Global Hand Surgery with Guest Jim Chang

Chuck and Chris welcome Jim Chang from Stanford University for a deep dive on two really amazing topics.  First, we discuss Jim's leadership of the IFSSH Triannual Meeting in Washington DC March 24-28.  And second, we discuss global reconstructive surgery and Jim's work in this area, specifically with Resurg International.  Join us for interesting conversation (and then join us in DC).  Jim had much to share about psychic compensation and 4 tenants to successful international work: finding the right host, being a good guest, making a lasting impact, and not competing with other organizations. 

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The Upper Hand Podcast is sponsored by Checkpoint Surgical, a provider of innovative solutions for peripheral serve surgery. To learn more, visit https://checkpointsurgical.com/.

 
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As always, thanks to @iampetermartin for the amazing introduction and concluding music.

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Transcript

Meeting summary for Upper Hand Podcast (03/02/2025)

Quick recap

The team discussed the upcoming International Federation for Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) meeting in Washington, DC, and James shared his plans for an event, including a gala at the National Portrait Gallery. They also discussed the importance of international work in hand surgery, the evolution of the Hand Society's Touching Hands project, and the benefits of international medical work. 

Next steps

• Attendees to register for the IFSSH meeting in Washington, DC from March 24-28 if they haven't already.
• Attendees to purchase tickets for the gala dinner at the National Portrait Gallery on Thursday night of the conference.
• Attendees interested in international surgical work to research organizations like ReSurge International or Touching Hands Project for involvement opportunities. 

Summary

IFSSH Meeting in Washington DC
In the meeting, Charles, Christopher, and James discussed the upcoming International Federation for Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) meeting in Washington, DC, from March 24th to 28th. James, who is leading the meeting, shared how he got involved and the bid process, likening it to the Olympics or World Cup. The meeting will feature keynote speakers Fu Chen Wei and Swanson, a historian. The meeting aims to showcase the best of American hand surgery and reach out to the rest of the world.

Abraham Lincoln Event and Gala Plans
Swanson, a historian related to Abraham Lincoln, will keynote th event.  James Chang shared his plans for the opening reception, which would include a cavalcade of stars honoring pioneers in the field of hand surgery. The event will also feature off-Broadway actors performing songs from the musical Hamilton. Tuesday night is a free night for attendees to explore the city, while Wednesday night will be a casual pub night with a ping pong tournament. The highlight of the event will be the gala on Thursday, held at the National Portrait Gallery, where guests can enjoy cocktails and dinner while surrounded by presidential portraits. Charles expressed interest in the gala, and Christopher mentioned he would check out the Apple TV series "Manhunt" based on James' book.

International Hand Surgery and Sponsorship
We discussed the importance of international work in the field of hand surgery, highlighting the efforts of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. James shared his personal journey into global reconstructive surgery, which began with a year of teaching English in China before medical school. He emphasized the importance of this work in his life and career, and how it has shaped his approach to surgery.

Touching Hands and Reconstructive Surgery
James discussed the evolution of ReSurg International, which raised a $5 million endowment for various activities as a nonprofit organization.  He became the Chief Medical Officer of in 2014. The organization focuses on training plastic surgeons in various countries, aiming to increase their capacity and provide reconstructive surgeries. James emphasized the importance of this work, likening it to "fishing academies" where people can learn and grow. Charles asked about the personal benefits James derives from this work, to which James responded that it provides a sense of fulfillment and psychic income, not monetary or fame-related.

International Medical Work and Training
James discussed the benefits of international medical work, emphasizing the common language of medicine and the opportunity to learn from and teach others. He highlighted the two-way learning process, where both the visiting doctors and the local medical professionals benefit from the exchange. James also explained the approach to training surgeons in their home countries, emphasizing the importance of partnering with existing training programs and working within the local certification systems. He mentioned his involvement in the African sub-Saharan African boards as a board examiner. d

Training and Scaling in Medicine
James discussed the importance of training and scaling in the medical field, particularly in relation to surgery. He highlighted the significant impact one trained surgeon can have on a large number of patients, and the challenges of scaling in low-resource settings. He also shared his experiences of operating in low-resource situations, such as in Cambodia, where the lack of certain medical instruments forced him to adapt and improvise. James emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency and the need to avoid unnecessary waste in medical practices. Charles agreed with James' points and added that the work of organizations like theirs is crucial in providing medical care to those in need.

International Medical Practice and Research
James, Christopher, and Charles discussed the importance of international medical practice. James emphasized the need for doctors to continue doing their typical work while abroad, and to find organizations that align with their practice. He also stressed the importance of finding the right host, being a good guest, making a lasting impact, and not competing with other organizations.