Dear EPOS community,
dear colleagues and Friends,

I am honoured and delighted to step into my role as the 33rd President of EPOS. EPOS is not only a leader in paediatric musculoskeletal education and care; it is a community driven by a shared passion for learning, strengthened by science, and united in our commitment to continually improve paediatric orthopaedic care across Europe and beyond.

EPOS has long been a place to connect with colleagues from across Europe and beyond, and to share education and innovation by and for paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and trainees. With the current presidential line and Executive Committee, supported by our own Central Office, I am fortunate to serve alongside an excellent team for 2026–2027.

EPOS reflects the cultural diversity of Europe and beyond, making it a unique forum for exchanging knowledge and recognising how cultural perspectives shape our approaches to paediatric orthopaedic conditions, differences that can play an important role in management. One of our goals for the year ahead is to work further on an EPOS Core Curriculum that respects and reflects these variations.

We will keep EPOS at the forefront of paediatric orthopaedic education through BAT courses, webinars and fellowships while strengthening research and collaborations that make a real difference. Our Journal of Children’s Orthopaedics currently has the highest impact factor among paediatric orthopaedic journals. We will remain inclusive, welcoming colleagues from across Europe and beyond, and we will deepen our relationships with sister societies around the world to strengthen EPOS’s global presence.

This website is your central source of information about EPOS. You’ll find updates on upcoming congresses, educational resources, and opportunities to get involved and connect with our community.

The 44th Annual Meeting in Seville brought together our global community for an unforgettable blend of science and camaraderie. My congratulations to David Farrington and his team.

Looking ahead, please save the date for the 45th EPOS Annual Meeting in Istanbul, 7–9 April 2027. With Muharrem Inan and his team at the helm, I am sure it will be another outstanding meeting.

Finally, please know that my door is always open. Your ideas, concerns and aspirations matter, and they help shape what we do next. Together, we will continue to strengthen our community, for ourselves, and for the children who rely on our care.

Ralph Sakkers, MD, PhD
EPOS President (2026-2027)