Treating giant pandas: an unusual advanced role for the gastroenterologist
Giant pandas are captivating animals with worldwide interest. Their distinctive colour, furriness and slow, swaggering, lifestyle may be some of the reasons why people love them (Figure 1 A-C). Fewer than 1900 pandas remain in their natural habitats according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. However, in 2016, as a major success of conservation efforts, the IUCN announced a downgrading of the protection status of the giant panda from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Vulnerable’.
Read the full commentary here.
Figure 1 Giant pandas (A–C) and Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (D,E).
Gastroenterology SpRs - "Highlights from Gut" ambassador opportunity
The BSG is keen to strengthen its links with the journal, Gut. As part of this initiative, we hope to have a new section of our BSG newsletter every month dedicated to highlighting the best content in Gut that is relevant to all BSG members, be those interested in IBD, Hepatology, Endoscopy, HPB and Nutrition.
Call for nominations – 24th ECCO IBD Intensive Course for Trainees
The annual IBD Intensive Course is a 1-day course which takes place prior to the ECCO Congress. This is an excellent educational opportunity and a prestigious event, with those who have been in the past rating this very highly.
NHS Approve Initial National Roll Out of GPwER Gastroenterology Programme
A programme to train GPs with extended roles (GPwERs) in gastroenterology has recently been approved by the NHS for a national roll out.