Criteria to host the 2024 SAGES Flexible Endoscopy Course for Fellows

The SAGES Flexible Endoscopy Committee is responsible for designing and implementing the annual Flexible Endoscopy Course for Fellows. The committee has adopted a model of hosting the course at different training centers across the country to promote access from different geographic areas and to showcase US training institutes. Applications are now open for institutions to apply to host the 2024 Flexible Endoscopy Course for Fellows. The deadline to apply is March 17, 2023. 

Process:

The Flexible Endoscopy Course for Fellows is planned two years in advance. The program chair is a SAGES Flexible Endoscopy Committee member from the host institution. The co-chair is a Committee member from the institution that will host the course the following year (to preserve institutional memory). The submitted applications will be reviewed and voted upon by a selected task force of Flexible Endoscopy committee members.

Application Process:

Complete the application form below. Institutions wishing to host the program are asked to submit an application that includes documentation to convince Committee reviewers that the Institution meets the requirements. A budget must be submitted with the application.

Application deadline: March 17, 2023

Course structure

This is a 2-day hands-on course held on a Friday and Saturday. Maximum enrollment is 60 fellows and the course usually fills to capacity. Fourteen faculty are required to conduct the program with a combination of fixed and rotating stations. The agenda is as follows:

• Evening prior to day 1
  • Faculty and fellows arrive
  • Evening reception held

• Day 1
  • ½ day didactic
    • Case based lectures
    • Panel discussion
    • Pathology review
  • ½ day hands-on lab
    • 60 fellows training simultaneously
    • Explant and dry models
    • Approximately 24 stations required
  • Evening faculty and fellow dinner
• Day 2
  • Morning discussion
  • ½ Day Hands-on lab
    • 60 fellows training simultaneously
    • Explant and dry models
    • Approximately 24 stations required
  • Lunch
    • Adjourn by 2PM

Host Institution Requirements

1. Capable of running a minimum of 21 flexible endoscopy stations simultaneously
2. Center houses a significant amount of quality flexible endoscopy equipment and energy generators to minimize requesting these from industry
3. Can supply and prepare porcine explants and has specimen trays for all stations
4. Adequate power supplies and suction to support all stations
5. Capability to host 60 fellows, 14 faculty, and 2 SAGES staff
   1. Auditorium
   2. Hotel nearby
   3. Catering
   4. Transportation
6. Experience in running large hands-on educational programs (≥ 20 hands-on learners simultaneously)
   1. Center
   2. Course director
7. Dedicated center staff to run course
8. Course chair has a formal position in the center and a SAGES member with clinical experience in doing flexible GI endoscopy
9. Proximity to a major airport
10. Competitive pricing

Preferred

1. Fluoroscopy for at least one station
2. Minimal requirement for transportation from one venue to next
3. Competitive hotel prices in relatively close proximity to center
4. Lower cost airfare required to access center
5. Ability to offer multiple local SAGES faculty to reduce the overall cost.

Please include the following information in your submission:

• How many Storz and Olympus towers does the facility provide?
• Approximately how many local faculty can you provide?
• In in your application, please inform the SAGES Office if your institution requires certificates of insurance or other contractual documents beyond our basic agreement, or if any other institutional or regulatory compliance applies.

Contact Catherine Sutherland at catherine@sages.org with any questions.