The ISAPS Olympiad 2025 recently wrapped up in Singapore. Renowned for their academic excellence, presentations of new surgical techniques, and the latest technological advancements, these meetings are always impactful. However, there is a less visible but equally powerful value that I had the opportunity to discuss with many attendees: professional networking is truly transformative.
Beyond the lecture halls—in the corridors, cafés, social events, and even during chance encounters outside Marina Bay, relationships were formed that will profoundly impact the professional lives of the plastic surgeons fortunate enough to attend.
When I reflect on the four days of the Congress, where I had the privilege of participating in the ISAPS National Secretaries Meeting, moderating a session at the Residents’ Symposium, joining a Business School panel, and attending other academic and organizational activities, and comparing that with the learning I experienced during social exchanges, coffee breaks, lunch gatherings, the opening reception, and the networking party, I can say the benefits and learning opportunities were equally valuable.
The scientific presentations offered groundbreaking theories and invaluable clinical results. Still, it was through informal conversations that we shared what doesn’t always make it into publications: how techniques are adapted to different patient types, what complications arose and how they were resolved, and what subtle elements make a technique successful in real-life practice. These insights simply don’t fit into formal panels.
Conversations with colleagues from different countries open our eyes to other realities, surgical styles, and ways of managing clinical practices. Many surgeons walk away not only with scientific growth but with ideas to improve their private practice, innovate in patient care models, or transform the patient experience itself. Learning how a practice is structured in Dubai, Paris, or São Paulo can be just as enlightening as a technical lecture. I had the chance to speak at length with a colleague from Argentina, and his feedback was one of the highlights of the entire Congress for me.
At events like the ISAPS Olympiad World Congress 2025, collaborations emerge, including multicenter research projects, educational initiatives, training program opportunities, planning for future Congresses and upcoming events, and creating fellowships or commercial partnerships with medical companies. The trust built face-to-face is difficult to replicate through any other medium.
Young surgeons find mentors who can guide them. Experienced surgeons meet new generations of motivated professionals who inspire them. This mutual feedback loop deeply enriches the entire community. Actively participating in these events allows you to position yourself as a thought leader, unlock new speaking opportunities, receive academic invitations, and build a reputation that reaches far beyond your local sphere—international projection at its finest.
During the ISAPS Olympiad, there were formal gatherings such as the leadership luncheons, resident meetings, and innovation roundtables. However, some of the most valuable conversations also took place over informal hotel breakfasts, shuttle rides to social events, and walks through the Marina Bay Gardens. All of these settings are equally important. The key is to arrive with an open mind and a willingness to listen, share, and learn.
Additionally, the Olympiad format adds an extra motivational and competitive element to the presentations. It encourages many of us to submit our work, to research, and to publish. If you are not yet a member of ISAPS and are reading this, let me tell you, participating in these events and connecting with the global surgical community is a powerful reason to join. Being part of this network connects you with world-class leaders, gives you privileged access to continuous education, and allows you to grow faster, stronger, and more securely.
In a specialty as demanding as plastic surgery, technical excellence is essential, but sustained growth comes with meaningful human relationships. Networking not only expands our opportunities but also reminds us that we are not alone on this surgical journey.
JUAN ESTEBAN SIERRA, MD – COLOMBIA
ISAPS National Secretary
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