Your Executive at Work

The devastation caused by major flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle has been very distressing and will have an impact for a long time ahead. It is so important for our Gastro whānau to stand together and support each other through these difficult times.

We were delighted to see so many of our members enjoy re-connecting in person at the ASM in 2022, and the 2023 Convening Committee is well underway organising December's premiere event for the Society to gather together again in Rotorua. Educational events are a high priority for us, and we have already hosted a successful Polypectomy Course this year, as well as planning for the Hepatology Network Meeting in Auckland sponsored by AbbVie and the IBD Symposium sponsored by Pharmaco in Hamilton.

Supporting our trainees is also a key priority for the Executive team. Our Trainee Reps have built on plans from their predecessors with design of the trainee's monthly programme. A new webinar platform will be provided to allow on demand replay of teaching sessions, to be hosted on the revised website which is also planned to be launched mid-year. Trainee's Day, sponsored by Pharmaco is scheduled for 27/28 April.

Our Working Groups have also started planning their year with the first hui in 2023 planned for our Medicines, Sustainability and Equity groups. We also look forward to the activity of the new Hepatology Group. These will enhance the effectiveness of the NZSG and support our members across a range of areas in clinical practice.

The first hui of the Executive took place on 23 February with a focus on the strategic plan, creating lead Executives for initiatives and the course for 2023 and beyond. A few key areas of focus for the Executive in 2023 are:

• Revision of the NZSG rules
• Embedding the Equity Position in the Match process for advanced gastroenterology trainees
• Working with key stakeholders to advance the profession through training, increased workplace opportunities and support.
• Considering alternate funding options through the Ministry of Health, Te Whatu Ora, Te Aka Whai Ora and others.

We recently added our voice to feedback on the draft changes to the RACP Advanced Trainees in Gastroenterology Curriculum. Feedback was also supplied to the National Bowel Screening Programme on the Family/Whānua History Guidelines.

We will continue to share key progress and new initiatives in our quarterly panui.