PIOA was founded in 2012 initially in Honiara, Solomon Islands. It has expanded to becone Pacific wide and now covers 10 Pacific Island countries.
Here Des Soares speaks about the beginning and ongoing success of PIOA. This was recorded in September 2024 prior to the exams where a further 3 graduated from the program. As of 2025 April there have been 12 graduates with a Master of Surgery (Orthopaedics).