Paul Pavlov honored with the AO Recognition Award 2010

Paul Pavlov in his surgical scrubs

The AO Recognition Award is the most prestigious prize awarded by the AO Foundation for life-time achievement. This year’s recipient Paul Pavlov from Nijmegen, The Netherlands received the AO Recognition award for his exceptional contributions to the development of new treatment options in spine surgery, and his leadership in the AO TK System and the AOSpine Specialty. The prize has been awarded only 8 times since its inception 18 years ago and recent recipients include Jörg Auer (2008) Ted Hansen (2006) and Stephan Perren (2004).

Paul Pavlov hands over the chairmanship of the AOSpine TK to Robert McGuire

Paul Pavlov joined the Spine Expert Group in 1998, becoming chairman three years later. Under his leadership the AOSpine Technical Commission was established in 2005 as the first specialty pillar of the TK System with four dedicated Spine Expert Groups. Pavlov was the medical leader for many new developments, eg, main parts of the SynCage family or In-Space, a minimal invasive interspinous process distraction device. Under his pioneering leadership many innovative changes were initiated that triggered further improvements even beyond the TK System: integration of neurosurgeons, their techniques and priorities, a dedicated platform for Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery as well as navigation, a process for the assessment of new techniques based on sound clinical experience are just some examples that helped to significantly improve patient care. On May 21st, 2010, Paul Pavlov handed over the chairmanship of the AOSpine TK to Robert McGuire. His achievements for the TK System can not be valued high enough.

Paul Pavlov in character during a Spine evening at the Davos Courses 2008

Besides his contributions to the TK System, Paul Pavlov has been an exceptional teacher and host for almost a generation of spine fellows at his clinic, including many from China. He has served in many committees of the AO Foundation, eg, the Board of Trustees, AcC and CID. Last but not least, he is a co-founder of AOSpine where he continues to be active on the educational side, providing his know-how of the new implants to the implementation into teaching.

Paul Pavlov is not only an outstanding leader but also a diplomat, moderator and a true gentleman. The AO Family thanks Paul Pavlov.

Paul Pavlov telling the Trustees how honoured he is to have received this award