Surgeons from around the globe are gearing up for the highly anticipated event, FACE AHEAD 2024 (11-13 April 2024).
Promising two days of unparalleled learning and collaboration, the summit in Prague, Czech Republic, aims to empower the young generation of surgeons with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery.
There will be addresses from esteemed speakers, countless networking opportunities and various ground-breaking insights.
With a global outlook and a focus on controversies in trauma, orthognathics, microsurgery and aesthetics, FACE AHEAD 2024 is set to be an immersive experience for attendees.
From uncovering best-kept secrets to providing hands-on advice, speakers will share their expertise and tackle pressing issues in the CMF domain. Topics include trauma management, orthognathic surgery techniques, microsurgical innovations and advancements in aesthetic procedures.
Among the distinguished guests are JP Hong, Leo Cheng, Mohammed Belal, Eduardo D Rodriguez, and Gabriele A Millesi, who are set to deliver keynote addresses on a wide range of topics.
Mo Belal
Resilience after adversity
Thursday, April 11 | 18:30
In February 2021, Mo suffered a spinal cord injury that led to paralysis after a cycling accident. After multiple operations and eight months in hospital with over 1,000 hours of rehabilitation, he returned to his career as a urological surgeon.
Mo will share his insights from his injury, the journey back to work, and the importance of hope in the recovery process. Mo will also share his personal experience of being on the ‘other side’ and the importance of communication as a clinician. He will also discuss the importance of hope, a positive attitude, and the lessons learnt to overcome his life-changing spinal cord injury.
Leo Cheng
Solutions for global surgical crisis
Friday, April 12 | 08:00
In his inspiring keynote, Leo Cheng will walk participants through his personal journey to significance and how volunteering with the Mercy Ships led him to the road of significance. We can be considered successful When we use our energy to pursue recognition, wealth and pleasure. However, when we define our personal success as adding value to the lives of others, we are on the path of significance. Working in high-income countries and serving aboard the Mercy Ships to bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor in Africa can bring these two paths together.
JP Hong
The innovation journey of reconstruction
Friday, April 12 | 15:10
As healthcare providers, we are all talented people. But why can't we all innovate? Is this innate or something that can be learned? JP Hong believes we all have the potential to innovate. It is a matter of unlocking the curiosity we all once had. Once you start to ask questions and challenge the status quo, this is already the first step toward innovation. Much of this practice is based on anecdotal knowledge, and it is up to us to validate, build logic, and improve the practice from the day before. Asan Medical Centre University of Ulsan Plastic Surgery department continuously asks questions to find the most logical answer. This quest has led to the idea of super microsurgery (using sub-millimetre vessels for reconstruction), such as perforator-to-perforator anastomosis, finding new planes to elevate flaps, further understanding of anatomy and physiology of flaps, new solutions to treat lymphedema surgically and now moving into the realm of cybernetics. And it all started by asking ‘why?’.
JP Hong will share his innovation journey for lower extremity reconstruction and the insights he has learned to reignite the potential locked in oneself.
Eduardo D Rodriguez
Gender affirming surgery
Saturday, April 13 | 08:00
Experience in treating complex congenital and acquired facial deformities has provided a unique platform for advancing the field of facial reconstruction. Fundamental principles of aesthetic and craniofacial surgery have also blended to improve the quality of life for patients. This surgical practice provides a unique avenue for the restoration of appearance and function for individuals with gender dysphoria. During his keynote talk, Eduardo will briefly review the scope of Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS), discuss the pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care, detail important FFS clinical pearls and show representative FFS cases.
Gabriele Millesi
Journey to professional happiness
Saturday, April 13 | 14:00
There is no professional happiness without basic mental happiness. Gabriele Milesi will take the audience on a journey to explore where happiness comes from, from a neurophysiological explanation to a simple analysis of everyday behavioural patterns that create happiness. The philosophy behind this idea is based on the Scandinavian way of happiness, which relies on Lagom, Fika, Hygge and other regional inspirations that greatly impact our wellbeing in our daily lives and work environment. During the second part of her keynote, Gabriele will discuss the drawbacks and advantages in our professional lives and how to deal with them in an emotionally stable state. Gabrielle says: ‘Respect and success are the fuel of professional happiness, but they cannot be taken for granted. Respect and success need conscious consideration and additional mentor support, considering specific gender situations based on the current Global Gender Gap Index 2023.’
The summit also allows participants to expand their professional network and engage with leading figures in the CMF field.
Through interactive sessions and panel discussions, participants can exchange ideas, learn from peers facing similar challenges and gain inspiration to drive positive change in patient care.
In addition to enriching educational content, FACE AHEAD 2024 allows attendees to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits and receive a certificate of participation, further enhancing their professional development.
Keynote speaker Eduardo D Rodriguez said: ‘This summit is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about fostering a community of passionate and driven surgeons dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in CMF surgery.’
For more information, visit the official website at faceahead.org.
