At Tin Soldiers Global, we are dedicated to transforming lives. Our mission is to identify, diagnose and connect individuals living with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and other rare paediatric musculoskeletal conditions to the care they need. Through a powerful combination of education, collaboration, and advocacy, we are building pathways that ensure no child with these conditions is left behind.

One of the primary ways we achieve this, is by educating healthcare professionals around the world. From nurses in rural clinics to specialists at international conferences, we’ve trained more than 4,000 professionals over the past four years. This has led to life-changing diagnoses and each diagnosis brings hope, clarity, and the chance for better care.

Building a global community of care

To ensure our impact lasts and continues to grow, we launched the Tin Soldiers Clinician Champions Alliance—a vibrant, global network of clinicians dedicated to promoting the diagnosis and treatment of children with FOP and other rare musculoskeletal conditions. This initiative is designed to empower healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge they need, right where they are, so they can drive awareness, educate their peers, and, most importantly, deliver critical care.

Our clinician champions are making a difference in communities around the world, with members representing 23 countries, including Algeria, Kenya, Brazil, Argentina, India, South Africa, Canada, Russia, Switzerland and the United States. Together, we aim to:

• identify and support the development of FOP and musculoskeletal care networks
• provide engaging educational platforms for healthcare professionals
• facilitate a unified approach to patient diagnosis and care
• expand our educational resources available to clinicians globally 

Our ultimate vision is a world where every healthcare professional is equipped and inspired to improve patient outcomes, advance musculoskeletal medicine, and make early diagnoses that lead to timely, effective treatment.

The power of collaboration: Grand Rounds Initiative

To further our mission, we’ve created the Grand Rounds Initiative—a series of hybrid and virtual meetings where clinicians present real, challenging musculoskeletal cases. These case studies, including at least one FOP case in every session, are designed to spark discussion, broaden knowledge, and help clinicians solve some of the most complex diagnostic puzzles in the field.

Hosted on www.tinsoldiers.org, these grand rounds offer a global platform for healthcare professionals to access case studies, Q&A sessions, and educational materials. Clinicians from all over the world present two to four anonymised cases per meeting, ensuring that patient privacy is respected while promoting open dialogue about the best pathways to care.

Our first series featured five compelling case studies, complete with downloadable slides and opportunities for clinicians to engage with each other through comments and questions. As diagnoses are confirmed, we continue to update the cases, providing ongoing learning for all involved.

We’re excited to announce that the second series of grand rounds will be launching on October 26, 2024. This new series promises even more intricate case studies presented by expert clinicians from around the globe. Stay tuned for details and be sure to check out our save the date invitation, complete with a QR code to register!

It just takes champions

At Tin Soldiers Global, we believe that change begins with committed individuals. The Clinician Champions Alliance is about building a strong, interconnected community of healthcare professionals who are dedicated to improving care for children with FOP and other rare musculoskeletal conditions. Together, we are promoting early diagnosis, advancing treatment pathways, and making a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

With collaboration, education, and shared expertise, we are moving towards a future where no child with a rare condition is left undiagnosed, unsupported, or untreated.

And we know that it just takes champions—like you—to make that happen.

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