Report on My Participation at the ECTES 2025 in Aachen, Germany

My name is Gesine Eis-Janzyk from Hamburg, Germany. I am a final-year medical student, set to graduate in June 2025. Following my graduation, I will begin my residency in trauma and orthopedic surgery, a specialty I have been passionate about for many years. My professional journey in this field began long before medical school, shaped by years of hands-on experience, academic research, and international exposure, all culminating in my first participation at the European Congress of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ECTES) in Aachen this year.

Before entering medical school, I finished a vocational training and worked for seven years as a surgical technician. It was during this time that I first developed a strong interest in trauma surgery. Assisting in numerous emergency and trauma procedures gave me not only practical experience but also a deep appreciation for the complexity and impact of trauma care. This experience motivated me to pursue medical school with the goal of becoming a trauma surgeon myself.

Throughout the last four years of my studies, I worked as an on-call student assistant in one of Hamburg’s major trauma centers, in the Asklepios Klinik St. Georg. This position allowed me to gain firsthand insights into the clinical environment, with valuable exposure to the emergency department, shock room, and operating theaters. These experiences significantly contributed to my clinical training and affirmed my career choice in trauma surgery.

In the final year of my studies, I had the opportunity to complete a two-month trauma rotation at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa—one of the largest trauma centers in the world. The experience was both challenging and incredibly enriching. The volume and severity of trauma cases I encountered were unlike anything typically seen in Germany. Working in such an intense and diverse environment pushed me to expand my trauma management skills and clinical decision-making. Furthermore, I greatly valued the chance to work within an international team of physicians from across the globe, which gave me a broader perspective on collaboration in global trauma care.

In parallel to my medical studies, I have been actively involved in trauma-related research for the past four years, contributing to two major research projects within the Department of Experimental Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). My doctoral thesis focuses on the pathomechanisms underlying the development of traumatic heterotopic ossification, with a particular emphasis on the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). This clinically translational project aims to bridge the gap between basic science and practical application in trauma patient care and to provide novel, innovative therapeutic approaches. Additionally, I have contributed to a research project investigating impaired fracture healing and non-unions, further deepening my understanding of musculoskeletal trauma pathology.

Attending the ECTES Congress 2025 in Aachen was a major milestone for me—both personally and professionally. It was an honor to present my research findings in the “Research Oral Session” among such a high-caliber group of presenters in front of such an esteemed panel of trauma research luminaries as chairmanship. I was truly inspired by the quality of the research shared by colleagues from around Europe and beyond, and the session provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and gaining constructive feedback. I was absolutely delighted to be selected and to have the opportunity to present my results a second time in the “Best paper and poster session” at the end of the congress.

Among the many highlights of the congress was the vibrant and well-structured opening ceremony, which set an enthusiastic tone for the days that followed. I was particularly impressed by the session on “Gender Equity in Trauma and Emergency Surgery”, which addressed the ongoing gender disparities in the field. Although trauma surgery is still a male-dominated specialty, I was encouraged to see more and more inspiring female surgeons gaining visibility. I remain hopeful that the future will bring a more balanced and inclusive environment.

Another session I found particularly relevant was the guest symposium “My First… – or How to Survive Residency”, which offered practical advice and personal stories from experienced colleagues in surgical training — greatly helpful as I prepare to begin my residency. The clinical trials session titled “Clinical Trials in the Care of the Clinically Injured Patient – 2024/25 Highlights in Review” further emphasized the value of high-quality research in improving trauma care and showcased the impact that well-designed studies can have on daily clinical practice and to improve trauma care in the future.

The most emotionally moving session for me was the disaster and military trauma session, “Surgeons and War: Lessons Learned and Relearned from Current Conflicts”. The presentations by D. Iershov and S. Dorokhova from Ukraine, sharing their experiences and learnings from the ongoing war there and the presentation from C. Brugiotti, sharing his experiences from the Middle East were both sobering and inspiring, shedding light on the extreme conditions in which trauma care is sometimes delivered and the resilience of medical teams under pressure.

Aside from the academic program, I also had the pleasure of connecting with members of YESTES and learning about ways to become more involved. I am currently active in the Young Forum of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU), where I enjoy promoting the diversity and richness of trauma surgery to fellow medical students. I would be enthusiastic to engage with YESTES in the future and contribute to the broader European trauma community.

Lastly, I truly enjoyed exploring the city of Aachen during the congress. It has an impressive and rich history with a beautiful old town. Its location at the heart of the tri-border region made it a particularly fitting host for a European congress, reflecting the importance of cross-border cooperation in trauma care.

In conclusion, attending the ECTES 2025 Congress in Aachen has been an incredibly enriching experience I am deeply honoured and extremely grateful to ESTES for the congress grant and the opportunity to attend, present my research, expand my knowledge, and connect with trauma professionals from across the world. I look forward to attending ECTES 2026 in Stockholm and continuing to grow as both a clinician and a researcher.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Dr. Dr. Johannes Keller and Dr. Anke Baranowsky for their ongoing support and mentorship in my research endeavors, as well as to the entire research group from the Department of Experimental Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at the UKE for their contributions and collaboration.

Gesine Eis-Janzyk, Hamburg (Germany)