Shining a light on gastrointestinal endoscopy experts

 

During this year’s European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Days of 2025, it's an opportune moment to celebrate the dedication and expertise of gastroenterologists worldwide.

Their unwavering commitment to advancing digestive health significantly enhances patient outcomes daily. In anticipation of this esteemed event, we engaged with some of our leading experts who embrace new learning approaches and work tirelessly to improve patient care.

Over the next day or two we will be shining a light on their skills and expertise, starting with Dr Rhys Hewitt from ​Aneurin Bevan Hospital, whose practice has made history in being the first in Wales to introduce Speedboat® technology. The six-month pilot program is offering patients a faster, safer, and less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Read on for his interview below, but first here are a few reasons why we’re celebrating our gastroenterology experts…

Inspiration and Passion for Gastroenterology

Many gastroenterologists trace their passion back to a desire to make a tangible difference in patients' lives. Dr. Baharak Moshiree, reflecting on her interest in GI dysmotility and functional bowel diseases, emphasizes the impact of early exposure and training on her career trajectory. Such experiences often ignite a lifelong dedication to the field.​gi.org

Memorable Patient Success Stories

Patient success stories serve as powerful reminders of the profound impact gastroenterologists have, Zach Tsiamoulos, Consultant Gastroenterologist at East Kent Hospitals, highlights the importance of specialised care and the difference it makes in patients' lives.​ He talks more about this in his interview on creating the UK’s first complex polyp service at his practice. 

Strategies for Ensuring Excellent Patient Outcomes

Achieving optimal patient outcomes requires a multifaceted approach which can involve balancing the complex challenges of patient waiting times and costs. The NHS Supply Chain recently shared a study that tackled these very challenges by harnessing the benefits of our Advanced Energy devices, all while elevating patient outcomes. Their data has shown substantial savings in addition to reducing the time that patients have to spend in hospital, both for initial treatment and follow up appointments.

Elisa Llewellyn, Director of Commissioning, Contracting and Costing – NHS said:

“With over 200 Speedboat Submucosal Dissection cases now completed, our in-depth costing work shows tangible and consistent financial benefits largely stemming from a reduction in the time patients are spending in hospital”.

Clinical data is available within the case study, which presents figures on hospital cost savings and patient outcomes and is available to download here. 

 

Staying Updated with Advancements

Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving field of gastroenterology. Engaging with professional societies, attending conferences like ESGE Days, and participating in research are essential for staying abreast of the latest advancements. At Creo Medical, we offer our Pioneer Clinical Education Programme, which is our commitment to developing Healthcare Professionals through learning pathways designed to achieve improved patient outcomes in therapeutic endoscopy. It’s designed to enhance existing skills, build on a solid foundation in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and elevate best practices using our Advanced Energy devices. Some of our Pioneer Programme attendees talk about their experience of continued learning and innovative approaches to treating patients in our Pioneer video here.

Dr Rhys Hewitt (​Aneurin Bevan Hospital) interview:

  1. When starting your career in gastroenterology, what first inspired you specialise in (EMR/ESD/POEM) procedures, and what keeps you passionate about the field today?

I initially sub specialized in intestinal failure, but always wanted to develop my endoscopy skills further. When this opportunity came along I was very pleased to pursue it.

  1. Can you share a memorable success story that highlights the impact of your expertise and care?

I think it is just nice to have now done some Speedboat ESD cases. ESD was something I thought was realistically something I would not get the chance to learn as an established consultant in hospital that when I joined did not provide an ESD service.

  1. Can you tell us the latest technology you’ve adopted in your third space practice that has made a significant improvement to the patient outcomes you achieve?

Wasn’t sure how to answer this one! I guess that developing Speedboat ESD in the health board will mean that the patients will get more appropriate and safer treatment, with better outcomes.

  1. What advice would you give to aspiring gastroenterologists who want to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives?

I would advise that they should follow their aspirations and don’t let anyone tell them that they should settle for less.

 

 

Looking Ahead to ESGE Days 2025

ESGE Days 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for the global gastroenterology community. It offers a platform for professionals to exchange knowledge, explore innovative technologies, and discuss strategies to enhance patient care. The congress will feature hands-on training sessions, expert talks, and opportunities for networking, all aimed at advancing the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy.​esgedays.org

As we celebrate the contributions of gastroenterologists, Creo Medical remain committed to supporting these professionals with cutting-edge medical technologies. Together, we strive to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of gastroenterology.​

We look forward to the insights and innovations that will emerge from ESGE Days 2025 and remain grateful for the dedication of gastroenterologists worldwide. For those who are attending ESGE this year, visit our booth (#26) or swing by our Tech Suite (T7), where you can get hands-on with some of our latest Advanced Energy devices.

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