A global vision for spine surgery: insights from GSC Chairperson Jeff Wang

A meeting born from global aspirations

From the very beginning, the GSC was designed to be different. While many scientific meetings are regional in scope, GSC was conceived with a global mindset, a platform where diversity is not just welcomed but central. Today, the congress draws presenters and participants from a wide array of countries and practice environments, transcending geographic and economic boundaries in a way that few other spine meetings have achieved.

Recent research assessing speaker and committee representation across major spine surgery meetings found that GSC has the highest degree of geographic diversity of invited speakers compared with other flagship conferences. In that analysis, GSC stands out for engaging speakers from countries diverse from its executive board, a marker of meaningful international involvement.

This global representation reflects AO Spine International’s core mission to create a truly inclusive forum for knowledge exchange. By attracting diverse voices, GSC fosters richer scientific dialogue, inspires cross-cultural collaboration and accelerates the shared pursuit of better patient outcomes.

Defining the scientific agenda

At the heart of the congress is its scientific program. For clinicians and researchers alike, sessions will cover both cutting-edge technologies and broader professional themes. Among the spotlight topics are advancements in robotics, navigation and minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, all areas where evidence is rapidly emerging and where rigorous evaluation remains critical.

I emphasize that these technologies must be examined not just for technical feasibility, but for their clinical efficacy and economic impact. As spine surgery evolves, it is vital that innovation be paired with robust evidence and thoughtful integration into clinical practice.

Alongside scientific content, GSC also prioritizes professional development themes such as leadership, mentorship and diversity. Initiatives including the AO Spine Youth Club and Women in Spine sessions have grown substantially, providing platforms for emerging surgeons and under-represented voices to shape the future of the field.

GSC is a platform for inclusive excellence

GSC’s commitment to inclusion resonates with broader discussions in the spine surgery community about equity in global scientific exchange. An analysis of international conference representation has identified a historical skew toward speakers and leaders from high-income countries and specific regions such as North America and Western Europe. These patterns risk reinforcing systemic imbalances in access and influence within the field. 

Within this context, GSC’s efforts to broaden participation at both the speaker and committee levels stand out as a meaningful counterpoint. By deliberately expanding representation from under-represented regions and income groups, the congress not only enriches its scientific program but also reinforces the principle that spine surgery innovation must be shaped by clinicians and researchers from across the global spectrum.

Advice for emerging surgeons and researchers

For early career surgeons, GSC represents a learning opportunity and a gateway to broader engagement within the global spine community. We encourage young clinicians and researchers to actively participate, especially through abstract submissions and networking opportunities. My advice? Send it—GSC is one of the most diverse meetings worldwide, and abstracts are judged on merit, not background.

If you are a first-time attendee, be sure to make the most of the wide range of sessions available, and take the initiative to introduce yourself to leaders in your subspecialties. Whether through formal presentations, informal conversations, or collaborative meetings that spontaneously emerge on the congress floor, GSC offers a rare chance to cultivate professional relationships that can shape careers and research directions for years to come.

Looking to the next decade

When asked to look ahead ten years, my vision for spine surgery blends the scientific with the human. I hope that advances in educational techniques, such as realistic simulation models, virtual training environments, and other technologies that enhance skill acquisition will complement traditional cadaver-based training and expand access to high-quality education globally.

Equally important, I want to emphasize the enduring value of in-person interactions. Despite the growth of digital platforms, the personal connections forged at events like GSC are irreplaceable, serving as the foundation for lasting collaborations, mentorships and shared breakthroughs.

GSC is a hub for collaboration

In my view, one of GSC’s defining strengths is its role as a hub where clinicians, researchers and industry partners converge. The congress is structured to maximize these interdisciplinary encounters, from scientific sessions and editorial meetings to informal hallway discussions that often lead to new research questions or joint initiatives.

This environment not only enhances the exchange of scientific knowledge but also nurtures a sense of community among participants. Surgeons have shared that interactions at GSC have directly influenced their clinical practice, research focus and professional networks, which is a testament to the event’s long-standing impact on the field.

Personal reflections and lasting impact

For me, some of the most meaningful moments from past congresses are not tied to specific presentations or sessions, but to the personal growth of individuals he has met along the way. He recalls how interactions with young surgeons years ago have turned into enduring friendships and collaborations, a reminder that the human dimensions of scientific meetings often resonate most deeply.

These stories underline another core characteristic about the GSC: while the congress is a scientific meeting, it is also a community, a place where ideas are shared, careers are launched, and collective efforts push the boundaries of what is possible in spine care.

Continuing the journey

As GSC continues to grow, the emphasis remains on fostering excellence, inclusion, and collaboration among spine care professionals worldwide. Under my leadership, and with a program that balances scientific rigor with professional development, the Global Spine Congress is poised to remain a pivotal event in the international spine surgery calendar.

For spine surgeons and researchers dedicated to advancing patient care, GSC offers much more than a showcase of the latest findings. It is a vibrant forum where knowledge is shared, perspectives are broadened, and the future of spine surgery is collectively shaped.