Participation in the 2025 KSES – JES Exchange Travelling Fellowship program

Professor Myung Sun Kim and I departed from Gimpo Airport on March 3rd to begin the KSES-JES Traveling Fellowship Program.

Our journey included visits to seven hospitals over the Japan and participated in the JES annual meeting. First of all, we sincerely appreciate KSES and JES for their support in organizing the first KSES-JES Traveling Fellowship program. Also I would like to express my gratitude to my family and colleagues.

The purpose of this traveling fellowship was to exchange knowledge, learn new surgical technique, and strengthen international relationships.

We began our journey at Keio University, hosted by Dr. Takuji Iwamoto and Dr. Taku Suzuki.

The first surgery we observed was a case of thoracic outlet syndrome, which included complete first rib resection and excision of the scalenus and subclavius muscle using a thoracoscopic-assisted subclavicular approach. In Japan, the unlinked type of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is mainly utilized, and extensive research is ongoing in this research field. As always, we spent our first day with Sake.

Next, we visited Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, where we observed three cases of elbow arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Naoya Nishinaka. Then we enjoyed a delightful dinner with hospital staff and nurses.

Thereafter, we proceeded to Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, where Dr. Hiroyasu Ikegami and his junior faculty welcomed us. After observing three surgical cases in the morning, we visited Shinjuku to experience a men’s private sauna named Sauna DOJO. That evening, we dined at a traditional Japanese restaurant, enjoying exquisite cuisine and a variety of Sake.

Our final destination in Tokyo was National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), where we spent the daty with with Dr. Takehiko Takagi and his Philippines fellow. We had the opportunity to present our research work and and discuss with each other. In the evening, we enjoyed food looks like Korean Barbeque.

Next, we traveld to Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital hosted by Dr. Teruhisa Mihata and Dr. Akihiko Hasegawa. On our first day, we observed MCL reconstruction and arthroscopic debridement arthroplasty in a professional throwing athlete. On Saturday, we had the privilege of observing a SCR at a private clinic. Next day, we enjoyed a memorable culture experience as we explored the Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Distillery and Fushimi Inari Shrine, followed by a wonderful dinner with Dr. Hasegawa and Dr. Fujisawa.

Next, we had the opportunity to present and discuss academic topics with Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka, Dr. Satoshi Miyamura and their team at the Osaka University Hospital, followed by warm gratitude at a traditional Japanese restaurant.

At JCHO Osaka Hospital, we were deeply impressed by Dr. Kozo Shimada’s unique and innovative surgery. We also met with Dr. Satoshi, Dr. Temporin and Dr. Mizno. Dr. Mizno kindly shared photos taken during the 2007 KSES annual meeting. In these pictures, Professor Yong-Girl Rhee looked very young!

Our final visit in Osaka was to Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital, where we observed mini-open muscle advancement procedure for massive rotator cuff tear, led by Dr. Tomoya Manaka, Dr. Takuya Uemura and their resident.

Thereafter, we had a great dinner with the International Committee members of JES, on the eve of the JES annual conference. The first day of the JES meeting began with Professor In-Ho Jeon’s presentation. We also had the chance to tour the beautiful Okayama Korakuen garden and Okayama Castle with Dr. Rheu and Dr. Lee. The President’s Dinner was a memorable highlight allowing us to network with many esteemed Orthopedic Surgeons, including Dr. George S. Athwal, congress chairman of the 2026 ICSES congress.

On the second day of the conference, we presented our work and built meaningful connections with many peers. We concluded our long journey with a last dinner hosted by our colleagues at Okayama University.

In closing, I would like to propose that KSES and JES establish a mutual agreement for an exchange traveling fellowship program to ensure the continued success of this invaluable experience, for a long time.

Jeong Woo Kim, MD
Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea