From New Orleans to Buenos Aires: Your global plastic surgery community awaits!
Hello, future leaders in plastic surgery!
Do you remember the feeling of attending your first international conference as a resident? The excitement, the passion, but also that sense of being surrounded by people yet feeling completely alone?
We've all been there. That is why the ASPS International Residents Forum (IRF) was created – to turn that feeling of isolation into a powerful sense of belonging for residents across the globe. Our mission is simple but profound: to increase your engagement within the global plastic surgery community, connect you with ASPS Global Partners and advocate for your interests at the highest levels of our specialty.
After a successful series of events at Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2025 in New Orleans, we are more energized than ever to connect, collaborate and transform the future of our field, together.
The energy in New Orleans was incredible. The annual meeting was a huge success for the ASPS International Residents Forum, bringing together members from across the globe to connect, learn and plan for the future.
Here are the key highlights:
PSTM25 Global Leadership Forum
The IRF took center stage as our chair, Jing Qin Tay, MD, was recognized for his leadership in fostering collaboration in resident education. The IRF team also shared exciting updates on key initiatives, including the International Residents World Cup, the new "Global Resident" podcast and the upcoming international exchange program.
PSTM25 ASPS International Residents Forum Session at the International Center
This was a standing-room-only event. We hosted a productive, interactive discussion on navigating international fellowship opportunities. The session featured distinguished speakers, including the presidents of plastic surgery societies from eight different countries, who shared invaluable insights with residents.
PSTM25 ASPS International Residents Forum Meet & Greet Event
We officially welcomed new members from five continents. It was a productive brainstorming session in which members contributed fresh ideas and assumed new leadership roles for our upcoming webinars, podcasts and newsletters.
Resident Spotlight: Alejandro Diaz, MD, from Mexico
Interview by Ines Prasidha, MD
Where are you from, and what is your training structure like in Mexico?
I am a PGY-3 (out of 4) at the General Hospital of Mexico in Mexico City. The path to get here is very demanding. After medical school, you have to take a national exam to enter a general surgery program. You spend at least two years in general surgery, and then you must take a new set of exams and go through interviews to match and be admitted to a plastic surgery program for four more years.
What first sparked your interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery?
My interest in plastic surgery was awakened by a personal experience when I first saw a cleft lip surgery for the first time. I understood the power we have to combine art and science to recover function, body shape proportions and even the beauty in each person.
What is one unique aspect or challenge of plastic surgery training in Mexico?
One of the most challenging aspects is the fight against the lack of resources in every training institution, as the budget from the government is restricted. This forces you to become very creative.
For example, once, I was on duty and received a patient with a metacarpal fracture. I didn't have any K-wires available to set the bone, so instead, I had to use a peripheral venous catheter for fixation. While we don't do specific rural placements, we know that the resources and access to reconstructive procedures are even more limited outside of the major cities.
What subspecialty interests you the most and why?
I am interested in craniofacial and breast surgery because these subspecialties offer a challenge to recover symmetry, combining several aspects of proportions, shapes and art.
As an international resident, what do you hope to gain from (or contribute to) the ASPS IRF?
Being part of this forum makes me incredibly happy; it is an excellent opportunity to collaborate and connect with different residents worldwide. I'm excited about sharing knowledge, the possibilities of academic stays in your country or mine, fellowships and cultural exchange.
What do you enjoy doing for fun when you're not in the hospital?
I really enjoy photography, visiting museums and hiking with my family and friends. One of my favorite museums is the National Art Museum in Mexico City – it's a historic building with a beautiful architectural concept, where most of the important painters and sculptors are exhibited. For hiking, Dinamos Ecological Park is my favourite place. You can practice hiking, mountain biking and rappelling – and enjoy beautiful landscapes and nature.
Educational opportunities
Here are a few recent and upcoming educational opportunities accessible to our international members:
Global Competition: The International Residents World Cup
Imagine residency programs from 10 different countries – from South Africa to Saudi Arabia – competing in a thrilling case-based challenge. After a hugely successful 2025 competition, from which the Department of Plastic Surgery at Sydney Children's Hospital, Westmead, Australia, emerged victorious, we are now looking ahead to 2026.
Start thinking about forming your program's team! Look for official announcements, registration details and deadlines in early 2026. We can't wait to see which country takes home the cup next year!
Global Education: ASPS Global Partner Webinars
The IRF was recently featured in the "Art and Science of Reconstruction" webinar. The session, moderated by Mohamed Badie Ahmed, MD, and featuring insightful talks from Abeer Omar Alsherawi, MD, & Saif Badran, MD, was a great success.
You can watch the full recording of this webinar (and many others) on demand right now. Keep an eye on your inbox for announcements about the next live event!
Global Conversation: "Global Resident" Podcasts
How do you keep the conversation going all year? We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast: The Global Resident: Shaping the Future of Plastic Surgery. Our first series, "Mastering Plastic Surgery Training," tackles the biggest questions every resident has. Look for it soon on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
- Episode 1: Inside Residency: Discover how clinical training differs across continents.
- Episode 2: Board Exams in Plastic Surgery: Clinical Prep Strategies: Learn how residents prepare for the clinical components of board exams, with tips and resources from those who've been there.
- Episode 3: Surgical Mentorship: Hear how expert guidance shapes better surgeons.
- Episode 4: Clinical Research in Plastic Surgery Residency: Explore how residents balance the operating room with clinical research and how it enhances evidence-based practice.
- Episode 5: Fellowship & Observership: Learn how to expand your surgical skills and career worldwide.
Save the Date: The Global Plastic Surgery Congress in Buenos Aires!
We invite you to join us for the premier global event in our specialty. The Global Plastic Surgery Congress, scheduled for May 27-29 at the Hilton Buenos Aires, Argentina, is more than a congress; it's a celebration of our diverse cultures and a fusion of the best ideas and techniques from around the world. Mark your schedules and prepare for an unforgettable experience in a city known for its vibrant soul.
Get involved!
Our forum is built by its members. We encourage you to get involved, share your ideas and help shape the future of our international community. For information on joining, renewing your membership or volunteering, please email rvaladez@plasticsurgery.org.
We also welcome submissions from our IRF members, including:
- Resident Spotlight nominations
- Surgical pearls or quick technical tips
- Interesting (de-identified) case reports
- News and events from your region
Please send all submissions and ideas to ines.prasidha@gmail.com.
Let's continue to build bridges of understanding, respect and collaboration that will last a lifetime.