The OTC Foundation at a Glance

Vision Statement

We are an interactive global network of surgeons and scientists, dedicated to the advancement of osteosynthesis and trauma care through education, research and humanitarian activities. Our goal is to attract both, younger and experienced professionals, that strive to be competent in the fields of fragility fractures and osteoporosis.

Mission Statement

We directly educate through worldwide CME accredited courses & events, forums and fellowships. We support research with grants, publications and symposia through knowledge sharing and wisdom.

We also offer services to independent local OTC Chapters, interlinking them through common meetings and addressing them and their members directly via our global web platform. This web platform also connects interested members with selected humanitarian projects.

Structure

Founded in 2007, the Swiss OTC Foundation consists of:

• • A purely Scientific Body, which includes Executive, Education and Research Committees, all composed of global leaders;
• • A Board of Trustees that assures and enforces legal requirements; and
• • A supportive administrative team in Bern, Switzerland.

OTCF differentiates itself from similar organizations by providing transparent structures and by laws that foster and encourage openness and debate. Committees in the Fully Adhered Chapters adhere to term limits that offer interesting perspectives to younger members.

Activities

OTC Foundation Education

The OTCF Education Committee (EDCO) plans advanced level, indication-related courses that last two days for approximately 40 surgeons: an annual triple wet-lab-course for a specific indication (Americas, Europe, Asia), a triple course on fragility fractures, and one for emerging markets. The courses take place worldwide at local educational centers. Other activities include Leadership and Regional Forums and more than a dozen international Fellowships (lasting two or four weeks) held at one of our seven OTCF Host Centers.

OTC Foundation Research

The OTCF Research Committee (RECO) guides the significant global research grants, research courses and international symposia regarding osteosynthesis and trauma care. Other research activities cover publications such as books, yearly supplements to the international Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma and occasional research fellowships.

OTC Foundation Humanitarian Activities

Planned activities include a cooperation with proven humanitarian organizations: Active surgeons showing an interest may be invited to short-term assignments, retired surgeons may be invited to longer assignments. Additional projects are being evaluated.

OTCF Chapters & Cooperation

The OTC Global Alliance is made up of the OTC Foundation and 20 other independent Chapters located around the world. The OTC Country Chapters are mainly locally-funded entities that focus on education, with numerous, established local courses.

Any individual OTC membership goes through the OTC Chapter. Through its new web platform, OTCF plans to provide valuable services to the Chapters. Additional promotional activities will expand the awareness level of OTC in general.

Chapters that wish to benefit from the OTC web platform and its extended services for their members, must accept certain global OTC standards. Three Chapters were fully adhered in 2010. OTC plans to add six more chapters in each successive year, including new chapter, OTC Sweden, OTC Denmark and OTC UK.

For more information regarding the OTC Chapters please contact us at relations@otcfoundation.org.