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Endoscopy 2017; 49(01): 95
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-120998
Letter to the editor
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endoscopic submucosal dissection – a medical education perspective

Neel Sharma
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Publication Date:
09 January 2017 (online)

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Bhatt et al. [1] have greatly highlighted the value of video-based supervision during their training of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). I fully agree that exposure in the West is limited for reasons already known [1].

I have wanted to bring about discussion in the academic community about how to better enhance training. In this study by Bhatt et al., trainees in the USA performed ESDs in ex vivo porcine models and the videos were analyzed by a Japanese expert in Tokyo. In fact videos are now an established form of teaching, and I wonder whether there is room to develop a massive open online course (MOOC). Here a larger global audience can be captured that benefits from Japanese expertise at no added expense. Furthermore users can receive valuable feedback and benefit from wider discussion. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) have highlighted the potential of MOOCS in education and this is certainly something to consider [2]. Allowing a greater capture of learners and faculty can lead to greater cross-talk with a multitude of approaches. Classically the apprenticeship model has been the backbone of learning, yet we know that in reality this is flawed, based on the fact that only a handful of learners ever hit competency according to expert standards. It would be fantastic to train all to the same level, and with a variety of experts on board to guide the learning process.

The World Health Organization has recognised the value of health professions’ education and as gastroenterologists we should do the same. I thank Bhatt and colleagues for contributing greatly to the field.