Printing replacement body parts may sound like something from the realm of science fiction, but that idea and that of others using 3-D techniques for the mass production of medical devices will be the topic of a keynote presentation at World Medical Tourism Congress Taiwan 2014, jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Health & Welfare Taiwan, Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Global Benefits Association and Medical Tourism Association, June 26-27, at the Taipei International Convention Center.

Dr. Scott Hollister, professor of biomedical engineering and director of the Scaffold Tissue Engineering Group at the University of Michigan, will present mpacts of Advanced Technology in Medical Services,?focusing on a hot topic ?the theory that entire organs and body parts can be bio-printed ?that has not only captured the imagination of the world, but, more specifically, the healthcare industry as well.

sing 3-D images could revolutionize the way we look ?quite literally ?at the way healthcare providers manufacture, distribute and modify medical and dental devices,?said Ren嶪-Marie Stephano, President of the Medical Tourism Association? ut, as fascinating as the prospect of advancing health improvements through 3-D printing can be, public discussions like this can serve to further balance safety issues without compromising innovation.?

According to the source, Taiwan recently launched a three-year, US$2.33 million (NT$70 million) program to cultivate local 3-D printing capabilities. Speaking at the pre-event press conference on May 26, 2014 at Taipei International Convention Center, President & CEO of TAITRA Peter Huang, said this event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Taiwan to strengthen and work with medical providers throughout the world.

Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Shiu Ming-neng also attended the press conference, added this is a good opportunity in making "Service in Taiwan" a visible new brand.

World Medical Tourism Congress Taiwan 2014 will bring more than 400 participants from multinational employers and insurance companies from 25 countries to focus on networking while engaging in a diverse span of industry topics including healthcare development and investment in Taiwan, medical tourism research, healthcare free trade zones, global insurance, wellness and clinical quality improvements. For a complete list of speakers, go to: http://www.wmtctaiwan.com/speakers_year/2014-speakers/.