Looking Back on the Success of the 32nd Autumn Congress of the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society

As I write this, I would first like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members of the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society who have diligently prepared for and participated in this meaningful event. This year's academic conference marks the first offline event hosted by the Gyeonggi-Incheon-Gangwon Regional Assembly since the Autumn Congress of 2020, which was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the enthusiastic interest and support of our members, this conference has concluded successfully and meaningfully.

This year’s conference attracted over 250 participants, marking a record-breaking turnout and providing a platform for academic discussion and exchange. In particular, sessions that highlighted themes reflecting regional patient characteristics and showcased differing perspectives between local hospitals and university hospitals garnered significant attention and positive feedback from attendees. Additionally, sessions addressing the latest issues in joint replacement surgery featured experienced professors sharing their invaluable expertise. By fostering interaction and communication across generations, regions, and between local and university institutions, this event contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society.

Efforts for a Successful Event
This year’s academic conference received high praise for its innovative attempts and fresh program composition. Notably, on the day prior to the event, November 2, a golf outing and welcome reception were held to bring together members of the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society, enhancing the enthusiasm leading up to the main conference. The event was further enriched by the participation of Dr. Ofer Levy from Birkshire Independence Hospital in the UK, who delivered two thought-provoking lectures: “Back to the Future: Long-term Outcome of Revision of Long-stemmed TSA to Stemless RTSA” and “May the Force (Couple) Be with You!: Addressing Massive Irreparable RC Tears – From Exercises Through AS Techniques to rTSA.” These lectures facilitated in-depth discussions, adding significant value to the conference.

The success of this year’s conference was made possible thanks to the wholehearted support of Regional Assembly President Young Kyu Kim, the outstanding program planning and dedication of Conference Chair Joo Han Oh, and the active participation and contributions of many members of the Gyeonggi-Incheon-Gangwon Regional Assembly. Furthermore, the event maintained a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere until the very end, with the installation of LED panels that transformed the venue into a more dynamic and engaging space, along with booth tours featuring a variety of prizes to enhance the experience for attendees.

Achievements of New Endeavors
This year’s academic conference transcended the traditional framework of such events, establishing itself not only as a forum for academic discussions and the sharing of experiences but also as a platform for exchange that bridged generations and regions. Its significance was further heightened by the participation of many resident doctors, even amidst the challenges posed by conflicts within the medical community.

Finally, I would like to once again extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the members of the Gyeonggi-Incheon-Gangwon Regional Assembly and the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society for their dedication and passion in preparing for this event. Although the term “Autumn Congress” will no longer be used, I sincerely hope that the Gyeonggi-Incheon-Gangwon Regional Assembly’s autumn event, returning in four years, will present an even more advanced and inspiring iteration.

 

Kyu-Hak Jung
Secretary-General, Gyeonggi-Incheon-Gangwon Regional Assembly,
Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society