As preparations continue for the ISHRS 2026 World Congress in Rio de Janeiro, I would like to share several important updates reflecting the progress of our planning efforts and the direction in which the Congress is evolving.
Our guiding principle remains Integrity—the belief that hair restoration surgery must be performed by properly trained, licensed medical doctors, with zero delegation of surgical steps to unqualified or unlicensed individuals. This core value continues to shape every aspect of program development and serves as the foundation for the educational experience we are creating in Rio.
Program Development and Segment Leadership
Over the past months, we have been actively working on the selection of chairs for key program segments, ensuring that each area of the Congress is guided by individuals with deep expertise, strong educational vision, and a shared commitment to surgeon-performed care. This thoughtful leadership structure allows us to curate sessions that are focused, practical, and directly relevant to real-world surgical practice.
Each segment is being designed not only to deliver high-level scientific content, but also to emphasize responsibility, accountability, and the importance of knowing exactly whose hands are performing surgery.
A More Direct and Interactive Learning Environment
One of the most significant evolutions in the 2026 Congress format is our focus on direct, face-to-face interaction. Experience has shown that surgeons learn most effectively when they can engage openly with experts—asking questions, discussing challenges, and exchanging practical insights in real time.
With this in mind, we are designing an environment that facilitates meaningful interaction between faculty and attendees. The goal is to move beyond passive learning and create opportunities for dynamic, personal educational exchange, where experience is shared openly and constructively. Several new session formats are being developed around this concept, and we look forward to sharing more details as they take shape.
Welcoming and Engaging the Next Generation
An essential mission of the ISHRS is the education and support of younger and newer members of our profession. For Rio 2026, we are refreshing and strengthening our approach to new-member engagement, with a renewed emphasis on making early-career surgeons feel welcomed, supported, and inspired from the very beginning.
We are working to create educational pathways and interactive opportunities that actively involve younger surgeons, encourage participation, and foster mentorship. By engaging this next generation more robustly, we reinforce the long-term health of our specialty and ensure that the principles of ethical, surgeon-led care continue to define hair restoration for years to come.
Looking Ahead
Planning is also underway for several additional elements of the Congress experience, including ideas surrounding our gala and other special events. These concepts are still evolving, and updates will be shared as they are finalized. What remains consistent is our intention to create a Congress that is not only educational, but also engaging, welcoming, and memorable.
A Continued Commitment to Integrity
At every stage of planning, we return to our central theme: Integrity in hair restoration surgery. This means reinforcing the message that surgical procedures must not be delegated to unqualified or unlicensed technicians, and that patient safety, ethics, and accountability are non-negotiable.
Our objective is to deliver a Congress that equips attendees with practical knowledge, renewed motivation, and a clear reaffirmation of the standards that define our profession.
I look forward to sharing further updates in the coming months and welcome continued collaboration as we shape the ISHRS 2026 World Congress together.
All the best,
Maxim Chumak, MD, FISHRS
ABHRS Diplomate
Program Chair