From 19–23 November 2025, Athens hosted one of the year’s most significant scientific gatherings: the 34th Panhellenic Congress of Surgery and International Surgical Forum, under the auspices of the Hellenic Surgical Society, at the iconic Megaron Athens International Conference Centre.
As the official PCO, AFEA Congress had the privilege and responsibility of transforming an ambitious scientific vision into a seamless, high-impact experience, a role we proudly undertake as a proud IAPCO accredited member, committed to excellence, responsibility and sustainability in congress management.
A surge in participation and global reach
This year’s Congress welcomed more than 2,000 participants and nearly forty invited speakers from Europe and the United States. The impressive numbers highlight not only the scientific prestige of the event but also its growing international outreach, attracting experts eager to engage in high-level exchange and collaboration.
The opening ceremony featured an inspiring keynote address by world-renowned astrophysicist Professor Stamatis Krimizis, entitled ‘Earth for All: The Data on the Survival of the Passengers of Spaceship Earth.’
Spotlight on young surgeons: Empowering emerging leaders
A major highlight of the Congress was its focus on supporting young surgeons and the next generation of emerging leaders in the field.
For the first time, the ‘Meet the Programme Directors’ initiative (21 November) offered residents, junior trainees and medical students the chance to connect with leading international surgical programme directors. This direct exchange opened discussions about training, research and global career opportunities.
The energy continued in The Surgical Arena, an interactive quiz competition testing knowledge, reflexes, and teamwork. With twenty-three teams from across Greece, the enthusiasm exceeded expectations and demonstrated the dynamism of the country’s young surgical community.
A forward-looking scientific programme
The Congress presented a rich and innovative scientific programme, highlighting emerging technologies, evolving techniques and the trends shaping today’s surgical practice. Workshops, plenary sessions and symposia offered hands-on learning and meaningful scientific exchange.
Additionally, the 2nd Surgical Research Day and the new collaboration between the Hellenic Journal of Surgery and the international Journal of Surgery strengthened the visibility of Greek surgical research and fostered global engagement.
An international forum connecting the surgical community
Major international and national bodies participated, including AAS, American College of Surgeons, Greek Chapter, SSAT, RCSEd, ASGBI, along with numerous Greek specialty societies, reinforcing the Congress’ outward-looking character and multidisciplinary scope.
By bringing together experts from academic, public and private sectors, along with young trainees and students, the Congress created a dynamic environment for collaboration, knowledge sharing and advancement of surgical care in Greece and beyond.
AFEA Congress’ perspective
Serving as PCO for such a multifaceted, high-level event reaffirmed AFEA Congress’ ability to deliver complex congresses with professionalism, creativity and a commitment to sustainability and meaningful social value.
We look forward to supporting future editions of the Panhellenic Congress of Surgery and contributing to initiatives that promote surgical excellence and international collaboration.
