2025

Greetings to all,

It is with great honor and excitement that I welcome you to the 12th Pan-Pacific Trauma Congress (PPTC) 2025 and the 40th Annual Meeting of the Korean Society of Traumatology.

For the past 40 years, the Korean Society of Traumatology (KST) has been at the forefront of advancing trauma care, driving significant progress in both medical practice and policy. What began as a small gathering of trauma specialists has grown into a robust network of dedicated professionals committed to improving trauma systems, not just in Korea but across the Pan-Pacific region. PPTC, now in its 12th edition, has played a vital role in this journey—fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and setting new standards in trauma care.

This year’s theme, “40 Years of Leadership in Trauma Care,” reflects our ongoing mission. Trauma care is never a solo effort—it requires seamless teamwork among specialists from various disciplines. Over the years, we have witnessed how multidisciplinary collaboration leads to better patient outcomes, shaping a trauma system that is more effective, efficient, and responsive to emergencies.

I sincerely hope that PPTC 2025 will serve as a platform where we can share our experiences, discuss innovative strategies, and strengthen our partnerships. Let us take this opportunity to learn from each other, deepen our commitment to saving lives, and shape the future of trauma care together.

Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.

Jong-Keon OH, M.D.
President, The Korean Society of Traumatology

Dear Colleagues

On behalf of the Korean Society of Traumatology, I extend my warmest welcome to all participants joining PPTC 2025 in Incheon, Korea.

This year is particularly meaningful as we celebrate 40 years since the founding of the Korean Society of Traumatology. Over the past four decades, KST has played a key role in transforming Korea’s trauma care system—establishing regional trauma centers, expanding training programs, and improving trauma patient survival rates. These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of trauma professionals like you.

Since its inception in 2013, PPTC has grown into a premier international academic conference, bringing together experts from across the region to share the latest research, best practices, and innovative approaches to trauma care. We have also been fortunate to collaborate with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces Medical Command, strengthening both military and civilian trauma response systems.

Trauma care is unique in that it demands interdisciplinary cooperation and real-time decision-making under extreme conditions. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that trauma teams work as a cohesive unit, embracing the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect. PPTC 2025 will be an invaluable opportunity to refine our approaches, discuss emerging challenges, and reinforce our commitment to excellence in trauma care.

We have prepared an outstanding scientific program that will encourage lively discussions and meaningful interactions. I encourage you all to participate actively, exchange insights, and forge new collaborations that will benefit trauma patients worldwide.

I look forward to meeting you in Incheon. Thank you.

Hang Joo CHO, M.D.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Korean Society of Traumatology

Dear distinguished colleagues,

It is my great honor to welcome our members of the Korean Society of Traumatology. This is Brigadier General Sangho Lee, the Commanding General of ROK Armed Forces Medical Command.

First and foremost, I would like to truly commemorate the 40th anniversary of Korean Society of Traumatology and give appreciation, with respect, to everyone for their effort, dedication, and passion for the development of ROK Severe Trauma System.

Furthermore, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all medical professionals who are providing best efforts in their positions to safeguard lives of our citizens across the nation, staff members who gave their greatest contributions in hosting this event, and all domestic and international trauma experts who prepared in-depth presentations and discussion topics for the "12th Pan-Pacific Trauma Congress(2025 Korea)."

The Korean Society of Traumatology serves as the cornerstone of trauma system development in Korea, achieving various efforts and accomplishments, both academically and in terms of policy, by hosting international academic conferences, improving transportation systems of trauma patients, and conducting activities to raise national awareness.

The Armed Forces Medical Command is also in the frontline of establishing an advanced trauma system to protect our forces' and citizens' lives by giving emergency treatments to civilians, responding to severe trauma, reinforcing rehabilitation capabilities during convalescence, enforcing additional force integration of MEDEVAC helicopters, and establishing an integrated control system. Moreover, Armed Forces Trauma Center is expanding its scope of care by linking with the national trauma system, further contributing to the development of domestic trauma system.

The Pan-Pacific Trauma Congress, now in its 12th year, will not only have domestic but also international military and civilian trauma experts and organizations participating, planned to introduce research results and best practices with regards to trauma treatment. With confidence that this conference would play a vital role in taking the field of trauma one stage further, I hope many people can join us, as a foundation and blueprint to leap into the future.

Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to all those who have attended and staff members those who have prepared this congress. I look forward to your continued interest and support in the future.

Thank you.

Brigadier General Sangho LEE
Commanding General
Republic of Korea Armed Forces Medical Command