ESGE Newsletter

Growing number of ESGE Individual Members

The ESGE family is growing steadily due to an increase of ESGE Individual Members. Should you be interested in joining ESGE please complete the ESGE Individual Membership form enclosed in this issue. Or visit the ESGE website to find out more about the membership benefits and apply online at www.esge.com.

ESGE-ESGENA-Endoscopy Live Workshop in Győr, November 15 - 16, 2007

On the initiative of the Endoscopic Section of the Hungarian Society of Gastroenterology (HSGE), under the direction of Professor István Rácz, ESGE held a two day live demonstration workshop in Győr, Hungary. The event was conducted by Professor Rácz and his team at Petz Aladár County and Teaching Hospital. Rainer Schoefl was appointed ESGE Co-director and Gerlinde Weilguny represented the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA).

István Rácz, Course Director.

The workshop took place at Béla Bartók Cultural Center Győr, Hungary with live transmissions from Petz Aladár County and Teaching Hospital. Approximately 370 participants attended, of which over 85 were nurses. Attendees came mainly from Hungary but also delegates attended from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania and Estonia.

ESGE would like to thank Olympus Medical Systems Europa GmbH who supported this workshop as international sponsor.

ESGE National Societies interested in holding a workshop under ESGE patronage should visit the ESGE website for detailed information at www.esge.com.

Travelling Tutor Tour to the Baltic States
January 6 - 10, 2008

Travelling Tutors in Riga.

In 2007 the ESGE Education Committee started a follow-up programme for workshops held under the auspices of the ESGE in countries less advanced in endoscopy. The general idea of the Traveling Tutor programme is that a small team, consisting of an expert doctor and a nurse, revisit those hospitals and the doctors and nurses involved in live workshops. Techniques and skills conveyed in workshops can be checked, corrected or enhanced.

Dr Lars Aabakken and Anne Lysaker travelled to the Baltic States in January of this year to follow up on the workshop that had taken place in Tallin, Estonia in May 2007 under the guidance of Dr John Morris and Dr Mart Eisen. The travelling tour was organized and sponsored by the local branch of Boston Scientific, represented by Kjell Vangen.

During the four days of their stay, the travelling tutors visited four hospitals: East Tallin Central Hospital, the University Hospital of Tartu, University Hospital of Riga and the University Hospital of Kaunus. The hospitals had prepared for the tutors by collecting cases and, in some cases, by inviting external colleagues, endoscopists and gastroenterologists from neighbouring units. In Riga a small workshop had been set up so that 30 participants were able to benefit from the visit. Dr Aabakken remarked that his role was different according to the equipment, the cases and the general level of skill at each hospital, but that the gain was certainly valuable for all participants, for himself as well.

In summary Dr Aabakken reported that the similarities were more obvious than the differences in the three countries and that the general equipment situation is acceptable. The accessories, however, and the refunding situation is somewhat deplorable and needs much improvement.

A more detailed report can be viewed on the ESGE website.

United European Gastroenterology Week 2008 (UEGW)

The ESGE looks forward to presenting educational activities again at the 16th UEGW, this year taking place from October 18 - 22, 2008 in Vienna.

UEGW has become the largest and most prestigious meeting in Europe for all specialists in the GI community, attracting physicians, researchers and academics from around the world who desire to stay up-to-date in their respective fields. Postgraduate teaching, updates on pancreatic and biliary disease as well as new developments in ”therapeutic endoscopy” are just a few of the scientific highlights. For the first time this year there will also be basic science workshops!

ESGE will again be responsible for the endoscopic content of the combined Postgraduate Teaching Programme taking on October 18 and 19. Additionally, UEGW Delegates are encouraged to visit the ESGE Learning Area, the location of the ESGE lecture theatre, ESGE DVD Learning Center, and ESGE Hands-on training with biologic models and simulators.

Register today online at www.uegf.org to take advantage of the early registration rates!

Abstracts can be submitted until May 26, 2008.