ishrs congress rio

Surgical Assistants Program

Chair: Christine Turner, EEN | Australia 

We are excited to once again offer the 2026 Surgical Assistants Program, created to reflect the expanding role, expertise, and global impact of surgical assistants and technicians in the field of hair restoration. 

Held alongside the physician sessions at the ISHRS 2026 World Congress in Rio de Janeiro, this engaging multi-day program brings together surgical assistants, technicians, nurses, and physicians from around the world for hands-on learning, live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and practical education designed specifically for today’s hair restoration teams. 

This year’s program is chaired by Christine Turner, EN, Head Nurse at the Knudsen Clinic in Sydney, Australia, and recipient of the 2025 ISHRS Distinguished Surgical Assistant Award whose leadership and dedication to surgical assistant education continue to help shape the future of the specialty. 

Sessions will explore the ideas, innovations, and practical challenges currently shaping the future of hair restoration, including advances in regenerative therapies and AI, evolving surgical techniques, patient safety, team communication, and the growing role of surgical assistants within modern practices. 

This year’s program places an even greater emphasis on interaction and shared learning, with procedural videos, hands-on device experiences, and discussion-driven sessions designed to spark conversation, encourage collaboration, and give attendees practical ideas they can immediately bring back to their own clinics. 

Whether you are new to the field or an experienced member of a surgical team, this program offers the opportunity to refine your skills, discover new perspectives, and connect with professionals who share your passion for advancing patient care and surgical excellence. 

Join us in Rio for this exciting global educational experience.

surgical assistants 2024 group