NZSG Trainees Day 2026

Each year, gastroenterology trainees from across New Zealand come together for the Gastro Registrars Annual Training Programme. This year's two-day event, held on 4th-5th June 2026 in Auckland, provided a valuable opportunity for registrars from around the country to connect, learn, and share experiences as they progress through their specialist training.

The programme brought together an impressive lineup of experts from across the gastroenterology community, covering a diverse range of clinical topics that reflected both current practice and future developments in the field. From the opening welcome by NZSG President Professor Andrew Day, the focus was firmly on equipping trainees with practical knowledge and insights relevant to everyday clinical work.

Day one featured sessions on Barrett's oesophagus, artificial intelligence and quality improvement in endoscopy, sustainability in gastroenterology, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenterology emergencies, and colonic dysmotility. Attendees also gained valuable perspectives on post-surgical anatomy from an expert surgeon and endoscopist. The annual Trainee dinner provided a relaxed setting for registrars and faculty to connect outside the lecture room, strengthening relationships and fostering a sense of community among colleagues from different regions, as well as hosting the hotly contested trainee debate – should all trainees receive a gastroscopy and colonoscopy as part of training to help develop empathy for patients?

The second day continued with a strong clinical focus with high yield sessions on colorectal dysplasia surveillance in IBD, familial gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal failure, GI radiology, acute liver failure, portal hypertension, reflux disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Discussions offered practical take-home messages for trainees at all stages of their training journey.

Importantly, the programme also recognised the broader challenges of medical careers. Sessions on curriculum requirements facilitated by members of the RACP, fellowship experiences, negotiating SMO contracts, and work-life balance addressed topics that are often underrepresented in formal training but are highly relevant to future consultants. These discussions encourage registrars to think beyond clinical competence and consider the personal and professional factors that contribute to a sustainable and rewarding career in gastroenterology.

The success of the Gastro Registrars Annual Training Programme reflects the dedication of the organisers, faculty, trainees, and sponsors who support this important initiative. Beyond the educational content, the annual gathering remains an important opportunity to strengthen the national gastroenterology trainee network. Bringing registrars together from centres across New Zealand allows trainees to share experiences, build professional relationships, and learn from one another to build upon excellence in gastroenterology care throughout New Zealand.