On 9–11 October 2025, the 38th International Symposium on Pediatric Surgical Research (ISPSR 2025) was successfully held in Guangzhou. The symposium is a leading global academic conference in pediatric surgery. Since its establishment, the ISPSR has been committed to promoting innovative research in pediatric surgery worldwide, recognised as one of the most prestigious international platforms for academic exchange in the field. Held in China for the first time, the symposium brought together leading pediatric surgeons, scholars, and clinicians worldwide, serving as a high-level international exchange platform to advance scientific innovation and clinical development.
Chair Professor Paul Kwong-Hang Tam, Vice-President of the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), was invited as a distinguished keynote speaker and share his insights at the conference.
Keynote Speech by Vice President Paul Kwong-Hang Tam
On October 9, Chair Professor Paul Kwong-Hang Tam, delivered a keynote speech titled “Evidence-Based Pediatric Surgery”, providing an in-depth analysis of how evidence-based medicine (EBM) can be integrated into clinical decision-making to enhance healthcare quality and outcomes. Professor Tam noted that the rarity of many pediatric surgical cases poses challenges for high-quality evidence, conducting rigorous clinical research and building a solid evidence-based are the core to driving the specialty forward. The most effective clinical guidance is provided by these efforts and pave the way for safer and more effective treatment for all children.
Professor Tam also examined three key issues through cutting-edge systematic reviews and meta-analyses: comparing the efficacy of antibiotic therapy versus conventional surgery for acute uncomplicated appendicitis in children; the potential impact of long-term antibiotic use on cognitive function; and a systematic evaluation of school functioning in children with Hirschsprung's disease. In addition, he further examined the potential applications of artificial intelligence in pediatric surgery, including assisted diagnosis, surgical planning and clinical trial design. He stressed the importance of upholding research ethics alongside technological innovation to comprehensively safeguard the rights and safety of young patients.
Event Overview
Photo credit: ISPSR 2025
