Scholarship Reports IFSO Santiago 2025

• Pattharasai Kachornvitaya, Thailand

  I am writing to express my profound gratitude for the support received through the IFSO 2025 Scholarship for Surgeons, which enabled my attendance at the XXVIII IFSO World Congress in Santiago, Chile. This opportunity has been invaluable to my professional development and future contributions to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

  The Congress, themed "Combined Therapies: The Dawn of a New Era," provided a comprehensive and forward-thinking platform, with the most impactful sessions focusing on the synergistic integration of lifestyle modification and surgical interventions with emerging pharmacotherapies and endoscopic bariatric treatment, from which I gained critical insights into optimal patient selection and long-term management protocols for sequential and adjunctive treatment strategies.

  A significant highlight was my own active participation through two oral presentations: a Rapid Fire on the “Impact of RYGB on PK/PD of Vonoprazan”, and presenting in the prestigious Young IFSO session on “MBSAQIP Analysis of SG and RYGB After Prior Fundoplication,” which was honored as one of the top three abstracts. These presentations fostered direct engagement and generated valuable discussion with international colleagues. Furthermore, the scholarship facilitated crucial networking opportunities with global leaders and peers from the five IFSO Chapters, allowing me to benchmark current practices against global standards and get potential collaborative research connections. This congress has greatly inspired me and enriched my knowledge through world-class speakers and a series of excellent sessions.

  To sum up, my attendance at IFSO 2025 was a transformative experience, and I am committed to integrating these cutting-edge practices, particularly those related to multidisciplinary integration and enhanced perioperative care, into my institution’s program, thereby contributing to the development of world-class bariatric care in Thailand.

  
  
   
• David Creel, USA

  Participation:

  September 9: Preconference Speaker: How to Avoid All-or-Nothing Thinking Around Food

  September 10: Speaker: Strengthening Motivation for Resistance Training

  September 11: Session Chair: Assessing and Intervening on Behaviors and Psychosocial Factors in the era of Combined therapies

  Speaker: Importance of Dietary and Eating Behaviors in the era of Combined Therapies

  Speaker: Importance of Psychosocial Factors in the era of Combined Therapies Value for Professional Education:

  Throughout my career I have spoken at many conferences, most of which have been within the United States. I have enjoyed meeting professionals from different institutions and learning valuable lessons regarding research and clinical interventions. But this conference was special. The participants were diverse, and I was able to work closely with people from all over the world. I learned so much about different perspectives and unique challenges in different countries, while at the same time appreciating the common thread of humanity that crosses land masses and oceans. I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak and to receive financial support from IFSO. The memories will last forever, and I hope to continue to collaborate with my growing number of colleagues to conduct meaningful research and provide better treatment for those impacted by obesity. Lastly, attending this conference strengthened my motivation to become fluent in Spanish. Thanks so much to IFSO!

  
  
   
• Liz Goodall, New Zeland

  I would like to express my sincere thanks to IFSO for awarding me an Integrated Health Scholarship to attend the 2025 IFSO Conference in the beautiful city of Santiago, Chile. I am grateful to IFSO for making this experience possible through the generous scholarship support. This opportunity was both an honour and a professional highlight. Attending the conference allowed me to engage with leading experts, broaden my understanding of obesity management, and provide inspiration for further bariatric initiatives. My professional highlights included having an abstract accepted as a poster presentation, and an invaluable opportunity to present on the RAVES Eating Model Framework on the international stage. Equally valuable, was the opportunity to connect with highly-respected international colleagues, researchers and mentors, and build valuable connections and opportunities for collaboration within the global bariatric surgery community. The programme provided insight into the latest innovations and evidence-based practices in bariatric surgery. Of particular interest were the sessions on maintaining muscle mass, women’s health and the integration of obesity management medications with bariatric surgery. These provided inspiration and motivation to improve obesity care, and an opportunity to share learnings with colleagues back home. Attending the IFSO Conference has strengthened my motivation to contribute meaningfully to the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery. It has reinforced my commitment to improving patient outcomes through leadership, research, innovation, and compassionate integrated care. I would like to thank IFSO once again for recognising and supporting Integrated Health professionals. I look forward to continuing to amplify the IH voice and further advancing collaborative care in obesity management.

  Ngā mihi

  
  
   
• Tatiana Souza Alvarez, Brazil

  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Integrated Health Scholarships for awarding the scholarship that enabled my participation in the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) Congress, held in Santiago, Chile, in 2025, under the theme "Combined Therapies: The Dawn of a New Era."

  I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in this event of great scientific relevance and professional impact. Through this scholarship, I presented papers in the form of e-posters, one of which was part of my doctorate in Nutrition in Bariatric Surgery, focusing on high-protein preparations and nutritional supplementation for patients undergoing bariatric procedures.

  During the conference, I had the opportunity to interact with experts in culinary medicine and participate in discussions with world-renowned professionals on new surgical techniques, medication use, and nutritional management in the pre- and post-operative periods. The event also provided access to workshops, simulations, and presentations on technological innovations and emerging trends in the field, in addition to fostering rich interdisciplinary discussions.

  With 24 years of academic and professional experience, I highlight the excellent organization of the conference, the high scientific quality of the presentations, and the valuable networking opportunities. I returned extremely motivated, with several ideas to apply in my clinical practice and at the institution where I work, including projects with undergraduate and graduate students aimed at improving nutritional care, strengthening professional training, and disseminating the knowledge acquired.

  
  
   
• Dr. Amihai Rottenstreich, Israel

  I had the great privilege of attending the IFSO 2025 World Congress in Santiago as a recipient of the IFSO Integrated Health (IH) Scholarship. The congress was a remarkable experience, offering an exceptional platform to exchange ideas and strengthen collaborations within the global bariatric community. During the meeting, I was honored to deliver two lectures: Developing Collaborations Between Integrated Health Professionals and OBGYN to Enhance Treatment of Female Patients; Management of Contraception Before and After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This year’s Congress was particularly meaningful, as it featured the first-ever dedicated session on women’s health in the context of metabolic and bariatric surgery—an important milestone reflecting the growing recognition of this field. As a new member of the Integrated Health Professional Guidelines Committee, I had the opportunity to participate in discussions shaping future initiatives aimed at improving women’s health after bariatric surgery. Receiving the IFSO Integrated Health Scholarship Award was both an honor and a motivation to continue advancing research and clinical collaboration in this area. I am deeply grateful to IFSO for supporting my work and for fostering a truly inclusive, multidisciplinary environment. The IFSO 2025 Congress was inspiring and empowering — a vivid reminder that we are not only making change, we are the change

  
  
   
• Victor Kenzo Ivano, Brazil

  Participating in the IFSO World Congress 2025 in Santiago was an extraordinary and enriching experience. Being part of such a prestigious global event allowed me not only to learn from world- renowned leaders in bariatric and metabolic surgery, but also to share the work developed by my team and myself on the international stage.

  Throughout the congress, I had the opportunity to attend high-level scientific sessions that reflected the dynamic evolution of our field. The panels on emerging surgical techniques, especially those focused on revisional procedures and complex cases, stood out as true highlights, offering valuable insights that will certainly influence my daily clinical practice. In addition, the discussions on technological innovations and minimally invasive approaches provided a glimpse into the future of obesity surgery, where precision, safety, and personalization will play an increasingly central role.

  Presenting my research and engaging with other experts stimulated meaningful academic exchange, while the networking opportunities with colleagues from all over the world fostered professional relationships that will undoubtedly contribute to future collaborations. It was inspiring to witness how multidisciplinary dialogue between surgeons, nutritionists, endocrinologists, and psychologists continues to strengthen the foundation of metabolic and bariatric care.

  I also wish to congratulate the organizing committee for delivering a congress of exceptional quality — from the scientific content to the impeccable logistical structure. The atmosphere was one of curiosity, innovation, and camaraderie, reflecting IFSO’s mission to unite professionals who share a common goal: improving the care of patients living with obesity.

  In summary, attending IFSO 2025 was not only a professional milestone but also a personal inspiration. The knowledge acquired, the experiences shared, and the global connections established will continue to shape my work and strengthen my commitment to advancing excellence in metabolic and bariatric surgery.

  
  
   
• Iryna Pliuta, Ukraine

  I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the IFSO 2025 Scholarship that allowed me to attend the 28th IFSO World Congress in Santiago, Chile, September 9-12, 2025. This experience has been invaluable for my professional development in bariatric surgery.

  The IFSO 2025 Congress was held under the theme "Combined Therapies: The Dawn of a New Era" and brought together bariatric surgeons and integrated health professionals from around the world. It was inspiring to be part of such a diverse international community working toward the same goal of improving obesity treatment.

  The scientific program was excellent and covered many important topics. The plenary sessions focused on combined treatment strategies, discussing how surgical techniques, new medications, and endoscopic therapies are evolving. These discussions were thought-provoking and presented new ways of thinking about multimodal obesity treatment.

  I particularly appreciated the practical workshops, including Advanced Bariatric Laparoscopic Suturing, Endoscopic Plication, and OAGB Workshop. The technical sessions on complications management and enhanced recovery protocols provided practical knowledge that I can apply directly in my clinical practice. The video sessions showing intra-operative challenges and their solutions were especially educational.

  The Integrated Health sessions emphasized the multidisciplinary approach to patient care, with presentations on nutritional management, GERD after sleeve gastrectomy, and the role of nurses in bariatric surgery. These sessions reminded me how important teamwork is in achieving good patient outcomes.

  Having the opportunity to present my research at this congress was an incredible honor. Standing before such an experienced international audience was both challenging and rewarding. The feedback I received from colleagues was constructive and has already given me new ideas for future research directions. This experience strengthened my commitment to continuing work in this field.

  The knowledge I gained in Santiago will directly influence my work in Ukraine. The emphasis on combined therapies and multidisciplinary care is particularly relevant as we develop our bariatric surgery program. I plan to share what I learned with my colleagues and implement some of the enhanced recovery protocols and patient management strategies discussed at the congress.

  Meeting professionals from different countries helped me understand various approaches to bariatric surgery. Despite differences in healthcare systems, we all face similar challenges, and learning how others address them has been valuable. I have already started conversations about potential research collaborations with several colleagues I met during the congress.

  This scholarship gave me much more than financial support – it opened doors to the global bariatric surgery community and showed me that I am part of a worldwide effort to combat obesity. The experience in Santiago has motivated me to continue growing professionally and to contribute to developing bariatric surgery in my country.

  I am grateful to IFSO for supporting young professionals and look forward to future congresses where I can continue learning and, hopefully, contribute more to our field.

  Thank you for this opportunity.

  
  
   
• Marcela Abreu Rodrigues, Brazil

  Dear IFSO Scholarship Committee,

  I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the 2025 IFSO World Congress in Santiago, Chile as a scholarship recipient. It was an incredible experience — both professionally and personally.

  Participating in the conference allowed me to expand my knowledge, connect with leading professionals in the field, and gain new insights that will certainly enrich my clinical practice and research. I was deeply honored to present my work in the poster session and to deliver a speech during the pre-congress course. These opportunities not only strengthened my confidence but also encouraged me to continue contributing to the advancement of obesity and metabolic surgery care.

  Thank you once again for this valuable experience and for supporting professionals in our field. I am truly grateful for the recognition and for the chance to represent my institution and country at such a prestigious event.

  Best regards

  
  
   
• Ana Paulina Pimienta Sosa, Colombia

  Attending the IFSO 2025 World Congress in Santiago, Chile, and being a recipient of the IFSO Scholarship, which granted me the opportunity to spend three weeks at Clínica RedSalud Santiago, has been an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. During my time at RedSalud Santiago, I had the privilege of learning from exceptional mentors and colleagues who generously shared their knowledge, experience, and passion for bariatric and metabolic surgery. One of the most remarkable aspects was observing the integration of advanced technology, particularly the MARS (Magnetic Assistant Robotic Surgery) system, which uses magnetic instruments to assist in minimally invasive procedures. This exposure gave me an exciting introduction to the evolving role of robotic and magnetic-assisted surgery in our field. I witnessed firsthand how technology not only enhances patient outcomes—especially in individuals with high BMIs or complex foregut conditions—but also improves the ergonomics and comfort of the surgical team, allowing us to work more efficiently and sustainably over time. Beyond the technical learning, this experience reinforced the importance of teamwork. High- quality, long-term care for bariatric patients is only possible through a multidisciplinary approach, where surgeons, physicians, nutritionists, psychologists, and other professionals collaborate toward the same goal. The IFSO 2025 Congress itself was a highlight. It provided a vibrant space for sharing knowledge, engaging in inspiring debates, and connecting with professionals from around the world. I left with renewed motivation and pride to be part of this global community that is constantly evolving to offer better care and understanding of obesity as a disease. This experience has not only taught me but also inspired me—to keep learning, to keep improving, and to contribute actively to the growth of bariatric and metabolic surgery in my country and beyond. It was my first IFSO Congress, and I truly hope it will be the first of many. I am proud and grateful to be part of this extraordinary community.

  
  
   
• Maria Francesca Russo, Italy

  In September, I had the great privilege of attending the IFSO Congress in Chile, thanks to the scholarship I was awarded. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which allowed me to take part in such an important international event in the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery — the area in which I am currently specializing.

  The Congress proved to be an exceptional experience, both scientifically and personally. It provided an outstanding opportunity to meet and interact with leading experts and colleagues from around the world, exchanging ideas and perspectives that will undoubtedly influence my professional growth.

  The scientific sessions were of the highest quality, covering a wide range of innovative research and surgical approaches. Many of the presented studies offered new insights into the future of bariatric and metabolic surgery, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of this field.

  Participating in the Congress was truly inspiring and has further strengthened my motivation to contribute to scientific research and clinical practice in this specialty. I consider this experience a valuable stepping stone for my future career and an encouragement to continue pursuing academic and professional excellence.