Witnessing the arduous efforts of surgeons in the Bu-Ul-Gyeong (Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam) region, I was deeply moved by their dedication and hard work. Despite the current challenges in the medical field due to the doctor-patient dispute and the sharp decline in resident applications, they silently continue to man the operating rooms, serving as the backbone of regional healthcare. Now, an academic conference is set to convene, bringing them together to pool wisdom for treating local patients and ensuring the survival of surgery.

Busan Surgical Society Conference: A New Horizon of Hope

The Busan Surgical Society (President Ki-Jae Park) will hold its '2026 Spring Academic Conference' on June 20th, starting at noon, on the 2nd floor of Hall 1 at BEXCO, Haeundae. This conference will intimately reflect the concerns and interests of Busan surgeons who are fighting on the front lines of essential and emergency medical care in the region. Specifically, the values of 'profit,' 'necessity,' and 'endurance' will be vividly illuminated through sessions on hernia and pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, and breast and thyroid surgery.

Sharing Expert Experiences, Seeking Practical Solutions

The most significant feature of this conference is the organic integration of academic support from university hospital professors and the practical experience of local attending physicians. The focus will be on addressing the staffing shortages in hernia and pediatric surgery, discussing the efforts of university hospital professors who have maintained surgical operations without residents, and exploring collaborative strategies with regional doctors.

• Expert lectures on robotic surgery for abdominal wall hernias
• Presentations on the latest insights in emergency medical care, including arteriovenous fistula creation and diabetic foot treatment
• Sharing of clinical know-how in microsurgery and various other fields

Strengthening Regional Healthcare Systems, New Directions in Education

A special lecture by Professor Sae-Rom Kim of Preventive Medicine at Busan Paik Hospital on 'Community-Based Medical Education' is also drawing attention. Her proposal that medical education should not be confined to university hospitals but should build an educational infrastructure through collaboration with regional hospitals will be a crucial measure to overcome the crisis in the regional medical system caused by the resident vacancy.

This conference honestly captures the realities and survival struggles of Bu-Ul-Gyeong surgeons, rather than focusing on elaborate discourse. It represents a win-win model forged by the efforts of university hospital professors who have not abandoned research and clinical practice in a challenging environment, and the pragmatic approach of attending physicians who are safeguarding the 현장 (field/practice). President Ki-Jae Park stated, "Through this conference, we hope for strong solidarity among surgeons from university and regional hospitals, and active exchange of the latest treatment methods."