Participation in the 2025 KSES – JSS Exchange Travelling Fellowship program

It was a tremendous honor to be selected as a traveling fellow for the KSES-JSS program in 2025. Over the course of one unforgettable month in March, I had the privilege of visiting 18 distinguished medical institutions across South Korea together with Dr. Hirakawa. This experience far exceeded my expectations, both professionally and personally.

At each hospital, we were warmly welcomed by the host surgeons, who generously shared their surgical techniques, treatment philosophies, and clinical insights. Every procedure I observed was thoughtful, refined, and inspiring. The precision and creativity of Korean shoulder surgery left a deep impression on me and provided valuable perspectives that I have already begun to apply in my own practice in Japan.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the host professors who welcomed us so kindly:
Prof. Jung-Han Kim, Prof. Hyun-Seok Song, Prof. Tae-Kang Lim, Prof. Joo-Han Oh, Prof. Jin-Young Park, Prof. Chul-Hyun Cho, Prof. Sae-Hoon Kim, Prof. Yong-Girl Rhee, Prof. Jong-Hun Ji, Prof. Woong-Kyo Jeong, Prof. Sang-Hun Ko, Prof. Jun-Gyu Moon, Prof. Doo-Sup Kim, Prof. Young-Min Noh, Prof. Yon-Sik Yoo, Prof. Jong-Pil Yoon, Prof. Chris Hyunchul Jo, and Prof. Jae-Hoo Lee.

I also sincerely thank the KSES International Committee members for their outstanding coordination and generous support throughout the program.

Beyond the operating rooms, I was deeply moved by the warmth, hospitality, and generosity extended to us. The thoughtful planning, cultural experiences, and meaningful conversations made this fellowship truly memorable. A highlight for me was building friendships with Korean shoulder surgeons of my generation. I was glad to reunite with Prof. Du-Han Kim in Tokyo just one month after the fellowship and look forward to meeting Prof. Hyung-Suk Kim again this autumn. I hope these connections continue to grow as we challenge and inspire each other throughout our careers.

This program has become a milestone in my career. I am sincerely grateful to all members of KSES and JSS for this extraordinary opportunity.

Yuki Yoshida, MD
Fussa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan