Ohana One was honored to serve as a proud sponsor of the sixth biennial meeting of the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery (GICS VI), held April 24–26, 2026, in Bogotá, Colombia. Bringing together 263 participants from 48 countries, the conference united surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, trainees, researchers, and global health advocates who share a commitment to expanding safe, timely surgical care for children everywhere.
Hosted at Hotel La Fontana and organized by the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery, the meeting offered a vital platform for collaboration, education, research, and advocacy across pediatric surgical specialties. Ohana One was especially proud to have our work represented by Dr. Meghan McCollough, who presented research demonstrating how virtual reality technology can help reduce pre-operative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing plastic, reconstructive, and urological procedures. This work reflects our belief that thoughtful use of technology can directly support better experiences and outcomes for children and their families.
A highlight of the meeting was the celebration of GICS’ 10-year anniversary. Past and current leaders reflected on a decade of progress in strengthening children’s surgical care globally and shared a forward-looking vision for what can be achieved through continued partnership. Throughout the conference, attendees joined updates from numerous GICS committees and working groups, including education, urology, oncology, anesthesia, nursing, pathology, orthopedics, congenital anomalies, and trainee engagement—demonstrating the depth and breadth of the global community working together for children.
The scientific program showcased research and innovations from every region of the world. Sessions focused on strengthening surgical systems, improving outcomes, expanding access to care, and developing sustainable educational models that meet local needs. Workshops addressed minimally invasive surgery, trauma care, advocacy, and research methods, while representatives from the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization shared perspectives on regional and global efforts to improve surgical care for children. These discussions underscored how coordinated strategies, evidence-based practice, and shared learning can elevate care, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
For Ohana One, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of long-term collaboration, mentorship, and appropriate technology in building sustainable surgical capacity. As an organization dedicated to connecting surgeons through year-round educational partnerships and innovative remote training solutions, we were encouraged by the many conversations focused on hands-on training, knowledge exchange, and strengthening healthcare systems in low-resource environments. The themes of partnership and mutual learning mirror our core approach: empowering local teams with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to provide high-quality care in their own communities.
The conference also created important opportunities to deepen existing partnerships and form new relationships with healthcare professionals and organizations working toward a shared goal: ensuring every child has access to safe, timely, and effective surgical care, regardless of geography or circumstance. These connections are central to building sustainable programs that continue long after a single meeting ends.
We extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to the entire GICS leadership team for delivering an outstanding meeting. Special recognition goes to conference host Paula Castro and the Colombian organizing committee for their warm hospitality and careful planning, as well as to GICS leaders Tahmina Banu, Simone Abib, Marilyn Butler, Anand Sanmugam, Katrine Løfberg, Udo Rolle, and the many volunteers and committee members whose dedication and hard work made the event possible.
Ohana One was also proud to support the conference through the efforts of our own team member, Maggie Bohlman, who worked closely with GICS leadership and organizers to help coordinate and support the meeting. Her contribution reflects our collaborative model: standing alongside partners to build structures for training, mentorship, and shared learning. The success of GICS VI highlights the strength of global collaboration and the collective commitment of individuals and organizations working to advance children’s surgical care worldwide.
As we reflect on our time in Bogotá, we leave energized by the innovation, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated throughout the conference. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with GICS and the broader global surgery community as we work together to expand access to surgical education, mentorship, and technology-enabled training for healthcare professionals caring for children around the world.
Together, we are building bridges that connect expertise, technology, and opportunity—helping create a future where every child can receive the surgical care they need to survive, heal, and thrive in their own communities.
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