gut2006_report

Front L to R: Prof Peter Gibson, Prof Anthony Morris, Prof Nimish Vakil, Dr Mohamad Nazim Salleh, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Hj Mohd Ismail Merican, Prof Nageshwar Reddy, Prof Dato' Goh Khean Lee, Dr Ooi Choon Jin & Dr Ng Han Seong

Back L to R: Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, Dr Ida Hilmi, Prof Rosmawati Mohamed, Dr Mazlam Zawawi, Dr Mahendra Raj, Dr Tan Huck Joo, Prof Yunus Gul, Dr Ryan Ponnudurai, Dr Andrew Chua, Prof Jayaram Menon & Dr Wong Choon Heng

GUT 2006 was held at Kuala Lumpur Hilton from 20th to 23rd July 2006. Graced by the beating of the 'kompang' and a welcome traditional display of Malay 'silat', the Opening Ceremony was officiated by Tan Sri Datuk Dr Hj Mohd Ismail Merican, Director-General of Health. The theme was 'Gastroenterology and Hepatology In Practice' and thus the contents of this meeting represented the needs of practicing gastroenterologists, GI surgeons and family physicians. Fourteen distinguished overseas faculty including three Presidents of national societies of gastroenterology were invited.

The programme comprised five lectures, six symposia, four 'Meet-the-expert' breakfast sessions and a half-day session on 'Gastroenterology in Primary Care Practice'. The highlights included two interactive clinical forums on Chronic Pancreatitis and Occult GI Bleeding; a special lecture on History of GE and GI surgery by Professor I. Modelin which is very well presented and very much enjoyed by the audience; The 3rd Panir Chelvam Memorial Lecture delivered by the famous and innovative endoscopist, Professor Nageshwar Reddy; the MSGH Oration by Professor John Wong, a very distinguished professor of surgery; two very interesting symposia - 'What we need to know about litigation' and 'Specialty Training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology' from three different perspectives - United Kingdom, Australia and United States; and finally a half day session for Primary Care Physicians covering issues common in primary care - Evaluating and treating dyspepsia, tumour markers, colorectal screening and liver enzymes abnormalities. This meeting had been well received and we had about 500 registrants including 80 primary care physicians.

Another highlight was the "Malaysian Nite" which was also held at the main ballroom of Kuala Lumpur Hilton. The evening was coloured by fantastic performances of the traditional Malay dancers, life band and singers, and the usual myriad, colourful and fantastic spread of international buffet-style dinner. Prizes for the 'Young Investigator Award' and letters of appreciation to our sponsors from the industries were also presented at the dinner.

In summary GUT 2006 was indeed a very successful meeting and has indeed surpassed our expectation. As Chairman of the Organizing Committee and President of MSGH (2005-2006), I wish to extend my special thank you to all the committees, the secretariat, the AV team, especially to the Scientific Chairman, Professor Dato' Dr Goh Khean Lee, who has worked tirelessly throughout the year organizing the faculty and Miss Molly Kong, the anchor woman in the organization of this meeting and her team.

See all of you again in our next GUT 2007!