Southeast Asia Journey Part 1: Connecting Through Innovation in Indonesia

I've just begun a multinational trip across Southeast Asia, and I'm excited to share a series of posts highlighting the incredible surgeons, conversations, and experiences along the way. This first stop brought me to Indonesia—a country rich in culture, hospitality, and a growing enthusiasm for innovation in joint replacement. Even thousands of miles from home, it's remarkable how familiar it feels when you sit down with people who share the same passion for patient care.

My trip began in Jakarta, where I joined about a dozen orthopedic surgeons for a dinner discussion focused on total knee replacement and robotic-assisted surgery. Around the table were surgeons with very different levels of experience—some who have performed hundreds of VELYS robotic-assisted total knees, some who have done only a handful, and others who are just beginning their journey with the technology. Despite those differences, the energy in the room was the same: thoughtful, curious, and deeply committed to learning.

Over a wonderful meal of Indonesian dishes, we explored a wide range of topics: alignment strategies, balancing techniques, surgical principles, and some of the ongoing debates that keep knee replacement such an evolving field. Their questions were insightful and practical, reflecting a true thirst for knowledge—not just about how to perform a robotic-assisted knee replacement, but why certain decisions lead to better outcomes for patients.

After the talk, the conversation continued well into the evening. What stood out most was the kindness and warmth of the group. I had the privilege of spending time with the current and former presidents of the Indonesian Orthopedic Association, as well as the highest-volume VELYS robotic surgeon in the country. These weren't just professional connections—they quickly became genuine relationships built on shared experience, curiosity, and mutual respect.

This trip is already reminding me why I value international collaboration so much. Each destination brings new perspectives and new friendships, all united by a common goal: advancing orthopedic care for patients around the world. I'm excited to share more from the next stops in this Southeast Asia journey—Singapore and beyond.