DEAR COLLEAGUES

It is with great pleasure that I look back on yet another fantastic FESSH Congress, this year held in Helsinki. It was the 30th FESSH Congress, and this milestone was celebrated in style. Certificates of appreciation were presented to all Congress Presidents who have organised the annual FESSH Congress since 1993.

The theme for 2025 was “Innovation”—a highly appropriate theme in this era marked by the rapid development of various new technological advances, including in hand surgery. These innovations ensure that our field continues to evolve, requiring us to keep developing our skills. But innovation also means coming together, brainstorming, discussing, rethinking, and building and caring collectively. All these facets were beautifully showcased once again during the FESSH Congress.

Through this message, I would like to once again thank Congress President Jorma Ryhänen, our hosts the Finnish Society for Surgery of the Hand, the scientific and organising committees, and of course Asszisztencia for the fantastic organisation. I would also like to thank all the speakers for their contributions, as well as the corporate partners and all other companies for their essential financial support, presence, and for introducing us to their products.

Finally, I want to thank all the guests; without your attendance and contributions, there would be no congress. Together with all the parties mentioned, you are what make the FESSH Congress possible and determine its success.

This year a new tradition was introduced: the passing of the FESSH flag as a symbol of continuity, from the current Congress President to the new Congress Presidents — this time Esther Vogelin and Philipp Honigmann. Together with the Swiss Society for Surgery of the Hand and the Swiss Society for Hand Therapy, they will organise the FESSH-EFSHT Congress in 2026 in Basel. And their enthusiasm for this task is clearly visible in the photos below.

Once again, many thanks to everyone, and I look forward to seeing you in Basel!

Brigitte van der Heijden
President of FESSH