Around a thousand doctors of Polish origin from across the globe, including 178 from former Soviet Union countries, gathered at the ICE Congress Centre in Kraków to discuss how artificial intelligence can assist medicine and what challenges it poses.

The congress was organized to mark the 30th anniversary of the Federation of Polish Medical Organizations Abroad, which brings together Polish-origin doctors working outside of their homeland.

The venue’s cultural and historical significance

The very fact that the event was held in Kraków, a city rich in Polish culture and history, gave the congress a special dimension. The formal inauguration at the Kraków Opera was preceded by a Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica. „This historic church, filled with spirit and beauty, became a place where conference participants had the opportunity to unite in a moment of reflection. We hope that the Mass enriched the conference experience, giving it a unique character,” stated the organizers.

The congress program

The meeting featured 18 sessions and 5 discussion panels focused on key trends in modern medicine. „We want to look to the future and consider the presence of futuristic technologies and artificial intelligence. We aim to explore areas of medicine that our thoughts and imagination have not yet reached,” wrote Dr. Kornelia Król, president of the Federation of Polish Medical Organizations Abroad, in her message to the participants.

Global and Polish medical experts in attendance

The panels featured representatives from renowned medical institutions worldwide. Professor Jacek Żurada from the University of Louisville (USA) delivered the opening lecture titled „AI Synergy in Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges.” Other prominent speakers included Professor Maria Siemionow from the University of Illinois in Chicago (USA) and Professor Julian Dobranowski from McMaster University (Canada).

Polish experts also took part, including Professor Henryk Skarżyński from the World Hearing Center in Kajetany and Professor Marek Zawadzki from the Faculty of Medicine at Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

Focus on artificial intelligence and transhumanism

True to the congress’s central theme, discussions centered on artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and visions of a new human future. Topics included AI in vascular surgery, the use of robotics in medicine, longevity, and slowing the aging process.

Connecting Polish doctors worldwide

A key objective of the congress was to integrate the Polish medical community abroad with Polish-origin doctors working east of Poland. In this context, meetings with doctors from Ukraine were especially important, as they shared their experiences of providing medical assistance on the frontlines of the war.

Young doctors and final-year medical students were also invited to the congress. They had the chance to talk with more experienced colleagues about working abroad and the challenges the next generation of doctors face.

A sentimental gathering

The congress also had a sentimental aspect. „Although our daily lives are far from Poland, our hearts beat in unison with the homeland, and we gladly return to the country,” said Dr. Kornelia Król.

The congress was held under the patronage of Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska.

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Photo gallery from the congress at: https://kongrespoloniimedycznej.org/