Time seems to speed up when engaged in meaningful work. What felt like a distant goal just months ago now appears to have passed in the blink of an eye. The days leading up to the 24th National Congress of Surgery were marked by anticipation, preparation, and extensive collaboration. Reflecting on the congress, it’s clear how quickly those moments have become memories. This feeling underscores that our most valuable professional experiences are often defined not by how long they last but by their significance. The scientific discussions, shared successes, and collegial interactions from those days will remain impactful long after the congress ends.
The 24th National Congress of Surgery attracted 595 distinguished national speakers and 17 renowned international experts, with more than 2800 attendees, offering an excellent platform for scientific exchange and professional networking. A collaborative session with the British Journal of Surgery, led by Prof. Anders Bergenfelz, further enhanced international academic ties and encouraged dialogue on current surgical issues. A standout innovation of the congress was the integration of artificial intelligence into the scientific program. AI participated as a panel member, highlighting the increasing role of new technologies in medical education and research. Additionally, virtual recreations of Prof. Orlo Clark and Prof. Umberto Veronesi—whose contributions to surgery remain highly influential—were brought to life using AI and participated in panel discussions. This pioneering effort effectively connected the legacy of iconic surgeons with future technological advancements, providing an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Among the many accomplishments of this year’s congress, I am particularly proud of another milestone. In the current issue, the abstracts presented at the National Congress of Surgery are published as a supplement to the Turkish Journal of Surgery. This supplement serves not only as a permanent scientific record of the congress but also as a testament to the vitality, productivity, and academic rigor of our surgical community. Disseminating congress abstracts through the Turkish Journal of Surgery, the official journal of the Turkish Surgical Society, extends the reach of the scientific contributions shared during the meeting, allowing them to be accessed, cited, and built upon by a wider audience. It also reflects the growing integration between our national scientific congress and our journal, both of which share a mission to advance surgical science and education.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all authors, reviewers, editors, and members of the surgical committee whose efforts made these achievements possible. Seeing the collective work of our colleagues preserved in the journal’s pages is a source of great pride and a reminder of the remarkable scientific energy that continues to drive Turkish Journal of Surgery forward.
As always, I sincerely thank our readers for their continued trust and support.
Prof. M. Umit UGURLU
TurkJSurg Editor-in-Chief
