Organizing Chair Introductory Letter, WSRM 2017

The 9th Congress of the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (WSRM) was held at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul from June 14 to June 17 in 2017. The Seoul Organizing Committee spent the past few years planning and preparing for this biennial meeting. WSRM President, David Chwei-Chin. Chuang, MD, provided immense support for the success of this meeting.

The academic and social program of the Congress was organized around a main theme: “Bridging the Gap and Beyond.” The Scientific Committee registered over 350 international faculty members 1 year before the Congress date. Also, promotion at regional societies and engagement on social media encouraged the invitation of even more participants from all over the world. Professors J.P. Hong, G.-H. Mun, and J.-W. Park deserve special mention for their exceptional efforts on behalf of the Scientific Committee—which I believe made a big difference for this Congress.

There was a record attendance in Seoul: 1,350 participants from 72 countries made this truly a global event. Microsurgeons from Africa, Central and South America, and Europe, who were previously not active with our society, are now part of the WSRM community.

At this Congress, we introduced several new programs that echoed our main theme. During our “Tribute to the Giants,” invited speakers paid homage to pioneers in our field. This moving ceremony bridged old and new generations, paying respect to the “giants” of microsurgery. Also, “The Best Innovative Case” was an exciting session that highlighted academic excellence in a format of good-natured competition. Both of the new sessions were executed in a style consistent with Korean traditional culture. Apart from the academic sessions, the pre-Congress video presentation was available to more than 400 participants sharing a similar scientific passion.

During the invited lecture series, an additional session honoring Dr. Fu-Chan Wei, one of our most famous innovators and teachers of microsurgery, was well attended. Indeed, more than the expected number of members joined us at the welcome reception, two banquets, and at all of our social programs. Too many participants are always a welcome challenge to meeting coordinators!

In summary, the 2017 WSRM Meeting in Seoul included:

1. Unprecedented attendance from around the world, especially Europe, Central and South America, and Africa.

2. Significantly increased participation by microsurgeons from developing countries and young microsurgeons worldwide.

3. New sessions and events highlighting the theme, “Bridging the Gap and Beyond.”

The Seoul Congress also identified some areas to consider as we move forward. To open the door for newer microsurgeons, we need to explore ways to encourage and welcome the younger generation to participate. Also, new methods to further boost regional participation in underrepresented areas should be explored.

Again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our WSRM leadership team (including leaders of Asian-Pacific, South American, and European societies) for their support. Their detailed guidance helped make the 9th Congress of the WSRM a success. Lastly, I want to thank all members of the Organizing Committee who dedicated themselves to overcoming any obstacles to the ultimate success of this conference.

On a personal level, I was honored and delighted to host this meeting in my homeland. I appreciate that so many members of the WSRM participated in this Congress despite the military tensions on the Korean peninsula. They are truly messengers of peace and the unsung heroes of WSRM 2017.