About this online course

Stem cells are primitive and undifferentiated cells in human tissues (foetal and adult) with self-renewal, multipotency and longevity properties. They are responsible for cellular regeneration within the gastrointestinal tract but also play an essential role in different GI pathologies (e.g., Barrett’s oesophagus).

A gastroenterologist’s guide to stem cells, by Simon Leedham and Stuart McDonalds, covers the basic definitions of stem cells and their different locations in the gastrointestinal tract, homeostasis, the role of stem cells in intestinal regeneration, metaplasia, and tumour heterogeneity. The course includes comprehensive PPT slides, and bespoke video presentations filmed in London in December 2022. Figures, schemes, and further readings are included for consideration. The combined material has a total duration of approximately 60 minutes. The estimated time needed to complete the course, including the final assessment, is 60 minutes.

Target audience

This course is suitable for gastroenterologists in training, but is also appropriate for nurses, basic scientist in gastroenterology, medical students with interest in gastroenterology as well as other physicians (oncology, regenerative medicine, research).

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) remains the most severe form of UC and is sometimes associated with mortality. Adequate evaluation, early and correct intervention, and follow-up with a multidisciplinary approach are crucial in management. A comprehensive approach to ASUC, epidemiology, definition, diagnosis, evaluation, and medical and surgical management are all discussed in this online course by Haluk Tarik Kani, Irene Marafini, Joana Roseira, Wilhelmus A. Bemelman and Fernando Magro.

Target audience
We believe both gastroenterology trainees and early career gastroenterologists and surgeons will find in this online course a thorough and updated review on ASUC management.

This comprehensive course introduces participants to the transformative role of artificial intelligence in gastroenterology. Designed for healthcare professionals, the course covers fundamental AI concepts, clinical applications, and research perspectives. Key topics include machine learning techniques, AI-assisted diagnostics, and the integration of AI systems in clinical practice. Participants will explore the benefits and challenges of AI adoption, ethical considerations, and the regulatory landscape, with an emphasis on evidence-based decision-making.

The course includes extensive PowerPoint presentations and tailored video lectures. Examples are used to demonstrate real-world applications of the material. The total duration of the course is approximately 50 minutes, with an estimated completion time of 60 minutes, including the final assessment.

This course builds on foundational concepts to examine contemporary mechanisms driving GORD phenotypes. We revisit key epidemiological and clinical distinctions before exploring gastric physiology, including postprandial acid–bile dynamics, H. pylori-related acid output, motility patterns, obesity-related changes, and post-surgical anatomy. Oesophagogastric junction competence (LES pressure, TLESRs, hiatal hernia) and refluxate characteristics (acidic to gaseous; PPI-modified) are discussed with emphasis on symptom generation. We detail epithelial biology, micro- and macroinflammatory responses across NERD and erosive disease, and advances in nociceptive signalling, receptor expression, central modulation, and hypervigilance. Key clinical studies, cytokine-driven pathways, and emerging therapeutic approaches are highlighted. The course concludes with implications for diagnosis, phenotype-guided management, and outstanding research questions.