The 2025 United Family Healthcare (UFH) & Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Orthopedic Symposium Photo: Courtesy of Beijing United Family

The 2025 United Family Healthcare (UFH) & Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Orthopedic Symposium convened in Beijing on November 16, bringing together experts from UFH, HSS and leading domestic hospitals to advance global orthopedic innovation through deeper academic and clinical collaboration.

UFH and HSS formalized their partnership in December 2022, establishing comprehensive cooperation across orthopedic disciplines. Since the partnership, the two sides have maintained frequent academic exchanges in spinal surgery, sports medicine and joint replacement. 

Marking its fifth edition, the symposium focuses on challenges and solutions for arthroplasty instability and marks a significant milestone in the UFH-HSS partnership. In his opening remarks, Alastair Mah, Vice President of Medical Affairs at UFH, said that this event is a powerful platform for sharing cutting-edge research and clinical experience in the orthopedic sector. "By learning from international leaders — both from HSS and from across China — we can collectively push the boundaries of orthopedic care and improve patient outcomes," Mah said.

Alastair Mah Photo: Courtesy of Beijing United Family

Over recent years, the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center of Beijing United Family has remained committed to hosting academic and technological exchange events. On May 24, the hospital held the 2025 8th Orthopedics Symposium, which focused on cutting-edge applications of platelet-rich plasma, shockwave therapy, and high-energy laser therapy in orthopedic sports medicine. 

2025 also marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Beijing United Family's Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center. The symposium not only acts as an important platform for both professionals and the public to learn about UFH achievements in orthopedic development but also represents a testament to the center's remarkable growth over the past decade.

According to Lu Jike, Chair of the Department of Orthopedics at Beijing United Family, the hospital—as a leading premium healthcare provider in China—has always upheld rigorous standards for medical equipment and kept pace with global advancements. In recent years, the hospital has also been actively exploring the application of AI technologies in orthopedics, tapping into their potential to enhance both diagnostic accuracy and treatment processes.

"In the new era of AI, UFH will see tremendous development," Lu said. "AI will significantly enhance medical quality, ensure patient safety, and drive the advancement of orthopedics and sports medicine."

"HSS represents the global pinnacle of orthopedic care," said Lu, noting that UFH has hosted symposiums in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong Province, and twice in Beijing, sharing leading-edge knowledge and techniques across the industry and the public.

Lu Jike Photo: Courtesy of Beijing United Family

A standout moment of the partnership occurred in June 2023, when UFH and HSS held a major academic symposium on spinal surgery in Shanghai, joined by experts from top hospitals nationwide. During the event, the Chinese edition of the HSS Journal was officially launched, marking a milestone in the partnership. 

HSS has been ranked No.1 in the US for orthopedics for a record-breaking 16th consecutive year, and No.3 in the US for rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 Best Hospitals: Specialty Rankings©, the hospital's website shows.

"Our sustaining cooperation with such an international institution plays a crucial role in UFH's development, especially in orthopedics," Lu said.

As a pioneer in high-standard medical services, Beijing United Family was among the first hospitals in China to obtain JCI accreditation in 2005, and has since served millions of expatriate and local families. Its Orthopedics Department is staffed by specialists with international qualifications and covers sub-specialties including adult reconstruction, trauma, sports medicine, spine surgery, joint replacement and reconstruction, musculoskeletal oncology and pediatric orthopedics. Advanced equipment such as the Mako robotic system, CT/MRI scanners, arthroscopic and endoscopic platforms, and DXA bone densitometry, strengthening its scope of services, supported by rehabilitation and pain-management teams.

Dr. Mathias Bostrom, Associate Surgeon-in-Chief and Director of Quality and Safety at HSS, said at the sideline of the symposium that HSS chose UFH to be a collaboration partner because "high-quality patient care is the North Star of our organization, and it is also the North Star of UFH. Because we share the same values, the relationship is logical and sustainable." 

Dr. Mathias Bostrom Photo: Courtesy of Beijing United Family

He also stressed the importance of research and education, noting that new techniques shared at the forum — including innovative hip acetabulum reconstruction methods — contribute meaningfully to global orthopedic progress.

On adapting international treatment philosophies for Chinese patients, Mah noted differences in recovery expectations and patient involvement. While many Chinese patients tend to be more cautious in early rehabilitation, international centers such as HSS promote ultra-early mobilization backed by extensive data. 

UFH's patient-centered model, supported by its Patient Advisory Committees at each hospital, allows local patients understand that the primary purpose of early activity is to improve clinical outcomes rather than accelerates bed turnover. UFH also integrates culturally familiar treatments, leveraging its Chinese-Western medicine resources, Mah said.

A view of the Beijing United Family Hospital. Photo: Courtesy of Beijing United Family

The field of orthopedics remains a key pillar in safeguarding human health, playing an indispensable role in maintaining quality of life. The Orthopedics Department at Beijing United Family has firmly established itself as a leader in high-quality medical services. It brings together an experienced team of specialists and has also introduced a range of advanced equipment, while developing distinctive advantages in areas such as multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment.

Looking toward the next five years, Lu stated that the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center at Beijing United Family will continue to focus on two key areas: talent development and technology acquisition. In terms of talent building, the center will further refine its training system for orthopedic and sports medicine specialists, while actively recruiting outstanding professionals and welcoming elite practitioners from other hospitals who wish to join, in order to rapidly enhance the overall strength of the team, Lu said.