The ABC of E-learning: Utilizing E-learning resources for training and research in gastroenterology.

Abstract

In an ideal setting, all gastroenterology fellows and research teams will have a panel of senior experts in gastroenterology and hepatology poised to discuss medical conditions, clinical dilemmas and updates on recent scientific advancements. In this utopian scenario, this go-to panel of experts would also be available for private tutoring towards board exams, and preparation of presentations for staff meetings and journal clubs. While this may be the case in some departments, a possibly more common scenario is one in which the amount of time senior physicians can spend with the junior fellows is limited and is often used for guiding clinical management of challenging cases. International gastroenterology meetings, which provide information on the forefront of scientific advancements, often include post-graduate sessions to address this problem to some extent; however, not everyone can attend these meetings, and such a format clearly cannot be the answer to everyday needs during training. Furthermore, as these are ‘post-graduate’ courses, one may ponder if the ‘graduate’ training is not being overlooked.