First annual Cherry Blossom Seminar was held on April 23-24, 1982 at the Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. under chairmanship of Charles H. Epps, Jr., M.D. and M.Mike Malek, M.D.

This first seminar was designed for beginner arthroscopist and included didactic lectures and hands on workshop. The seminar was sponsored by Depuy and Howard University provided CME credits.

An international faculty were invited and provided an outstanding educational experience for over two hundred and fifty participants.

Cherry Blossom Seminar over the past twenty sixth years has evolved and has changed format and sponsorship however, the principle idea to provide the best educational experience for those seeking higher level of knowledge and experience in arthroscopy and arthroplasty has not changed.

Since the inception we have conducted twenty six seminars in the past twenty four years and have assisted in arthroscopy, arthroscopic surgery and related surgery education of over 3,000 orthopaedic surgeons, fellows and residents

At the present time Cherry Blossom Seminar is the longest running independent Arthroscopy/ Arthroplasty seminar in the world.

M.Mike Malek, M.D., F.A.C.S. has continued to act as the chairperson for these seminars and over the last six years Benjamin S. Shaffer, M.D. has joined him as the co-chairperson.

National Knee Research and Education Foundation has been the sponsor or co-sponsor of these seminars since 1984. 

Twenty seventh Annual Cherry Blossom Seminar will be held on April 4-6, 2008 at the Tysons Corner Westin Hotel, Virginia (Washington, D.C.).

Inova Fairfax Hospital will provide CME credit for the seminar and participants will receive up to 10 credit hours Category I towards AMA awards.

This course also meets the basic criteria of the Maryland State Board of physical therapy Examiners of State of Maryland for 0.9 CEUs (9 contact hours).

We are looking forward to another outstanding educational experience and celebrating our twenty seven years of providing Arthroscopy/Arthroplasty education.