WEO Emerging Stars

WEO Emerging Stars 2015 - 2017: A program for future leaders. Munich (Germany)

In 2015, the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) developed a unique program on the initiative of Professor Ibrahim Mostafa, Program Director WEO’s Education Committee, aiming to equip the most promising young doctors with the necessary skills to become future leaders in the field of endoscopy. Supported by PENTAX Medical and Boston Scientific, the Emerging Stars course helps the best talents in endoscopy to optimize their leadership abilities, i.e. people skills, time management, sound decision-making, professional expertise, and optimal technical skills.

In order to give a thorough in-depths training, the course comprises three face-to-face training modules over the span of twelve to eighteen months.

The kick-off module was held in Munich, Germany, on November 8 – 13, 2015. Prior to the event, the first class of 19 “Emerging Stars” in the field of endoscopy had been selected out of 60+ applicants around the globe. Their multifaceted backgrounds are considered an additional asset for the intercultural exchange of ideas and the establishment of an international network of future leaders in endoscopy. Six days of interactive, intensive training covered a wide range of leadership development topics, such as the improvement of communication and networking skills, advanced teaching methods and structures, the enhancement of IT skills, the optimal use of Social Media, as well as the best approaches to Evidence Based Medicine (EBM).

After four months had passed since the highly successful kick-off module of the Emerging Stars Course in Munich in November, the group much enjoyed the opportunity to re-join for the second module, which took place on April 3 – 8,2016 in the Chicago metropolitan area at the ASGE Institute for Training & Technology (IT&T).

Ever since the group had met for Module I, communication between the participants has been very active, exemplified by the formation of multiple joint research projects, as well as international networking and exchange efforts of the group.

The faculty of the second module consisted of 15 international and national experts who covered a wide range of topics. While the first module had focussed on leadership development and internet and communication technology skills, the second module covered the various aspects of teaching endoscopy, conducting research in the field of GI endoscopy, working with models and integrating them in the training, as well medico-legal aspects and innovations in endoscopy. A highlight was the live demonstration “New techniques in endoscopy” at the University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC).

The intensive training was complemented by a social program that included a guided walking tour of downtown Chicago, several joint dinners, as well as a customary bowling and pizza outing, which gave the participants the opportunity to network with their colleagues in a casual atmosphere.

The response of the participants was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding content and organization, as the enthusiastic feedback shows:  “Wow. It was amazing. […] Everything was new to me.” “Informative and fun!” “It was fantastic. We are evolving into an international family with a lot of potential!” “The course greatly improved my leadership and communication skills, and has put me in touch with brilliant professionals worldwide.”

The third and final module will take place in Cairo (Egypt) in March 2017.

Applications are now open for the Emerging Stars Course II, 2017 – 2019. To learn more about the eligibility criteria and to submit your application, please visit: www.worldendo.org/education/emerging-stars-program/

For ore information, please contact Professor Ibrahim Mostafa, Chair of the WEO Education Committee, ibrahimmostafa@egyptgastrohep.com or the WEO Executive Secretariat, secretariat@worldenedo.org