Ryota Honjo

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I participated in The 23rd Congress of the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies (FAOPS 2024) held in Seoul, marking my first attendance at FAOPS and my third international conference. The large presence of Japanese attendees made parts of the poster sessions feel like a Japanese conference, which was a pleasant surprise.
 
I gave an oral presentation titled *"Neonatal-Onset Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Is A Phenotype Associated With Poor Outcomes In Surfactant Protein-C Disorder."* My study analyzed the genes of around 300 Japanese children, identifying 20 cases of SP-C disorder. Among them, nine developed symptoms in the neonatal period, with four cases of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Three of these four patients died, and one survived after a lung transplant, indicating significantly poor outcomes in neonatal-onset cases.
 
Aside from the conference, I enjoyed exploring Seoul with my family, especially shopping and street food in Myeongdong, which my children loved. I also had a memorable dinner with Dr. Son from Gachon University Gil Hospital and other Japanese attendees, where I gained valuable insights from various doctors about clinical practice, research, and study abroad opportunities.
 
I believe that participating in international conferences, despite language barriers, offers invaluable experience and inspiration. I am deeply grateful to the Japan Society of Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine for this opportunity.
 
with my wife who participated in the poster presentation and daughters
Korean Yakiniku dinner with Dr. Isayama (National Center for Child Health and Development), Dr. Toyoshima (Kanagawa Children's Medical Center), Dr. Tomotaki (Kyoto University), Dr. Son (Gachon University Gil Hospital), Dr. Cho and Hokkaido members.