Two revolutions in medicine: The history of open-heart surgery and beta cell therapy

Two revolutions in medicine: The history of open-heart surgery and beta cell therapy is organized by The Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) and will be held on Jan 13, 2027 at The Royal Society of Medicine in London, England, United Kingdom.

Description:
Join the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) History of Medicine Section for this hybrid evening event tracing the extraordinary legacy of two fields that have transformed modern medicine: open-heart surgery and beta cell therapy.

From the first successful open-heart procedures to beta cell replacement therapies aimed at curing rather than simply managing diabetes, this evening examines the historical breakthroughs, scientific milestones and future directions shaping cardiac surgery and cellular medicine. As advances in regenerative medicine, stem cell science, transplantation and minimally invasive cardiac surgery continue to converge, this is a particularly timely moment to reflect on how far these disciplines have come  and where they are heading.

Aims of the event:

• To explore the historical evolution and major milestones of open-heart surgery and beta cell therapy
• To examine current innovations and future directions in cardiac surgery, transplantation, regenerative medicine and diabetes treatment
• To foster interdisciplinary dialogue between clinicians, surgeons, scientists and healthcare innovators working at the forefront of modern medicine

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this event, participants will be able to:

• Describe the major historical milestones in the development of open-heart surgery and beta cell therapy and their contribution to modern medicine
• Evaluate current innovations and emerging directions in cardiac surgery, transplantation, regenerative medicine and diabetes treatment
• Identify the interdisciplinary connections between surgery, transplantation, endocrinology and regenerative medicine and their implications for future clinical practice