The 2026 Pacific-Rim Conference on Healthcare Innovation was held in Guangzhou from October 16 to 18.
Co-hosted by the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (FAH-SYSU) and the University of California, Berkeley, the conference centered on the theme "Transforming Patient Journeys: The Trend of AI and Robotic Surgery." It brought together top experts from leading academic institutions at home and abroad to explore technology-driven medical transformation.
In his opening remarks, Xiao Haipeng, President of FAH-SYSU, noted that AI and robotic platforms are no longer confined to operating rooms; they are reshaping the entire patient care journey.
In recent years, FAH-SYSU and UC Berkeley have jointly established an international robotic surgery training center. The hospital has conducted over 20 robotic surgery training programs, training a total of 883 participants and cultivating a large number of professionals adapted to the new landscape of modern healthcare.
"We must translate the consensus we have reached into concrete practices on the frontlines of clinical care, research and education, so that smart healthcare can truly benefit patients," Xiao Haipeng stated.
The conference also featured the unveiling ceremonies for the Ke Lin Academy for Surgical Robotics and the Remote Robotic Surgery Center. The Ke Lin Academy for Surgical Robotics will build a 100-person professional teaching and management team, integrating international consultants and senior in-house surgeons to address the shortage of standardized training for intelligent surgery. The Remote Robotic Surgery Center will further expand the cross-regional and global real-time intelligent surgical training ecosystem.
Furthermore, FAH-SYSU and Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang Hospital signed a memorandum of understanding. Building on their existing cooperation in discipline construction, talent training and technical assistance, the two sides will upgrade their partnership to contribute to the high-quality development of healthcare in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Additionally, the conference hosted thematic discussions focusing on health innovation leadership, international robotic surgery and the AI-empowered future hospital system.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photos | First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
