Medical students present at Global Gastroenterology Forum

Two third-year MD medical students, Sayed Shah from Canada and Ahmad Sandouka from UK, participated in the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) annual meeting, held in late October 2024 in Philadelphia, USA. Their research posters were selected from thousands of applications submitted from around the world.

Sayed’s research focused on a rare case of dysphagia involving an oesophageal polyp, while Ahmad presented a case on Meckel’s diverticulum. The preparation of these cases was overseen by Dr Barakat Al Tamimi, a gastroenterologist based in the United States, who was part of the professional network of one of the students.

Sayed Shah remarked, ‘It was enlightening to see the advancements being made in gastroenterology and to understand the expansive nature of the field. This experience definitely broadened my perspective on potential career paths in medicine’.

Ahmad Bahjat Areef Sandouka added, ‘Being part of the ACG conference was a great learning opportunity. Presenting our research at such an early stage of our studies opened my eyes to the importance of academic contributions in shaping future medical practices’.

During the conference, the students attended various presentations and workshops, which provided insights into the latest developments in gastroenterology, further motivating their interest in the field as they continue their medical education.