Future doctor secures funding for international congress in Japan

Future doctor Gabrielė faced a significant hurdle in her professional development: attending the International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT) congress in Japan. Her scientific paper, focusing on the impact of pre-operative patient information on early outcomes of knee joint replacement, earned her a spot to present at the prestigious event.

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I thought perhaps they could help me too.

However, with the university unable to cover the costs of her participation in the congress, scheduled for September 28 to October 1, 2026, Gabrielė turned to the "Norfai rūpi" (Norfos Cares) support program. She learned about the initiative through family and hoped it could assist her.

Gabrielė expressed her gratitude for receiving the necessary financial support, which will cover all expenses for her trip to Japan. She admitted that without this aid, she would have had to forgo the opportunity, which she considers crucial for her career. The congress in Kyoto will bring together top orthopedic surgeons from around the world, with a special focus on joint arthroplasty and personalized medicine.

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I am not only an orthopedic traumatologist resident but also a violinist. Therefore, I am engaged not only in medical activity but also in work that requires precise hand work.

Her interest in orthopedics stems from a natural inclination towards medicine, influenced by family members in the field. Gabrielė is drawn to orthopedics and traumatology because of its precise, hands-on nature, akin to her other passion as a violinist. She appreciates the often immediate and visible results of orthopedic interventions, noting that a patient's condition can improve right after surgery. She also finds the specialty to be "very feminine."

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I think this is very important because you can achieve much better results this way. I am also exploring this topic in my scientific work, which I will present at the conference.

This conference presents a unique chance for Gabrielė to meet leading orthopedic traumatologists, establish professional connections, and potentially find opportunities for future internships in Lithuania. She highlighted the importance of personalized medicine, a theme central to her research, in achieving better patient outcomes.

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It is very important for me to have the opportunity to meet them, establish professional connections, and bring new ideas back to Lithuania. Perhaps in the future, I could go for an internship.