News from BSI

ISW 2024

The International Surgical Week (ISW) 2024 - the World Congress of Surgery in Kuala Lumpur - was an overwhelming success. The vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur served as a stunning host and also provided a unique experience for all attendees with its rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming people.

 

BSI Pre-congress workshops

BSI’s commitment began with a series of preconference breast surgical workshops over the weekend. BSI organized three successful workshops on ultrasound, intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), and oncoplastic techniques. The attendance was excellent, and the positive feedback abundant.

BSI Scientific Programme

The BSI Council team, led by Prof. Owen Ung, along with the head of the scientific committee Dr. Farid Meybodi and Prof. Nuraishah Taib, curated an exceptional scientific program focused on breast surgery. The event received tremendous local support, having been organized jointly with the 51st Annual Scientific Congress of the College of Surgeons, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, which contributed significantly to its success.
 
BSI delivered high-quality presentations featuring over 50 esteemed speakers from around the world. Attendance at the BSI sessions was exceptionally high, often resulting in full houses. A wide range of current and relevant breast surgery topics was covered, including basic oncology, operative techniques, and the latest technologies in breast surgery. These sessions offered an excellent learning experience and provided a platform for trainees and established breast surgeons alike to exchange knowledge and insights
 
The BSI debate session was an incredible opportunity for the global community of breast surgeons to discuss and share experiences. This year, the prestigious Veronesi Lecture was delivered by Christobel Saunders, who gave a thought-provoking and insightful talk on “Making breast surgery more accurate and getting the value patients want”. The eponymous lecture followed on the powerful presidential address by the BSI president, Professor Owen Ung. Additionally, six travel scholars from India, Nepal, and Tanzania participated, and over 150 abstract presentations, including a new video format were submitted.
 
BSI Dinner
The BSI networking dinner was held at Bar.Kar Restaurant, where 76 BSI members gathered. It was a fantastic social event, providing an opportunity for old friends from around the world to reconnect and network. The photograph captures the convivial atmosphere at Bar Kar.
      
Team transition
The BSI 4th committee meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur, where Prof. Owen Ung formally handed over the presidency to Dr. Ines Buccimazza. Dr. Sharon Chan was nominated as President-Elect, and Dr. Kavitha Däster as the Honorary Secretary. New council members, Dr. Sandra Krishnan and Dr. See Mee Hong, were also appointed.

 

BSI Activities (2024-2026)
The next ISW will take place in Mexico City from April 19-23, 2026. The BSI council for 2024-2026 held its first meeting on the 21st September 2024 to plan for both the 2026 program and future educational activities.

 

BSI plans to actively engage in educational initiatives. We aim to launch webinars and online tutorials for trainees. A journal club will also be introduced, featuring 2-3 high-impact articles from breast surgery journals each month, along with panel discussions to debate topics and highlight guidelines.

We will strengthen our international outreach by collaborating with local organizations and aim to reinstate the Memorandum of Understanding with the Malaysian government. We also plan to partner with other international breast platforms. Additionally, a new BSI newsletter, led by our social media committee, will be launched to keep members informed. Alongside these educational opportunities, we aim to grow BSI membership and improve our international presence and stature.

 

Stay tuned for updates on our website regarding upcoming activities. Participants will have the opportunity to earn CPD points and receive certificates of participation for the planned events.

 

Ines Buccimazza
President BSI

 

Kavitha Däster
Honorary Secretary BSI