S. Rajasekaran is appointed Chairperson-elect of GSC

The Global Spine Congress (GSC) is excited to announce the appointment of Professor S. Rajasekaran as the new Chairperson elect for the congress. He will assume the role of Chairperson following GSC 2027 in Yokohama, serving a three year term. Rajasekaran succeeds current Chairperson, Professor Jeffrey C. Wang, who is transitioning into his role as the next AO President. 

This transition marks the next chapter for the congress, which continues to grow as one of the largest and most internationally diverse meetings in spine surgery.

GSC is a global meeting built on collaboration

Since its inception, the GSC has been designed as a truly international platform bringing together spine surgeons, researchers, and allied professionals to exchange knowledge, connect and reconnect with peers and experts from around the world, evaluate new technologies, and advance patient care.

Under Wang’s leadership, the congress has expanded its scientific reach and strengthened its global participation, with a continued focus on innovation, diversity, evidence-based discussions, and connecting people. It has grown from an event with 392 participants in 2009 in San Francisco to 2,500+ attendees in 2026 in Istanbul.

Leadership with global perspective

Prof Rajasekaran, Chairman of Ganga Medical Center and Hospitals, Coimbatore, India, is widely recognized as one of the leading spine surgeons and researchers internationally, with extensive experience in academic leadership, clinical practice, and global collaboration.

His longstanding involvement with AO Spine and international spine societies brings continuity and perspective to the role at a time when the congress continues to evolve in both scale and impact.

Rajasekaran said, “the GSC has become a truly global forum where ideas are tested, challenged, and translated into practice. As Chairperson, my goal is to further strengthen its scientific rigor while ensuring it remains relevant for surgeons working in very different environments.”

“We need not only to showcase innovation, but also to critically evaluate it. At the same time, I would like to see even broader participation from across regions, so that the exchange remains balanced, inclusive, and grounded in real-world practice. Ultimately, the value of GSC lies in what surgeons take back to their patients,” he concluded.

A transition aligned with AO leadership

Parallel to this leadership transition in the GSC, the current GSC Chairperson Prof Jeffrey C. Wang, Chief of Orthopaedic Spine Service, USC Spine Center, Los Angeles, CA, US, will take over his role as the next AO President, reinforcing the strong connection between the congress and AO Spine’s broader mission.

Wang has been instrumental in shaping the congress from the very beginning as a key forum for evaluating emerging spine technologies, fostering mentorship, and advancing international collaboration in spine care.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chairperson of the Global Spine Congress and to see how it has evolved into one of the most international and collaborative meetings in spine surgery,” he said.

“I am very pleased to welcome Professor Rajasekaran into this role. He brings a unique combination of academic leadership, clinical insight, and global perspective that aligns strongly with what GSC represents. I am confident he will continue to build on this foundation and guide the congress through its next phase.”

Looking ahead to Yokohama and beyond

Rajasekaran will officially take on the Chairperson role following GSC 2027 in Yokohama, Japan. The congress will continue to focus on clinically relevant science, high-quality research, and global exchange, which have been the core elements defining its growth and global reputation.

For spine surgeons and researchers worldwide, the leadership transition signals continuity and evolution: a sustained commitment to evidence, education, and collaboration across regions and practice environments.

Abstract submission for Global Spine Congress 2027 in Yokohama is now open. Spine surgeons and researchers are encouraged to contribute their latest clinical and scientific work to one of the field’s most internationally diverse platforms. Submissions covering all areas of spine care from basic science and innovative techniques to outcomes and health economics are welcome. The deadline for abstract submission is September 21, 2026.