It is a cliché but time flies! Almost a year since my appointment as deputy chair of the Training Committee, writing this piece has allowed time for reflection on a very busy 12 months.

Very early on, I was delighted to attend the Strategy Day which provided a wonderful opportunity to meet with other members of the BSG, learn about what other committees are doing, and contribute to the future strategy plan.

One of my first ‘big’ events was the National Introduction to Gastroenterology day held in Birmingham in November 2023 which Simon Panter (Chair of the Training Committee) and I planned and hosted. We were delighted to welcome 40 delegates at the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology). The face-toface event provided a much-welcomed opportunity for those new to higher specialty training to network and meet some inspirational people within the specialty. The programme included sessions on the Shape of Gastroenterology training, Hepatology over the next 4 years, the SCE, why we love the many subspecialties within Gastroenterology and many other topics. We received excellent feedback from the delegates and are currently planning the next event.

I was pleased to be a part of the judging panel of the Barbers Company Award. This is an award of £3000 to contribute to a project that helps patient care through clinical service delivery. We received 9 excellent applications. I am delighted that Dr Theresa Hydes (a Mersey-based HST) was the successful candidate and her project aims to support those with metabolic associated liver disease.

The Training Committee is also involved in assisting with judging the Dame Parveen Kumar Award for Education and Training. The applicants are nominated by the trainees in recognition of their contribution to Education and Training. We received 32 applications to a very high standard and the winner was Dr Sarah Clark, Consultant Hepatologist, St George’s Hospital London. Sarah received her award at BSG LIVE in June 2024, attended the President’s dinner at the conference, will receive £1,000 towards an educational project of her choice, and was invited to join the BSG Training Committee as an associate member for one year. There were also two highly commended nominees, Dr Louise China, Consultant Hepatologist, Royal Free London Hospital, and Dr Phedra Dodds, Nurse Lead, NHS England South West Endoscopy Programme.

Recognising the importance of collaborative working, I have also been involved in a working group supporting Dr Charlie Andrews (GP) to produce a framework to support GPwER in Gastroenterology. The Training Committee members suggested some changes to the final document. Once completed, the framework will be presented to the BSG Executive and Council for their consideration of approval at their meeting in September 2024.

I continue to work with the trainees and recently appointed consultants on the newly established New Consultants Group within the committee to support those transitioning to consultant roles. I was thrilled that within the first few months of the group, we were able to deliver a session at the BSG annual meeting which was received positively. I look forward to the next 12 months!

Katie Clark

Deputy Chair, Training Committee