meeting with Dr. Peter Banks and Dr. Paul J.W. Stoelinga, the Federation Dentaire International confirmed the IAOMS as the representative body for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Drs. Banks and Stoelinga also met with representatives of the World Health Organization in their efforts to reestablish communication between the WHO and the IAOMS. |
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Issues Facing the Association
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In his “Message from the President” in the IAOMS Newsletter, Dr. Paul J.W. Stoelinga informed the membership that numerous topics needed attention:
“The presence of IAOMS as the umbrella organization of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons needs to be more profoundly accentuated. This needs to be done in the context of world forums like WHO, FDI and other international organizations.
“The IAOMS needs to become proactive with regard to the establishment of regional training centers in the underserved regions in the world. Close cooperation with the Foundation is necessary to setup projects that may serve as a nucleus for growth and development of the specialty in these areas.
“There is probably a need for a coordinating role of IAOMS when it comes to fellowships and development and research projects. This item is high on the list of the new Education Committee under the chairmanship of Nabil Samman.
“In order to consolidate our organization and to create a healthy financial position, it would be better to have even more members. The aim of this Executive Committee is to strive to add another 500 new members.”
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Membership
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| Under Dr. John Helfrick’s presidency, IAOMS membership grew approximately 25 percent to almost 4,000 members. A total increase of 908 new members was realized in 2001—761 new Fellows and 147 new Trainee members. The dramatic increase in new Trainee members was the result of Leibinger sponsoring Trainee members to the IAOMS—112 new Trainee members joined in the year 2000 alone as a result of this campaign. The program came as a result of Dr. Patrick Magennis’ hard work. During the ICOMS in Durban, Paraguay and Egypt were approved for affiliation with the IAOMS, bringing the number of affiliated nations to 63. |
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IAOMS Administration
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| Newly appointed Executive Director Victor Moncarz and Assistant Executive Director Alexis Olsson were charged with supervising and directing the daily affairs of IAOMS, including the initiation of the association’s website, the writing of guidelines for future ICOMS, and the introduction of a computer-based membership listing and new up-to-date directory. |
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| Victor Moncarz | Alexis Olsson |
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Policy on Formation of Regional Associations
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| The Executive Committee developed a policy designed to guide the identification of regional associations. The policy, which Council approved, bases the future identification of regions on continental designation. The latest region to be approved by Council was Oceania. |
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Scope and Training of National Associations
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| In 2001 the Education Committee was in the advanced stage of developing a survey on the scope and training of national Associations, a repeat exercise from 1992 with double the number of associations that existed during the first survey. |
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Thailand Program
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An extended program in Thailand was in the development stages in 2001. The course was put together through the efforts of Professor Paul J.W. Stoelinga, the IAOMS President, and Associate Professor Nabil Samman from Hong Kong, the Chairman of the Education Committee. Support of the program was given by the staff of the Prince of Songkla University and the Thai Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The intent was to have the program begin in March 2002. Participants are expected from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and neighboring countries.
The program was planned for three years in duration for a total of ten weeks of instruction. The first year program of four weeks covered basic biomedical sciences; the second year program of three weeks covered basic oral and maxillofacial surgery; and the third year covered three weeks of advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery. Each week consisted of 30 lectures on one or more specific topics.
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IAOMS President Paul J.W. Stoelinga (front right) during his visit to Hat-Yai, Thailand for the completion of an agreement for an IAOMS-sponsored educational program. Also seated: Thai Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery President Dr. Vacharee Changsirivatanathamrong. Back row, 2nd from left: Henk Tideman, OMS Department Chair for the University of Hong Kong(Peoples Republic of China).
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