2025 Vol. II ISAKOS President's Message

João Espregueira-Mendes, MD, PhD, Full Prof., PORTUGAL

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Education Without Borders – Shaping the Future of ISAKOS!

Education has always been the in-focus mission of ISAKOS. As the leading global network in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, our society embodies a truly international spirit, uniting experts and professionals from every corner of the world. At a time when medical education is rapidly transforming, ISAKOS stands uniquely positioned to act as the umbrella society for our specialty, bringing together knowledge, innovation, and people across continents to advance patient care worldwide.

A Global Platform for Learning

Our mission on education is clear: to improve the skills and knowledge of our members while ensuring that opportunities for education are not limited by geography, language, or economic status. For decades, ISAKOS has set the standard as a trusted, independent, and reliable source of information in our field. What makes our society unique is not only the breadth of its membership but also the collaborative spirit that drives us. ISAKOS thrives because it can bring together the wisdom of continental societies - including ESSKA, SLARD, APKASS, AANA, AOSSM, and many others - creating a truly global umbrella for orthopaedic sports medicine. Together, rather than competing, we must build stronger educational platforms and share knowledge across borders.

In-Person Education: Reaching Every Corner

Education is most powerful when it is accessible to all. ISAKOS is committed to rotating high-quality educational activities across diverse regions of the world. Whether through Congresses, focused forums such as the Knee Arthroplasty Forum, cadaveric labs, or traveling fellowships, our in-person activities are designed to maximize access and impact for the communities we serve. Reaching under-resourced areas remains a priority, and we will continue to adapt formats to ensure inclusivity and relevance, no matter the location.

Digital Transformation

The digital evolution accelerated a transformation that ISAKOS had already embraced: the shift toward robust e-learning platforms. Our Global Link, as well as in-house or allied webinars and virtual courses have proven that digital education shrinks the world. The Global Link provides an extensive database of recorded materials, including congresses, webinars, forums, courses, surgical demos, and much more. You are encouraged to visit ISAKOS Global Link (isakos.com/GlobalLink), our upcoming webinars (isakos.com/Webinars), and a list of upcoming meetings (isakos.com/meetings). Today, we can bring high-level content directly to surgeons, students, and researchers everywhere—providing opportunities to learn, share, and grow without the barrier of travel.

ISAKOS-sponsored Publications

Our publications remain a cornerstone of this mission. With more than 45 ISAKOS books published, we have created an unmatched library of knowledge in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. The ISAKOS Newsletter continues to serve as a vital communication channel, connecting members with the latest updates, insights, and opportunities. The Journal of ISAKOS (JISAKOS) keeps raising the bar, expanding submissions from all regions, enhancing visibility, and reinforcing our reputation as the premier global journal in our field. JISAKOS is open-access, so you can read all articles for free.

Breaking Language Barriers: The Next Frontier

If knowledge is to be truly global, it must be accessible in every language. Language has long been a limitation in international education, but ISAKOS is determined to overcome this barrier. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time translation now make it possible to envision an ISAKOS world without linguistic borders. You can imagine an ISAKOS webinar being simultaneously translated into dozens of languages, or a congress session where participants from across the globe can listen and read captions in their own language. With continuous advances in AI, this is a reality that is within our reach. By adopting and investing in these technologies, ISAKOS can ensure that every member, regardless of their native tongue, has equal access to the latest advances in orthopaedic sports medicine.

Supporting the Resource-limited Regions

Our mission extends beyond innovation and technology; it is also about equity and responsibility. ISAKOS is deeply committed to supporting colleagues from under-resourced communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Through scholarships, fellowships, and research mentoring programs, we are breaking down barriers that prevent talented surgeons and researchers from accessing the same opportunities as their peers in more privileged settings. The Global Traveling Fellowship, the Knee Arthroplasty Fellowship, the Patellofemoral Fellowship, and the Young Investigators Scholarships remain cornerstones of this commitment. Equally important is the Research Mentoring Program, which provides early-career researchers with guidance, resources, and networks that might otherwise be inaccessible. These programs not only transform careers, they strengthen our entire global community by ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in the advancement of science.

Looking Ahead

The future of ISAKOS education is bold and borderless. With innovation, collaboration, and compassion, we will continue to expand our reach, break down barriers, and provide opportunities for learning to everyone, everywhere. Education without borders is not just our aspiration: it is our responsibility. Together, we will ensure that ISAKOS remains the most trusted, inclusive, and impactful society in orthopaedic sports medicine for generations to come.



João Espregueira-Mendes, ISAKOS President 2025-2027