On 23 September 2026, the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) and the South African Gastroenterology Society (SAGES) held PET South Africa 2026 at the Southern Sun The Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town.
The course welcomed 38 participants from nine African countries. It focused on a practical question: how can endoscopy teachers help trainees learn more effectively and safely?
Course directors Douglas O. Faigel (USA) and Jörg Reichenberger (South Africa) led a program covering teaching methods, feedback, trainee assessment, communication, and the challenges teachers face in everyday practice.
Learning by doing
The program combined lectures and discussions with case-based teaching and hands-on simulator sessions.
Participants explored how to adapt teaching to different levels of experience, give useful feedback, assess trainee skills, and create a positive learning environment. They also discussed common challenges, including managing difficult trainees and balancing teaching with patient safety.
The practical sessions gave participants the chance to work with colonoscopy and upper GI models, an ERCP model, and a Simbionix simulator. These activities allowed them to try different approaches to teaching and consider how simulation can be used in their own training programs.
Local and international experience
The course featured an experienced faculty from South Africa and other countries, combining local knowledge with international perspectives on endoscopy education.
The local faculty included:
The international faculty included:
Throughout the day, faculty members shared their experience and guided discussions on teaching techniques and practical challenges in endoscopy education.
Participants value the practical approach
The course received positive feedback, particularly for the faculty's expertise and the expected impact on participants' teaching practice.
Prof. Douglas Faigel, course director, said:
“The PET Course in Cape Town South Africa was a great success. The delegates, local and international faculty were enthusiastic participants. The one-day course focused on essential aspects of teaching endoscopy, and all agree that their skills were much improved.”
One participant also praised the interaction between faculty and delegates:
“The interaction between the faculty and the delegates was exceptional. The delegates were involved fully during the program. Also, everyone had a chance on hands-on stations which was very good.”
Participants particularly appreciated the chance to practice with training models and exchange experiences with colleagues. Several expressed interest in having more time for hands-on activities in future courses.
Thank you to our partners
WEO thanks the South African Gastroenterology Society (SAGES) for its collaboration in organizing the course.
We also gratefully acknowledge the support of our industry partners Acino, Boston Scientific, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Olympus Corporation, and Tecmed. Their support helped make the program possible, including the hands-on simulation sessions.
Our thanks also go to all faculty members, participants, and the local organizing team for their contributions.
PET South Africa 2026 gave endoscopy educators practical ideas and teaching techniques they can use in their daily work. WEO looks forward to continuing its work with local partners and faculty to support endoscopy education in Africa and worldwide.