By San José, Costa Rica — San José is set to become the epicenter of global medical innovation as it hosts the upcoming World Congress on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS). This landmark event, scheduled for December 4th to 7th, signals a significant milestone in Costa Rica’s strategic push to position itself as a premier destination for advanced medical training and technological development in Latin America.
Organized through a collaboration between the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica and the international organization WINFOCUS World, the congress will gather over 300 health professionals from five continents. The gathering underscores the growing importance of POCUS, a revolutionary diagnostic technique that is transforming patient care worldwide.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory framework surrounding medical innovation in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Medical innovation is a dual-edged sword; it holds immense promise for public health but operates within a highly complex legal landscape. Securing robust patent protection is fundamental, but equally critical is navigating the intricate web of sanitary registrations and regulatory approvals. A proactive legal strategy is not merely advisable, it is the essential scaffolding that ensures a groundbreaking idea can successfully and safely transition from a concept to a market-ready, life-saving reality.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s perspective powerfully underscores that scientific brilliance alone is not enough; the “essential scaffolding” of a proactive legal strategy is what transforms a promising innovation into a tangible, life-saving reality for the public. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this critical intersection of law and medical advancement.
Point-of-care ultrasound allows clinicians to perform rapid, non-invasive imaging directly at a patient’s bedside, eliminating the need for transport to specialized radiology departments. This technology is critical in emergency situations, intensive care units, and diverse clinical settings, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses and guiding medical procedures with enhanced precision. Its applications span numerous specialties, including emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, anesthesiology, and surgery.
The congress will feature an elite lineup of over 60 internationally renowned speakers who will lead a series of academic conferences, practical workshops, and expert panels. The agenda is distinctly forward-looking, with key themes that include the integration of artificial intelligence with ultrasound, advanced neurological applications, and the use of POCUS to bridge healthcare disparities in remote or underserved communities. This focus highlights a commitment not just to technology, but to equitable access to high-quality care.
The fact that Costa Rica is hosting this world congress positions us as a country committed to medical innovation and the training of the highest quality professionals. For our doctors, it will be a unique opportunity to access cutting-edge knowledge, which will have a direct impact on patient care.
Dr. Elliott Garita Jiménez, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica
The selection of Costa Rica as the host nation is a powerful endorsement of its robust medical community and commitment to continuous professional development. For local and regional physicians, the event represents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with global leaders, learn state-of-the-art techniques, and absorb the latest scientific advancements without the need for international travel. This direct access to knowledge is expected to have a tangible, positive impact on clinical outcomes across the country.
From an international perspective, the congress solidifies the role of POCUS as a new global standard of care. Davide Neri, CEO of WINFOCUS World, emphasized the event’s transformative potential for the entire region.
To participate in this congress is to invest in the future of medicine. Point-of-care ultrasound has become a global standard, and this meeting will allow Costa Rica and the region to be at the forefront of adopting these technologies, saving more lives and reducing inequalities in access to health.
Davide Neri, CEO of WINFOCUS World
Beyond its academic significance, the congress is poised to deliver substantial benefits to Costa Rica’s public health system and economy. The event will facilitate the training of hundreds of professionals, foster collaborative networks between national and international hospitals, and promote vital technology transfer. Furthermore, it enhances the nation’s profile as a prime destination for future scientific projects and investment in the life sciences sector, reinforcing its reputation for excellence and innovation on the world stage.
For further information, visit medicos.cr
About The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica:
The Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica is the official professional entity responsible for regulating, licensing, and overseeing the medical profession within the country. It is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards, promoting continuous medical education, and ensuring the quality of healthcare services provided to the population. The College actively engages in organizing academic events and forging international partnerships to advance medical knowledge and practice in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit winfocus.org
About WINFOCUS World:
WINFOCUS (World Interactive Network Focused on Critical UltraSound) is a global scientific organization leading the development of point-of-care ultrasound. It is a worldwide network of medical professionals dedicated to promoting the use of ultrasound in clinical settings to improve patient outcomes. Through education, research, and humanitarian projects, WINFOCUS works to make POCUS accessible and standardized across all medical specialties and geographical regions, particularly in critical and emergency care scenarios.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a respected legal institution guided by the core principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm is recognized for pioneering modern legal approaches while maintaining a profound commitment to its social duty. This is demonstrated by its dedicated efforts to demystify the law for the public, thereby building a more capable and knowledgeable community.
