Message from FORTE President

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that after the renewal of the Board I take over the position of President of the Federation of Orthopaedic and Trauma Trainees in Europe – FORTE.

I am honored to have been entrusted with this position. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the newly elected members of the Executive Committee: the Vice President-Doria Juric (Croatia), the Secretary General-Lazar Mičeta (Serbia), the Treasurer-Filipe Lima Santos (Portugal), to our National Representatives and to our members and partners for their continued efforts to advancing the future of orthopaedics in Europe. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the immediate Past President Michele Mercurio (Italy) for his dedicated service and commitment and for leading the organization of the 9th edition of FORTE Summer School in Magna Graecia in Italy from 8 to 12 June 2026.

To date, FORTE counts over 950 members with more than 30 National Representatives almost from every European country. FORTE has established partnerships with major Orthopaedic Associations like EFORT, ESSKA, EHS, EORS, Eurospine, FESSH, EFAS, EPOS and EMSOS and is engaged in a range of actions, including webinars and sessions in National European Orthopaedic Congresses.

During my presidency, I am committed to fostering innovation, working collaboratively to further develop educational opportunities, and research initiatives for young orthopaedic specialists across the continent. As an open and dynamic organization for the year 2026 we continue our presence in EFORT, ESSKA and EORS through the organization of FORTE sessions in the annual congresses. We will also be present in the Swiss and Austrian National Orthopaedic Congresses with FORTE mentorship sessions for young orthopaedic surgeons. In addition, FORTE will continue to support scholarships for members for a travelling fellowship in Portugal. Our latest initiatives include a new project dedicated to training and mentoring orthopaedic surgeons across Europe.

It is within my goals to broaden FORTE’s global footprint beyond Europe, encouraging multidisciplinary exchange and strengthening our association’s presence and build new relationships with the United States of America and Asia maintaining at the same time our unique European Identity.

We will continue to support emerging surgeons, promote excellence in clinical practice and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of musculoskeletal health.

I am thrilled about the journey ahead and eager to engage with each of you. Your ideas, energy and participation are vital to the success of the FORTE mission.

Thank you once again for this extraordinary opportunity. I look forward to serving as FORTE President and working together to shape a dynamic and impactful future for our Association. Stay FORTE!

Sincerely,

Dimitra Melissaridou, MD

(FORTE President)