The opening ceremony of the second session of the "International Colorectal Surgery Training Academy of China (ICSTAC)" was held on October 18, 2023 in the city of Hangzhou, China. On behalf the Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU) and ICSTAC, Prof. DING Kefeng, Vice President of SAHZU extended the warmest welcome to Drs. Cricri and Mongardini from Italy and Dr. Mitre Reyes from Mexico, the second group of trainees of ICSTAC.

“I would like to extend my welcome to these three trainees who are about to start their journey at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, SAHZU. I also would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all the guests here today, for your great support to the training program. It is my sincere hope that in the next three months, ICSTAC trainees and SAHZU doctors could exchange opinions in surgical techniques and treatment methods, and ultimately, establish friendship between us.” Prof. DING expressed his deep care for the program and the trainees.

The opening ceremony was moderated by Dr. WANG Zhanhuai, an associate chief physician of SAHZU Colorectal Surgery.

Next, Prof. Ding awarded Dr. Cricri, Dr. Mongardini and Dr. Mitre Reyes SAHZU white coat and the badge of hospital. These foreign doctors’ exchange experience at SAHZU officially began.

The three trainees also prepared a special gift for Chinese friends, a 5-minute Vlog. From the Vlog, SAHZU side learned about the trainees’ home country and institution, so as to have a better understanding about each other. Besides, the trainee expressed how grateful they are for having such a wonderful program where doctors from different countries can communicate and learn together on-site.

A hospital tour at Chengdong Campus was arranged after the ceremony. Dr. LU Can, a fellow of SAHZU Colorectal Surgery, guided the doctors to clinical and research facilities available and instructed them in a detailed way.

ICSTAC is a joint effort of SAHZU Colorectal Surgery and all the other staff who devoted their time and energy. It is sincerely hoped that through ICSTAC, the world could see the rapid development of colorectal surgery technology in China!