JSGE-UEG Fellowship Exchange

2026年度

佐藤　達也（東京大学大学院医学系研究科消化器内科）
Host Centre：Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles

Thank you for giving me the invaluable opportunity to visit Erasme University Hospital in Brussels, Belgium. As a hepato-pancreatico-biliary endoscopist, I chose Erasme Hospital as my preferred host institution for the JSGE-UEG Exchange Fellowship because it is a renowned center of excellence in ERCP and EUS. From the beginning of my visit, I was impressed by the sophisticated and innovative interventional endoscopy performed under the supervision of Professors Jacques Deviere, Marianna Arvanitakis, and Arnaud Lemmers, leading experts in this field. During my two-week fellowship, I mainly stayed in the endoscopy unit and participated in a case-based observership, including discussion on diagnosis, indications for endoscopy, and interventional procedures.

I observed substantial differences between endoscopy practice in Japan and European. At Erasme, the endoscopy unit is organized similarly to a surgical unit, with close multidisciplinary collaboration. Interventional procedures were generally performed under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation and involved anesthesiologists, as well as several specialized nurses and technicians who supported the procedures as skilled assistants. Another notable difference was the organization of the gastroenterology department into several functional subspeciality units, including hepatology, IBD, pancreatology, oncology, transplantation and endoscopy. As a result, endoscopists in Europe may be involved in both GI endoscopy (mucosal resection, 3rd space endoscopy) and HPB endoscopy (EUS and ERCP). In contrast, gastroenterology in Japan is generally organized according to organ systems, which should be noted when comparing clinical practices between east and west. “Immersing in a high-volume endoscopy center outside my familiar clinical environment” (Arvanitakis M, et al. Endoscopy 2024) provided me with new perspectives that will serve as a foundation for communicating and collaborating with colleagues from other countries in the future.

An unexpected highlight of my fellowship was the opportunity to participate in the EUS-ENDO International Live Course held at Erasme Hospital. Observing the diagnostic process, clinical decision-making, and endoscopic procedures performed by expert endoscopists from across Europe was a valuable opportunity to broaden my knowledge and perspective as a gastroenterologist. I also had the opportunity to observe the clinical evaluations of prototype devices by Prof. Deviere, which gave me insight into the innovative process of developing and applying cutting-edge interventional endoscopy technologies in clinical practice.

I strongly encourage future fellows to visit Erasme Hospital and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from its expert gastroenterologists. As the organization of gastroenterology subspeciality differs from that in Japan, I recommend discussing in advance with your tutor what you would like to experience and learn during the fellowship. Language is also important for effective communication with European colleagues. Although English is sufficient for communication at Erasme Hospital, having some familiarity with French would further enhance the fellowship experience.

谷口　勝城（横浜市立大学附属市民総合医療センター・炎症性腸疾患(IBD)センター）
Host Centre：Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The JSGE-UEG Fellowship Exchange provided me with a valuable opportunity to learn about IBD clinical practice and research in the UK and to broaden my clinical and academic perspective.

During my stay at Hull University Teaching Hospitals, I observed various aspects of IBD care and gained a deeper understanding of the differences between the UK and Japan. I was impressed by the close integration of clinical care and research at the host centre. A large number of patients were actively participating in clinical research, and research activities appeared to be incorporated naturally into routine clinical practice. This provided me with valuable insights into how to promote research participation and develop a sustainable clinical research environment. I also noted the active role of IBD specialist nurses in outpatient care and treatment decisions, an approach that differs from usual practice in Japan.

During the fellowship, I was given the opportunity to undertake a systematic review related to IBD. In addition, I discussed another potential collaborative research project with researchers at the host centre. These discussions have led to a potential research collaboration between the UK and Japan.

I would strongly encourage future fellows to make full use of this fellowship programme. Spending time in a different healthcare system not only broadens one’s clinical and academic perspective, but also provides a valuable opportunity to build new professional relationships. The knowledge, perspectives, and professional connections gained through this programme will contribute to my future clinical practice and research activities.

Above all, I was very grateful to share with colleagues at the host centre a strong commitment to advancing IBD care. I sincerely appreciate JSGE, UEG, and my host institution for providing me with this valuable opportunity.