Dr Jabed Ahmed is a North West London gastroenterology trainee and is doing a PhD in robotic endoscopy. He is the secretary for the BSG Colorectal Committee and trainee rep for the Endoscopy CRG. He is also works with the Education Committee and is developing their new podcast From Top to Bottom. His interests are in advanced endoscopy, robotics and AI.

What attracted you to a career in gastroenterology/hepatology?

I always knew I wanted to work in a hospital. During my CMT years I found the gastroenterologists to be the coolest and then looking into the speciality it honestly had a bit of everything. I love that you can have a mix in your day of inpatient, outpatient, endoscopy both for acute and chronic conditions. The fact that you can delve deep into a specific area and become an expert in that field made gastroenterology a no brainer for me.

What advancement in gastroenterology/hepatology are you most excited about and why?

My research has focused on novel technologies such as soft robotics in endoscopy. Learning about this in depth along with other advancements such as AI, I think the future is very exciting for gastroenterologists with lots of exciting things to come. 

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy working with all the different members of the healthcare team. Given we are at work for most of our day, its lovely to work with people together to help patients. I really enjoy endoscopy and I find doing my lists quite therapeutic and somewhat relaxing when I’m in that zone. It is also an exciting area where there is always something to learn and something new to try and add to your skillset. 

What is the one thing you would change?

I would make time and resources for endoscopy training more available for trainees and those who have an interest in developing    specific or advanced techniques. I think endoscopy is a valuable skill that we as gastroenterologists have and increasing opportunities would greatly benefit us all.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in your career?

Don’t be in a rush. Take your time and take advantage of all your opportunities available to you. You will be a consultant hopefully for the majority of your career, so before you reach that point, use that status as a trainee to optimise and build your skillset, knowledge and network.

What does being a BSG member mean to you?

Being a BSG member is so much fun! You get to meet colleagues from the entire UK and collaborate and work on projects with people with similar interests to yourself. The support and resources available have made a big difference to my gastroenterology journey and I look forward to the future and doing more with the BSG!