Welcome Address

Dear colleagues,

It is my great honour, as President of the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST) to welcome you to the 83rd Annual Congress of our Association, which will take place in Athens.

Founded in 1947, HAOST proudly celebrates 80 years of continuous service and excellence in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. Throughout these decades, the Association has been a vibrant centre of scientific activity for generations of orthopaedic surgeons. In recognition of its longstanding commitment and distinguished scientific work, the Academy of Athens honoured HAOST with its Award of Excellence in 2004.

The 2027 Congress marks a milestone in the collaboration between HAOST and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the largest and most widely recognised orthopaedic organisation in the world.

For decades, ambitious Greek orthopaedic surgeons have pursued advanced training and prestigious fellowships in the United States. They have received training of the highest standard, refined their skills, and gone on to become highly competitive specialists and leaders in their respective subspecialties. Through these academic exchanges and shared experiences, strong and lasting ties have developed between the American Academy and the Hellenic Association, strengthening a relationship built on mutual respect, collaboration and scientific excellence.

The Congress will offer a dynamic scientific programme featuring keynote lectures, panel discussions and expert presentations. The Scientific Committee will ensure the high quality of both the speakers and the programme. The Congress will also provide an excellent opportunity for networking, encouraging collaboration and innovation within the orthopaedic community.

The Hippocratic Dialogues – Masterclasses in Orthopaedics, taking place from 5 to 8 September 2027 in Rhodes as a pre-congress event, will offer an exceptional opportunity to strengthen ties between members of the American Academy and the Hellenic Association. The event will feature high-level scientific presentations by leading experts, set against the inspiring backdrop of Greece’s heritage, on the island where Hippocrates once taught.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to an experience that promises to be engaging, educational and unforgettable.

Panagiotis N. Giannakopoulos, M.D., FHCOS
HAOST President, 2027