Professor Nicholas Harvey, IOF President, lauded Dr. Chevalley for his unwavering commitment to the Foundation’s initiatives. Harvey emphasized Chevalley’s leadership as Vice-Chair of the governance board of the Capture the Fracture® programme, an initiative dedicated to the reduction of fracture risks worldwide through systematic post-fracture care coordination. Dr. Chevalley’s extensive involvement in the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors and various scientific programs has been instrumental in shaping contemporary osteoporosis research and preventive strategies, highlighting his influential position in the international bone health community.

Dr. Chevalley’s academic journey reflects a profound dedication to osteology and geriatric medicine. Earning his medical degree from the University of Lausanne, he pursued doctoral studies at the University of Geneva, focusing his research on calcium supplementation and its impact on bone mineral density and fracture incidence among elderly populations. This work illuminated critical aspects of nutritional interventions in osteoporosis management, providing evidence-based guidance for clinical recommendations targeting older adults at high risk of fractures.

Upon completing postdoctoral research at Loma Linda University in California, Dr. Chevalley joined Geneva University Hospitals, where he assumed key roles including Head of the Geriatrics Liaison Unit and Consulting Physician in Bone Diseases. His multidisciplinary expertise encompasses the intersection of geriatrics and metabolic bone diseases, enabling him to contribute significantly to patient-centered approaches in fracture prevention and osteoporosis care. His clinical insights have informed both regional and international protocols for managing bone fragility.

As an internationally recognized authority on osteoporosis, Dr. Chevalley contributes to multiple high-profile advisory boards, including the IOF Committee of Scientific Advisors and the Scientific Advisory Board of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis (ESCEO). His vice-chair position within the Capture the Fracture® programme’s governance structure underscores his leadership in promoting fracture liaison services (FLS), a systematic approach aimed at identifying and managing patients after fragility fractures to prevent subsequent fractures.

In addition to his organizational roles, Dr. Chevalley is a vital contributor to scientific literature, serving as Associate Editor for prestigious journals such as Osteoporosis International and Archives of Osteoporosis. His publication record, with over 8,000 citations, spans a broad spectrum of topics including the efficacy of fracture liaison services, bone health across the lifespan, and the complex relationships between nutrition, growth, and aging in skeletal homeostasis. His research continues to influence both clinical practice and health policy aimed at reducing the burden of musculoskeletal diseases.

Dr. Chevalley has been particularly active in promoting the development and implementation of fracture liaison services in Switzerland, collaborating with the Swiss Association Against Osteoporosis (ASCO). These services represent a paradigm shift in secondary fracture prevention, focusing on coordinated care pathways that integrate orthopedic care with osteoporosis assessment and treatment. His advocacy helps bridge gaps between acute fracture care and long-term bone health management, aiming to reduce recurrent fracture rates and associated morbidity.

The recognition of Dr. Chevalley’s contributions at WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2026, the world’s largest annual congress dedicated to bone, muscle, and joint diseases, reaffirms the critical importance of translational science in musculoskeletal health. The congress serves as an essential platform where researchers and clinicians converge to disseminate cutting-edge clinical research and explore therapeutic advancements in conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and rare skeletal disorders.

Through his work, Dr. Chevalley exemplifies the integration of clinical expertise, research excellence, and organizational leadership necessary to tackle the complex challenges posed by musculoskeletal diseases. His efforts resonate beyond academia, influencing healthcare delivery systems worldwide and encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based interventions.

The award reflects not only past achievements but also Dr. Chevalley’s ongoing commitment to innovation in fracture prevention and skeletal health. His involvement with global initiatives, coupled with his focus on geriatric populations and metabolic bone disease, positions him at the forefront of developing strategies that address aging-related bone loss and fracture risk reduction.

The IOF President’s Award bestowed upon Dr. Thierry Chevalley acknowledges a career dedicated to enhancing the understanding and clinical management of bone diseases, particularly osteoporosis, which remains a significant public health challenge globally. His intricate understanding of the biological mechanisms underpinning bone fragility and his advocacy for integrated care services underpin efforts to reduce the incidence and impact of fractures worldwide.

As the global population ages, the importance of experts like Dr. Chevalley in guiding policy and clinical practice cannot be overstated. His scientific contributions and leadership continue to shape the future of musculoskeletal health, aiming toward a world where fractures and their debilitating consequences are significantly diminished through innovation, education, and coordinated healthcare delivery.

Subject of Research: Osteoporosis, fracture prevention, fracture liaison services, bone health in geriatrics, effects of calcium supplementation on bone density

Article Title: International Osteoporosis Foundation Honors Dr. Thierry Chevalley with IOF President’s Award for Advancing Global Bone Health

News Publication Date: April 16, 2026

Web References:

• https://www.wco-iof-esceo.org/
• https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/

Keywords: Osteoporosis, fracture prevention, geriatrics, bone health, fracture liaison services, calcium supplementation, metabolic bone disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, aging, IOF President’s Award, Capture the Fracture®, clinical research, osteoporosis management

Since its inception in 1998, AMMOM has been an integral member of the IOF CNS, rendering its services and expertise to the global fight against osteoporosis for nearly three decades. The award acknowledges the society’s relentless efforts in raising awareness about osteoporosis, facilitating educational initiatives, and lobbying for improved bone health policies not just within Mexico, but throughout Latin America. This accolade stands as testimony to the profound influence AMMOM has made in the field of bone health, demonstrating unwavering dedication to both research and community advocacy.

The IOF’s Committee of National Societies has emerged as the largest network globally, comprising over 340 organizations across an impressive 152 countries and territories. This expansive network is dedicated to tackling osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders. The members, primarily volunteers, play a pivotal role in raising public awareness, influencing health policies, and improving patient care on a national scale, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in combating these pervasive health issues.

Within this vast network, AMMOM has established itself as an exemplary model of collaboration and dedication. By continually engaging with the IOF, AMMOM has partaken in numerous international projects designed to bolster osteoporosis education and awareness. High-profile members of AMMOM, such as Prof. Patricia Clark and Prof. Jorge Morales Torres, have been instrumental within the governance structures of the IOF, further facilitating an exchange of ideas and strategies crucial for combating osteoporosis in their respective regions. Such collaboration cultivates a rich interchange of scientific knowledge and public health strategies, directly benefiting communities affected by osteoporosis.

Over the past five years, AMMOM and the IOF have collaborated extensively. Their joint efforts have included numerous virtual scientific meetings, the 2021 IOF Latin American Audit, and impactful sessions at the esteemed Congreso Mexicano de Osteoporosis y Enfermedades Metabólicas Óseas, with the latest being held in 2024. These meetings serve as important platforms for the dissemination of knowledge, bringing together experts to discuss recent discoveries and clinical practices related to osteoporosis treatment and prevention.

Additionally, AMMOM has played a crucial role in the establishment of the 2nd Legislative Forum in Mexico, focusing on comprehensive strategies for the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. This initiative showcased the critical need for policy-level changes to enhance fracture prevention measures, which are vital amidst an increasingly aging population. By inviting IOF’s CEO to provide a global overview on secondary fracture prevention, the forum illuminated the necessity for cohesive action on both national and international fronts.

A cornerstone of AMMOM’s contributions to osteoporosis prevention in Mexico is its active involvement in the IOF’s Capture the Fracture® initiative. This program aims to reduce the incidence of secondary fractures through comprehensive care pathways. In Mexico, AMMOM has initiated numerous activities linked to this initiative, such as the FLS Café sessions and the establishment of the Mexico National Coalition for Secondary Fracture Prevention. These ventures are emblematic of AMMOM’s proactive approach to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes within the realm of bone health.

In addition to their focused efforts on secondary fracture prevention, AMMOM has prioritized patient engagement through various initiatives. The organization’s dedication is evident through annual meetings, a specialized patient website aimed at educating individuals about osteoporosis, and the #HuesosMasSanos social media campaign which amplifies public engagement around bone health issues. Recognition received by AMMOM for its World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) communication campaign, particularly for the ‘That’s Osteoporosis’ initiative highlighting patient stories from Mexico, exemplifies the societal impact of awareness campaigns on a national scale.

Dr. Alejandro Vázquez Alanís, who has earned profound respect within the medical community, has championed these initiatives as President of AMMOM since June 2023. With a robust background in medicine, having graduated from the prestigious UNAM School of Medicine, he leads both clinical practice and educational endeavors with a firm belief in improving public health outcomes related to osteoporosis. His contributions underscore the interdependence of clinical practice and educational outreach in the battle against osteoporosis.

As Dr. Famida Jiwa, Chair of the CNS, articulated during the award ceremony, the collaboration between AMMOM and the IOF has significantly advanced the understanding of osteoporosis and improved clinical outcomes for patients suffering from fragility fractures. This acknowledgment of AMMOM’s legacy within the international osteoporosis community reflects the critical importance of regional partnerships in fostering knowledge sharing and collaborative action on bone health.

As the world looks to the future of musculoskeletal health, the importance of such accolades cannot be overstated. They act not only as recognition of past accomplishments but also as catalysts for greater commitment among organizations to pursue innovative solutions to the global osteoporosis epidemic. The combination of education, community advocacy, and policy reform promises a path forward in reducing the burden of osteoporosis worldwide.

Moving forward, the 2025 World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases in Rome stands as a significant event for disseminating new insights and forging strategic alliances. As stakeholders unite to share research findings and clinical advancements, the congress will further reinforce the critical dialogue surrounding bone health, ultimately shaping the future of osteoporosis care globally.

The journey of AMMOM serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration, and proactive engagement. As awareness of osteoporosis expands, the sustained efforts of dedicated organizations like AMMOM will be paramount in transforming public understanding and improving the lives of those impacted by this silent epidemic.

Subject of Research: Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention
Article Title: AMMOM Receives IOF CNS Medal for Excellence in Osteoporosis Initiatives
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: IOF, World Osteoporosis Day
References: Not Applicable
Image Credits: Not Applicable
Keywords: Osteoporosis, Bone Health, Fracture Prevention, AMMOM, IOF, Osteoporosis Awareness, Musculoskeletal Disorders