As you can see in this picture, I completed a one-year research fellowship at the University of California, Irvine, where I had the privilege of being mentored by Prof. Maxime Cannesson.

My name is Dr. Alexandre Joosten, and I'm an anesthesiologist in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care at Erasmus Hospital in Brussels.

Today, I had the opportunity to give two lectures. The first focused on perioperative goal-directed therapy (GDT), specifically addressing how fundamental concepts related to fluid management and hemodynamic optimization can significantly improve outcomes in high-risk surgical patients.

In the afternoon, I delivered a second presentation on the same topic as part of a satellite symposium sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences. This session placed special emphasis on practical implementation at the bedside—highlighting how technology-assisted approaches, including automated systems and closed-loop algorithms, can support clinicians in applying GDT more effectively.

This is my first time attending this congress, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The event brings together many well-known experts in the field, and I've had the chance to learn a great deal. It's truly a pleasure and privilege to be part of this vibrant and insightful community.