Participation in the 2024 TOSSM Travelling Fellowship program

I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity afforded to me by the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society (KSES) and TOSSM through their esteemed Traveling Fellowship Program in Shoulder Surgery. This two-week program provided me with invaluable insights and experiences under the tutelage of distinguished professors from renowned institutions.

Mentorship and Learning
Throughout the fellowship, I had the privilege to learn from the following experts in the field including Prof. Yong-Girl Rhee, Myongji Hospital, Prof. Jin-Young Park, Neon Orthopedic Clinic, Prof. Joo Han Oh, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Prof. Sang-Jin Shin, Ewha Women's University Seoul Hospital, Prof. Yang-Soo Kim, Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital, Prof. Jae-Chul Yoo, Samsung Medical Center, Prof. Kyu-Cheol Noh, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Prof. Woong Kyo Jeong, Korea University Anam Hospital, Prof. Yon-Sik Yoo, Camp9 Orthopedic Clinic.

The depth of knowledge and the extensive experience shared by each professor enriched my understanding and enhanced my surgical techniques, particularly in complex shoulder procedures.

Professional Development and Networking
This fellowship facilitated the formation of numerous new professional relationships. The warm hospitality extended by all included not just theoretical knowledge but also practical lessons in the art of enjoying great food and mastering the soju bomb technique—essential skills for any visiting surgeon! Each delightful culinary experience and enjoyable evening contributed significantly to making this fellowship both memorable and beneficial.

The camaraderie fostered among us young surgeons was especially remarkable. These friendships created a supportive network that will surely extend beyond our professional lives.

Associate Professor Pinkawas Kongmalai, M.D.
Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand