Asia Pacific Musculoskeletal Tumour Society

The APMSTS began conceptually with discussions at the 7th International Symposium of Limb Salvage Surgeons (ISOLS) meeting in Singapore hosted by then President of ISOLS, Professor Robert WH Pho. Together with a number of other established Asian surgeons the principle of need of such an organisation based in the Asia Pacific region was introduced. This was especially pressing given the ready collaborative environments that were already in place in Europe (European Musculoskeletal Oncology Symposium, EMSOS) and the American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS). Accordingly, the first APMSTS was held in Tokyo, Japan under the presidency of Yoshio Ogihara. Since then the meeting has been held every 2 years to alternate with the ISOLS meeting.

The APMSTS remains an organisation focused to the bringing together of practitioners and allied health workers in the field of musculoskeletal oncology (orthopaedic oncology) in the Asia Pacific region. This is not a restrictive organisation as the unique diversity of cultures in this region is attractive to practitioners in places as far flung as the Middle East. While the association is presently undergoing fundamental changes and establishment to its constitution it has become acknowledged the challenges that must face the organisation as it now navigates its way through an establishment of. Until then the members of the APMSTS continue to collaborate in a fruitful if unofficial membership of individuals who represent their respective countries on the advisory board of the APMSTS.

The members of the board comprise a maximum of three representatives per member country who are introduced to the board by existing members based on their past and on-going contributions to the organisation and support for its meetings. Membership is strictly voluntary and non-binding and there is no financial requirement. Virtually all financial undertakings for the 2-year term of the presidency are undertaken by the current president of the APMSTS.