University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, New York
University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, New York
In the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of gastroenterology, where advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment modalities, and research are frequent, staying abreast of the latest developments is paramount, and educational events and conferences are vital for ongoing education and clinical practice updates. These events offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field and provide a unique opportunity for advanced practice providers (APPs) to exchange cutting-edge knowledge, enhance their clinical acumen, collaborate on best practices, network with experts, and foster professional development. As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, these events play an integral role in empowering gastroenterology APPs to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while staying at the forefront of advancements in their field.
To help fellow APPs consider which conferences to explore in 2024 and beyond, we compiled a summary of some of the outstanding available educational opportunities for APPs.
Crohn’s and Colitis Congress (CCC) crohnscolitisfoundation.org (in person, virtual)
The CCC, which is held annually in January, draws over 1,300 healthcare professionals interested in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sessions emphasize multidisciplinary IBD care and cover topics including diagnosis, treatment options, and diet and malnutrition, offering strategies for tailoring recommendations to accommodate individual social, economic, and cultural influences.
Gastroenterology Updates in IBD & Liver Disease (GUILD) Conference guildconference.com/2023 (in person)
The GUILD conference, held every February in Maui, begins with a Back-to-Basics Bootcamp open to all conference attendees, followed by a networking reception exclusively for APPs. In the following 4 days, a comprehensive course delivers updates in IBD, chronic liver disease and esophageal disease. GUILD supports APP attendance through an annual scholarship program, which helps provide support for travel and housing expenses to the APP recipients.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Annual GI Advanced Practice Provider Course learn.asge.org (virtual)
This virtual educational course spans 2 days in the spring and offers practical guidance on integrating APPs into GI practices, along with insights into developing effective onboarding programs. The first day is tailored toward APPs new to GI practice, emphasizing various aspects of onboarding and the key aspects of establishing successful collaborations between physicians and APPs in clinical practice. On day 2, the course provides a comprehensive overview of both general and advanced endoscopic procedures. It features discussions of clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices using case-based scenarios in areas such as liver disease, IBD, acute pancreatitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and celiac disease. A new addition this year was a journal-club article review focusing on the NordICC Trial. The fifth annual course is scheduled for March 2024, and will include additional clinical presentations covering the utilization and interpretation of GI imaging studies, and updates on the treatment of IBD and eosinophilic esophagitis.
Digestive Disease Week (DDW) ddw.org (in person, virtual)
DDW, held each May, features more than 4,000 presentations and offers various tracks, allowing individuals to tailor their meeting agenda to their specific interests and educational requirements. In previous years, several tracks emphasized team-based practices and the role of APPs in current practice paradigms, and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT) organized a panel discussion titled “Optimizing Patient Care through Collaborative Team Practice in Gastrointestinal Surgery,” addressing APP leadership pathways and strategies for extending the APP role beyond clinical care. In addition, ASGE has started an annual APP session, with last year’s topics covering professional development, physician-APP collaboration, and prevention of burnout.
American Neurogastroenterology & Motility Society (ANMS) Annual Meeting motilitysociety.org/2023-anms-meetings (in person)
The ANMS Annual Meeting offers a comprehensive platform focusing on neurogastroenterology and motility topics. The meeting provides APPs with unique opportunities for education and engagement within this subspecialty. Sessions address key issues in neurogastroenterology disorders, motility challenges, and emerging treatments. In addition, there are specialized tracks catering to the needs and interests of APPs, offering a valuable forum for their professional development, networking, and in-depth discussions related to their roles in this field. The 2024 meeting will be held in July.
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Principles of GI for the NP and PA gastro.org/events/2023-principles-of-gi-for-the-np-and-pa (in person)
This yearly event, held in August, provides up-to-date, guideline-driven education on various topics commonly encountered by GI APPs, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis, and gastroparesis. The program includes smaller group break-out sessions that allow APPs to engage in focused discussions. Tracks for both early and advanced career APPs facilitate presentations and discussions customized to the participants’ level of experience. Many participants have highlighted the valuable networking opportunities offered during this course.
Gastroenterology & Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers (GHAPP) Annual Meeting ghapp.org (in person, virtual)
Established by APPs, the GHAPP annual meeting is in its 6th year hosting an annual conference dedicated to enhancing the education and professional growth of GI and hepatology APPs. This 3-day event, held in September, comprises plenary sessions and smaller workshops, covering clinical subjects such as chronic liver disease, IBD, and functional GI disease, with all presentations delivered by APPs. In addition, the conference addresses professional development topics, such as contract negotiation, provider wellness, and optimizing the role of APPs in both early and advanced career settings. GHAPP extends its impact with regional meetings throughout the year.
American Foregut Society (AFS) Annual Meeting americanforegutsociety.org/annual-meeting (in person)
AFS represents a partnership between gastroenterologists and foregut surgeons. The annual meeting, held in September, spans 4 days and emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to patient management in esophageal and foregut diseases. Topics covered include medical, endoscopic, and surgical aspects of managing conditions such as GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, GI motility disorders, bariatric endoscopy and surgery, and eosinophilic esophagitis.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting acgmeetings.gi.org (in person, virtual)
The ACG Annual Meeting, which spans 6 days in October, highlights the latest advances in clinical practice, research, disease prevention, treatment, and innovation. The postgraduate course and general sessions offer clinical updates pertinent to all GI providers. Various optional additional courses are available, such as a pathology and imaging course, the GI pharmacology course, and the practice management summit. In 2023, the practice management summit included a session on the benefit of adding APPs to GI practices to increase practice capacity, and the postgraduate course included a joint session presented by an APP/MD team on how subspecialized APPs bring value to a GI practice. Acknowledging the significant role of APPs in modern clinical practice, the ACG hosts a well-attended APP Welcome Reception, offering APPs a valuable opportunity to network with fellow APPs from all over the country. ACG also organizes regional meetings throughout the year.
| Table. Benefits of APP Attendance At Regional And National GI/Liver Educational Events | |
| Benefits to APPs | Benefits to GI practices |
|---|---|
|
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| APP, advanced practice provider; HCV, hepatitis C virus; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease. | |
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD): The Liver Meeting aasld.org/the-liver-meeting (in person, virtual)
The Liver Meeting, held annually in November, is focused on liver-related research, education, and clinical advancements. It serves as a platform for experts and professionals in the field to share the latest findings, discuss emerging trends, and collaborate on liver-related issues. The meeting typically covers a wide range of topics, including liver diseases, advancements in hepatology, groundbreaking research, and updates on clinical practices. A hepatology associates course highlights the roles of collaborating providers. Participants in the emerging liver APP program receive complimentary membership in AASLD and sponsorship to attend the meeting. Applications to this program open in January each year.
American Pancreatic Association (APA) Annual Meeting american-pancreatic-association.org (in person)
The APA’s annual meeting serves as a crucial gathering for pancreatic disease researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals. The meeting, held in November, includes the latest research findings, clinical advancements, and discussions on treatment strategies across a spectrum of pancreatic diseases. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in scientific sessions, poster presentations, and collaborative discussions, fostering a platform for knowledge exchange and networking with others in the pancreatic disease community.
Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (AIBD) hmpglobalevents.com/aibd/about (in person)
The landscape of IBD treatment is rapidly evolving with emerging therapies and research breakthroughs. AIBD, a 3-day conference in December drawing over 2,500 attendees, serves as a platform to spotlight novel strategies and methodologies in the management of these complex patients. The 2023 APP breakout session featured roundtable discussions with 4 experienced IBD APPs and a collaborating physician mentor. Topics included collaborative practice models, APP productivity, professional development, and appreciation of distinctions based on practice settings, with comparisons of academic settings with private practice and other aspects of diversity in clinical practice.
This article is from the February 2024 print issue.