Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ostrava Hosted the 39th Czech-Japanese Symposium
How is surgery evolving? Where are emerging technologies taking the field? And what can medical professionals learn from colleagues across continents? These were among the key questions explored by experts from Czechia, Japan and the United States at the 39th Czech-Japanese Symposium, hosted by the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ostrava on 8 October. Alongside a packed scientific programme, the event also offered an opportunity to discover Ostrava. The Japanese guests returned home not only with fresh professional insights but also with memorable experiences from visits to the SIMLEK Simulation Centre and the former industrial complex of Dolní Vítkovice.
Robotic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, pancreas transplantation and the use of artificial intelligence in surgical planning – these were just some of the topics shaping the future of medicine that featured prominently at this year′s Czech-Japanese Symposium. The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ostrava welcomed specialists from leading Japanese and Czech medical institutions, who came together to share their expertise, present their latest findings and discuss new opportunities for advancing surgical practice.
The scientific programme featured a wide range of expert presentations. Alongside innovative approaches to cancer treatment, participants explored developments in transplant surgery and shared experiences with laparoscopic and robotic procedures. The programme also highlighted the growing links between clinical practice, cutting-edge technologies and medical research.
“International meetings are extremely important for the field of surgery. They provide an opportunity not only to present our own experiences but, more importantly, to compare our approaches and outcomes with those of medical institutions in other countries. Japan has a long-standing tradition and a strong foundation of expertise in many areas of surgery. At the same time, new technologies, robotic surgery and the use of artificial intelligence are advancing rapidly. I consider the opportunity to discuss these developments directly with international colleagues to be one of the symposium′s greatest benefits,” explains doc. MUDr. Lubomír Martínek, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Surgery at University Hospital Ostrava and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, who oversaw the symposium′s scientific programme in Ostrava.
While the surgeons exchanged insights and experiences from their respective institutions, their spouses enjoyed a programme of their own. During the symposium, they visited the Faculty of Medicine′s simulation hospital, where they gained a behind-the-scenes look at simulation-based education and explored the facilities in which medical and allied health students develop the skills needed to handle real-life situations in their future careers.
The afternoon was dedicated to exploring Ostrava. Accompanied by a local guide, the Japanese visitors toured the city centre, discovering both its rich history and its present-day character. Once the scientific programme had concluded, the symposium participants joined them for a visit to Dolní Vítkovice. This former industrial complex, now one of Ostrava′s most distinctive landmarks, offered the international guests a striking example of how industrial heritage can be transformed into a vibrant hub for culture, education and community life.
The Czech-Japanese Symposium thus offered much more than a day of scientific presentations. It provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, strengthening international ties and forging new professional connections.
Updated: 13. 11. 2026
