Bangladesh has achieved a mentionable feat in the global medical community as two of its young medical students were invited to participate in the prestigious SCALPEL IV Symposium in Barcelona. Out of all the participants from Asia, only two were selected from Bangladesh: Rakibul Hossain Rafi, a final-year student at Uttara Adhunik Medical College, and Muhtasim Islam, a final-year student at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. Their participation in this highly competitive event was a significant achievement. Held from February 15-17, 2025, at Campus del Mar, Pompeu Fabra University, the SCALPEL IV Symposium was a premier international event for aspiring surgeons.

This year's edition was particularly special as it marked the international version, attracting over 150 participants from various universities across Europe. The symposium provided a unique platform for students to explore the latest advancements in surgery through a range of engaging activities. The event featured expert-led conferences covering cutting-edge topics such as vascular surgery, emergency surgery, uterine transposition, robotic surgery, bariatric surgery, and the role of women in surgery. These sessions allowed participants to gain valuable insights from renowned professionals in the field. Alongside the conferences, interactive workshops were conducted, offering hands-on experience in vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, ophthalmological techniques, orthopaedics, trauma surgery, gynaecology, and robotic surgery.

Beyond technical learning, the symposium also emphasised networking and collaboration, providing opportunities for students to connect with experienced doctors, residents, and fellow aspiring surgeons.

This exchange of knowledge and experiences fostered a sense of global community among those passionate about surgery. For Bangladesh, the selection of Rakibul Hossain Rafi and Muhtasim Islam at such a prestigious international event underscores the growing presence of Bangladeshi medical talent on the world stage.

Their participation reflects the dedication and potential of young medical professionals in the country, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in surgical education and research. This achievement is a proud moment for Bangladesh, demonstrating that its medical students are not just keeping up with global advancements but are actively contributing to the field.

As these young professionals continue their journey, their experience at SCALPEL IV will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone toward even greater contributions to medical science and surgery.