On October 25, 2023, the International Diabetic Lower Extremity Symposium (IDLES) made its Asian debut in Phuket, Thailand. Held by the International Society of Regenerative Medicine and Wound Repair (ISRMWR) in collaboration with the Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) of Harvard Medical School, the symposium addresses the unmet needs of diabetic lower extremity management and explores the future of regenerative medical technology through global expert collaboration. The event was attended by more than 200 medical professionals from 17 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Greece, New Zealand, India, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China.
Dr. Aristidis Veves, Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Rongxiang Xu, MD, Center for Regenerative Therapeutics at BIDMC, delivered the opening speech, expressing hope that the symposium would catalyze new ideas among participants.
Kevin Xu, President of ISRMWR and Co-Chair of the APEC 2023 Host Committee, emphasized that the symposium is not only a platform for academic exchange and knowledge sharing but also a unique opportunity to commemorate Professor Rongxiang Xu — and that achievements in regenerative medicine can be translated into greater impact at major international forums like APEC.
Throughout the three-day symposium, medical professionals from around the world delivered talks on a diverse range of topics within the scope of the diabetic lower extremity.
What makes the 2023 IDLES distinctive is its APEC session, where Dr. Tina Palmieri — Treasurer of the International Society for Burn Injuries and Past President of the American Burn Association — drew attention to the social and health problems caused by burns. Encouraging open-mindedness, she noted that regenerative medical technology, already supported by robust clinical evidence, holds great promise for the future.
The 2023 IDLES was impactful in many ways: it not only illuminated new ways of treating the diabetic lower extremity but also generated ideas that could push the boundaries of regenerative medical technology. The prospects for medical research and cooperation among APEC economies have never been more promising.