Participation in the 2025 KSES – TOSSM Travelling Fellowship program

During the invaluable 14-day KSES Traveling Fellowship program, I had the privilege to engage deeply with esteemed professionals in shoulder and elbow surgery. This unique opportunity expanded my knowledge and forged meaningful connections.

On Day 1, I visited Prof. Kyoung-Hwan Koh at Ulsan University Asan Medical Center, where he demonstrated cutting-edge techniques, including middle trapezius tendon transfer for irreparable cuff tears, elbow bony impingement management, and cemented reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using PSI.

On Day 2, Prof. In-Ho Jeon, renowned for his expertise in elbow surgery, showcased arthroscopic approaches to bony impingement and capsular release, complemented by his insights into rotator cuff principles.

Day 3 at Sungkyunkwan University Samsung Medical Center with Prof. Jae-Chul Yoo enriched my understanding through two rotator cuff repair surgeries and a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with coracoid process transfer.

Day 4 involved Prof. Sang-Jin Shin at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, where eight diverse cases emphasized principles of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and shoulder arthroplasty innovations.

Day 5 took me to Catholic University Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital with Prof. Jong-Hun Ji, whose warm hospitality allowed me to assist intraoperatively in cases like arthroscopic Bankart repair and remplissage.

On Day 6, I reunited with Dr. Hee-Dong Lee at Veterans Health Service Medical Center. His expertise shone in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty addressing massive glenoid bone loss and rotator cuff repair enhanced by tendon regeneration techniques.

Day 7 at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital with Prof. Joo-Han Oh focused on advancing research methodologies. His hands-on demonstration, including biologic innovations like patch augmentation for rotator cuff repair, profoundly inspired me.

Day 8 concluded at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital with Prof. Yang-Soo Kim. His innovative biceps rerouting and patch subacromial support techniques for massive cuff tears were remarkable.

The fellowship concluded at the KSES meeting 2025, where I proudly presented my research on arthroscopic-assisted coracoid loop CC stabilization for AC joint dislocation. Engaging informally with professors over a delightful Korean-style dinner strengthened bonds between TOSSM and KSES.

Grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary program, I cherish the insights gained and connections formed that will undoubtedly shape my surgical journey.

Surasak Srimongkolpitak, MD
Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital,
Si Racha, Chon Buri, Thailand