History of Korean Pancreatobiliary Association Academic Conferences

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has played a central role in the development of pancreaticobiliary endoscopy in Korea. This review traces the historical evolution of ERCP in Korea, from its first clinical application in the early 1970s to the establishment and growth of an academic society dedicated to pancreaticobiliary diseases. The first ERCP in Korea was performed in 1973, followed by early therapeutic advances such as endoscopic sphincterotomy in the late 1970s. Despite initial technical and infrastructural limitations, a group of dedicated pioneers fostered the dissemination and education of ERCP through regular case-based meetings. In 1991, these efforts culminated in the launch of the ERCP Study Group, which provided a nationwide platform for case discussion, skill acquisition, and professional solidarity among gastroenterologists. The group expanded its academic scope beyond ERCP procedures to encompass a broader spectrum of pancreatic and biliary diseases, leading to the formal establishment of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association in 1995. Subsequent milestones included the publication of educational atlases, initiation of live demonstration courses, adoption of video endoscopy, and the integration of emerging techniques such as endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). The society’s progressive expansion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international engagement ultimately resulted in its reorganization as a full-fledged academic society in 2007 and its official recognition by the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences in 2011. This historical overview highlights how collective enthusiasm, technological innovation, and sustained educational efforts transformed ERCP from a novel procedure into a cornerstone of pancreaticobiliary medicine in Korea, laying the foundation for future academic and clinical advancements.