Trainees' Day 2024

Our annual gastroenterology trainees' day was held over two days at the Grand Millenium Hotel in March this year. We are thrilled to report on a successful day as 22 trainees' from across the motu attended for this jam-packed educational event. We have Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd to thank for making this possible, including sponsorship for both trainees' and speakers' travel and accommodation.

The programme covered key aspects of our RACP gastroenterology curriculum, which was delivered by a diverse line-up of speakers who we are very grateful take time out of their busy schedule, travelling near and far to speak in person, or by virtual presentation. Within hepatology, we heard about the management of hepatitis C, primary sclerosing cholangitis, portal hypertensive bleeding and when to refer to the liver unit. We learnt about treating to target, therapeutic drug monitoring and surgery in inflammatory bowel disease, as well as investigations for gastrointestinal motility. A valuable talk on troubleshooting PEG tubes from a CNS was very well received and highly practical. Talks on endoscopy included endostitch for the management of obesity, endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic mucosal resection and submucosal dissection. Other interesting topics included FIT testing for symptomatics, familial gastrointestinal cancer, clinical trials at the liver unit, what makes a successful gastro department and the national bowel screening programme. We had the opportunity to hear from recently appointed consultants on their fellowship experiences and discuss the RACP training updates that will impact new trainees.

The feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, it was nice to welcome the new trainees and reconnect with those returning for another year of exciting gastroenterology training. We would like to give special thanks to Conference Innovators for their hard work and organization in making this event possible.

Nga mihi,
Dr Michael Chieng and Dr Erin Horsfall
2024 NZSG Trainee Representatives