IFSO-EC Congress - Scholarship Reports
From May 6 to May 8, 2026, as a result of winning the IFSO-EC 2026 scholarship, I had the opportunity to participate in the 14th Congress of the European Chapter of the International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity (IFSO-EC) in Malaga, Spain.
On the first day, I additionally took part in the master class “OAGB and SADI-S One-Loop Surgery from Concept to Long-Term Care”, during which leading scientists and physicians shared their current views on the physiology, surgical techniques and methodology, complications and ways to manage them, results of the latest randomized trials, and the future of one-anastomosis metabolic operations, which each year account for a growing share of both primary and revisional bariatric procedures. This workshop was undoubtedly valuable and broadened my knowledge of these operations, answered the questions I had, and enabled me to expand the range of metabolic procedures performed in my practice and at our clinic.
From May 6 to 8, the main congress program took place. The event focused on various aspects of treating the chronic disease of obesity, including the latest updates and data on surgical techniques, new pharmacological treatments and ways to integrate them into daily surgical practice, management of surgical complications, revisional and conversion surgery, robotic surgery, eliminating obesity stigma, and the multidisciplinary collaboration between metabolic bariatric surgery and integrated medical units. A hallmark of an excellent congress is when the number of interesting talks forces you to choose which hall to attend — and that is exactly what happened here. The variety of topics, the expertise of the speakers, the discussion of different clinical cases, and the practical orientation of the program impressed me and provided knowledge I truly needed. The congress offered an opportunity to gain the most up-to-date knowledge in the treatment of obesity and its associated comorbidities, to build connections with experienced surgeons, scientists, and medical professionals — connections that will be valuable for future career opportunities — as well as the chance to benefit from the guidance and mentorship of leading experts in the field going forward, receiving personalized feedback and advice. On May 7, I also attended what I consider a very meaningful initiative — Walk the Change — and I support holding such activities in the future as well.
I would like to separately acknowledge the high level of congress organization and to thank the organizing committee and all IFSO staff who made it possible for me to attend the congress and who provided support at every stage.
After analysis and systematization, the knowledge and experience gained will be adapted and implemented in my personal practice and at my university, on the clinical bases of the Department of Emergency, Elective and Reconstructive Surgery of the Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine.
Dmytro Zavertylenko, MD, PhD,
Surgeon, R+ Medical Network.
Assistant Professor of the Department of Emergency,
Elective and Reconstructive Surgery
Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine
Attending the IFSO European Chapter Congress in Malaga as a scholarship recipient was a truly valuable and inspiring experience for me, both professionally and personally.
The congress provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my knowledge in the multidisciplinary management of obesity care. As a clinical psychologist working in the field of bariatric care, I especially appreciated the sessions focused on patient-centered treatment, psychological support, long-term follow-up, and integrated healthcare approaches.
Beyond the scientific program, one of the most meaningful aspects of the congress was the opportunity to connect with professionals from different countries, exchange experiences, and build new international connections within the bariatric community.
It was also very special for me to meet again Professor Violeta Moizé and Alba Andreu Martí, with whom I completed my IH Observership Program in Barcelona in 2025. Seeing them again during the congress truly made me happy and added even more value to this experience
In addition, the scholarship gave me the opportunity to present my own research work, for which I am sincerely grateful.
The Malaga congress was unforgettable in every way, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the IFSO European Chapter for supporting young professionals in their academic and clinical development.
Nino Chochnidze
Clinical psychologist
Department of metabolic and bariatric surgery,
L.T.D Aversi clinic, Tbilisi, Georgia.