The World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) has announced the creation of the Future Leaders in Orthodontics Society (FLOS), a pioneering initiative aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders in the orthodontic profession. Following its approval by the WFO Executive Committee, FLOS will debut at the 10th International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a pre-Congress event in October 2025.
FLOS: A Vision for Leadership Development
Designed as an ongoing student organization within the WFO, FLOS aims to foster leadership skills and professional advocacy among orthodontic residents and students. By creating a robust pipeline of future leaders, FLOS seeks to benefit both national and international orthodontic organizations, ensuring the sustainability and advancement of the specialty.
Dr. Nikhillesh Vaiid, WFO president, highlighted the initiative’s forward-thinking mission and credited Dr. Letizia Perillo, WFO president-elect, for her visionary leadership. “As we envisioned FLOS-WFO, our guiding mantra was, ‘An investment in the future is the best investment a profession can make. This future must nurture academics, practitioners, researchers, and voluntary leaders alike who will serve and strengthen our profession,’” Dr. Vaiid stated.
Building the Foundation for FLOS
The leadership of FLOS is spearheaded by Dr. Julian Woolley of the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom. Dr. Woolley, a former convenor of the European Postgraduate Student Orthodontic Society (EPSOS), is working closely with the WFO Executive Committee and a team of dedicated orthodontic residents to establish the society’s structure and goals.
Dr. Bryce Lee, a member of the WFO Executive Committee, is actively involved in FLOS coordination alongside an enthusiastic group of residents from across the globe, including:
- Eliza Panagiotidou
- Karolina Faber
- Ankita Labh
- Eylul Ogüt
- John Lorenz
- Antonella de Simone
- Hanyi Li
- Lamar Zahran
A Global Network of Future Leaders
Dr. Woolley expressed his excitement about the progress of FLOS, emphasizing the support and guidance received from the WFO. “The WFO has been incredibly supportive of the initiative, with their council providing valuable insight and guidance. We now have a fantastic team of motivated and passionate residents working together to lay the society’s foundation,” Dr. Woolley stated.
One of FLOS’s key goals is to host its inaugural event during the IOC in Rio, connecting orthodontic residents worldwide. “This will help with our core mission: To build a global network of future leaders to advance the field of orthodontics,” Dr. Woolley added.
Looking Ahead
As FLOS begins to take shape, it represents an investment in the future of orthodontics. By fostering leadership, collaboration, and advocacy among young professionals, the WFO is ensuring that the specialty continues to thrive on both national and international levels.
The orthodontic community eagerly anticipates the debut of FLOS at the 10th IOC, where the society’s mission of empowering future leaders will take its first steps on the global stage.
