A new manuscript designed as a handy guide to optimise the experience of ESCP’s annual conferences for medical students and young surgeons has been published in the Colorectal Disease journal by young-ESCP members.
Speaking about his contribution to the report, Argyrios Ioannidis, MD, said:
“Attendance at scientific conferences and events is important for young surgeons to expand their knowledge and build relationships and this guide was created to highlight opportunities available.
“For those in training, such meetings offer the chance to learn and develop key insights and skills whether it’s from a dedicated trainee session or an expert presentation.”
Young surgeons should be encouraged to seek out training opportunities and involvement in working groups where possible. EuroSurg, conceptualised at the 2015 ESCP conference in Dublin, is an example of a growing network currently conducting student and trainee-led international studies.
The paper also looks at how innovation is leading to new ways of disseminating knowledge. As technology continues to evolve, young surgeons also have access to online resource such as social media platforms and YouTube which have proven to be increasingly beneficial for scientific and professional development. ESCP utilises these platforms to share informative and educational content. For example, dedicated monthly topics and case reports from committee members and working groups.
The authors added:
“We strongly encourage junior trainees and medical students to pursue and attend international conferences and events.
“Noting down key points from lectures and socialising with attendees and faculty from across the globe is crucial to building knowledge and connections which can flourish into long-lasting networks. It’s also worth researching the event prior to attendance and setting objectives for what you wish to achieve!”
ESCP Members and Colorectal Disease subscribers can view the guide here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/codi.14590
Contributors: Argyrios Ioannidis, Ruth Blanco Colino, António Sampaio Soares, Stephen Chapman, Gianluca Pellino, Matteo Frasson.