The course participants benefited from the knowledge imparted by the distinguished international faculty including Alexander Schramm, Nils-Claudius Gellrich, Majeed Rana, Brad Strong, Michael Grant, Eric Dierks, Rui Fernandes and Tirbod Fattahi.   A critical review of the literature and management principles for this cutting-edge technology was conducted, reinforced with dynamic Small Group workshops exposing the attendees to not only the treatment philosophies of the faculty, but also the ability to actually use the most modern customized surgical implant hardware and software to reconstruct representative surgical models with acquired facial defects.   The presentations of the European experience by Drs. Gellrich, Rana and Schramm were thought-provoking and showed the future for craniomaxillofacial defects and surgical reconstruction in North America. 

At the conclusion of this course, the necessary information and surgical principles required to appropriately utilize this technology was covered in multiple formats, in both conventional lecture techniques and interactive problem-based discussions.  The format of this course, incorporating “hands-on” workshops and scheduled social interactions with the faculty, fostered a free-flowing exchange of information for both the staff and attendees.  Future MasterCourses within the Trauma Group will continue to build upon the experiences learned in Chicago, providing high-quality, engaging educational opportunities for the members of North American SORG.