The 4th ASGE EMR STAR Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Course conducted in Spanish transpired in Lima, Peru, in September 2023, co-sponsored by the University of San Martin de Porres. Aligned with the English version of the ASGE EMR STAR course, this program encompassed the principles of lesion recognition, endoscopic resection techniques and the management of adverse events. The instructional sessions, inclusive of lectures and hands-on training, were exclusively delivered in Spanish by members of the ASGE Latin American Special Interest Group. Nine Peruvian gastroenterologists, representing diverse regions of the country, achieved ASGE certification in EMR as an integral facet of their ongoing professional development.
Originally scheduled for 2020, the course faced a postponement due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and its initial roster of 15 participants was ultimately refined. The course's inaugural two instances were hosted in the United States, with the first at the ASGE AT&T Center, attracting over 20 participants from Latin America, and the second coinciding with Digestive Disease Week in Washington, DC. In 2019, the course achieved success in San Jose, Costa Rica, and was recognized as a pivotal initiative in bolstering accessibility to training within the Latin American context.
The recent course in Lima, Peru, unfolded at the Simulation Center of the University of San Martin de Porres, providing participants with a unique opportunity for tailored instruction in their native language. The program's triumph is attributed to the proficiency and collaboration of ASGE members and staff. Anticipating future editions, there is a pronounced interest within the Latin American GI community to sustain active engagement in this course. The strategic plan entails hosting it in Lima, Peru, for the South American community and in San Jose, Costa Rica, for the Mexican and Central American community.