헤더 로고

I. Introduction:

 Seeds Sown in Barren Land Become a Great Forest The history of the Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (KOMISS) is a record of challenge and innovation itself. The roots of our society began 24 years ago in 2002, with the formation of the 'Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Research Group' by pioneering doctors who were contemplating a new paradigm for spinal surgery. At that time, minimally invasive surgery was an unfamiliar field, but our passion to reduce patient suffering and assist in rapid recovery was more intense than anyone else's. Led by the inaugural president, Dr. Choon-Keun Park, neurosurgeons from both universities and private practices united with one heart and began with great enthusiasm.

After strengthening our internal foundation as a research group, we achieved the feat of being officially elevated to a professional society in 2007. This was not merely a change in name; it was a historic event signifying that the field of minimally invasive surgery had been recognized as a mainstream discipline within the Korean spinal surgery community. Since then, KOMISS has continued to make leaps in development based on the dedicated research and clinical experience of its numerous members. It has now grown into the representative society for spinal treatment in Korea.

In 2014, as I took on the heavy responsibility of serving as the 8th president, I reflected on our society's past history. On this solid ground established by our seniors, I felt a sense of mission to open the era of "Global KOMISS," reaching "Beyond Korea" and into the world.

II. The Prelude to Globalization:

 November 2014, Hosting the KOMISS International Symposium After taking office, the first thing I focused on was preparing a venue to confirm our society's international leadership. The result was the KOMISS International Symposium held in November 2014. At that time, our society decided to hold an international symposium every two years, and this event was the first realization of that commitment.

1. International Proclamation of the 'K-Spine' Brand This symposium was a powerful expression of our will to lead the 'global standard'. We invited many scholars from Asia, the Americas, and Europe to showcase the unrivaled techniques of Korean medical staff, leaving a deep impression on the attending foreign experts. We also highlighted Korea's status as an IT powerhouse by conducting live surgeries and creating interactive discussion sessions.
2. A Bridgehead for a Global Network Beyond simple academic exchange, it served as a starting point for building close cooperative relationships with major societies worldwide. The international bonds formed during this time became crucial nutrients for our future hosting of the world's largest-scale symposium.

III. A Decisive Turning Point: 

 Victory in Paris, June 2014 The event that instantly elevated the status of KOMISS to the global top tier occurred in June 2014 at the 4th World Congress of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery & Techniques (WCMISST) held in Paris, France.

1. The Intense Competition to Host the 2016 World Congress As president, I flew to Paris with key board members to engage in an all-out effort to win the bid for the next world congress in 2016. We persuaded committee members by highlighting the excellence of Korea's medical technology and the organizational power of KOMISS among prominent competing nations.
2. The Emotion of Confirming Korea as the Host Site As a result of attending the board meeting and strongly promoting our bid, it was finally decided to hold the 2016 WCMISST in Jeju, Korea. This was a signal that KOMISS had been proudly recognized as a mainstream force in the global field of minimally invasive spine surgery. This victory in Paris became a turning point recorded in the history of our society. Many people helped us, and the assistance of Dr. Gun Choi, who successfully hosted the 5th WCMISST as the 10th president in 2016, was particularly significant.

IV. Dissemination of Knowledge: 

 Teaching Korean Techniques in Shanghai, 2014 Globalization is also a process of spreading our voice. In June 2014, I was invited to the ‘Chinese Minimally Invasive Spine Society’ held in Shanghai, China, to transfer Korea's advanced technological capabilities.

1. Lecture on the History of KOMISS The Chinese side asked me to lecture on why neurosurgeons in Korea lead minimally invasive spine treatment, unlike in China or Japan. I explained that through KOMISS, we have focused on the minimally invasive treatments patients desire since 2002 while presenting academic evidence through the society. I also noted that the fantastic cooperation and understanding between universities and private practices have been a great help, mentioning that the presidency alternates between the two sectors.
2. A Bridgehead Beyond Asia to the World Such lecture activities in the Chinese academic community were valuable opportunities to confirm that KOMISS is a leader in the Asian spinal surgery community. The process of our accumulated knowledge crossing borders and inspiring doctors in other countries was globalization in its true sense.

V. Academic Substance:   KOMISS’s Name Resounds in Global Journals

1. Activation of Submissions to SCI-level Journals Numerous doctors belonging to KOMISS have published outstanding papers one after another in internationally renowned SCI-level journals. This proved to the world that our society is not just a 'group of skilled surgeons' but a prestigious academic organization leading 'evidence-based medicine (EBM)'.
2. Qualitative Elevation of the Society’s Status As excellent papers were published in global journals, the name KOMISS became a symbol of trust in the international academic community. As the academic level of the society rose, its international influence naturally grew, becoming a key driver for strengthening our voice on the world stage.

VI. Radiant Fruits:

 The Great Success of the 2016 World Congress in Jeju Although my term as president concluded in 2015, the seeds of globalization sown during my tenure bloomed into a giant flower at the 2016 WCMISST World Congress in Jeju. About 1,000 spine experts from dozens of countries gathered amidst the beautiful scenery of Jeju and marveled at Korea's advanced medical technology. This great success was possible because of the foundation for globalization prepared step-by-step since 2014. Through this congress, KOMISS joined the ranks of the world's top three minimally invasive spine societies, spreading the pride of Korean medicine worldwide.

VII. Conclusion: 

 We Now Move Toward a Wider Horizon Respected members of KOMISS , we began as a small research group in 2002 and have now grown into a prestigious society noticed by the world. The years 2014 and 2015, during which I served as president, were a time of challenge when our society moved beyond the comfortable boundaries of home and set sail into the great ocean of the world. The tense bidding war in Paris, the passionate lectures in Shanghai, and the numerous papers written through sleepless nights—all these drops of sweat have gathered to build the monument of 'Global KOMISS'. I feel deep emotion and reward seeing the achievements our society is reaping on the world stage.

 “Beyond Korea” is an ambitious challenge for us. On the path we have paved, I hope junior doctors will move forward without hesitation toward a wider world. As key players creating global standards beyond Korea, I expect KOMISS to be a beacon protecting human spinal health. Remembering those passionate times we spent together, I will also continue to support the infinite development of our society as a lifelong member of KOMISS.

March 2026    Eun-Sig Doh MD PhD

8th President of the Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (KOMISS)