I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the WISE program, under the visionary leadership of its founder, Prof. Dong Wan Seo, His continuous support, international expertise, and global perspective added exceptional value to the training experience and greatly enriched this module.
I would also like to express my special appreciation to Prof Elsayed Ghoneem, Co-Director of the WISE Egyptian Chapter, for his outstanding leadership, organization, and commitment to delivering a well-structured and impactful educational program.
This training was distinguished by its clear scientific structure and strong emphasis on building a solid foundation in diagnostic EUS. The curriculum effectively covered essential principles, including anatomical orientation, image interpretation, scope handling, and clinical decision-making, all presented in a logical and comprehensive manner that significantly enhanced our understanding and confidence.
A major strength of this program was the high-volume hands-on training, conducted over two comprehensive modules, during which more than 120 EUS cases were performed. Each trainee was actively involved in approximately 40 clinical cases, providing extensive practical exposure that played a crucial role in translating theoretical knowledge into real clinical practice and significantly improving technical skills in this highly operator-dependent procedure.
In addition, we had the opportunity to observe a wide spectrum of advanced interventional EUS cases, offering valuable insight into the expanding therapeutic applications of EUS. The training was conducted across five tertiary gastrointestinal centers.
I would like to express my deepest respect and appreciation to the distinguished professors who led and supervised this module, namely Profs. Hussein Okasha, Elsayed Ghoneem, and Moaz Elshair, and Profs. Khaled Ragab, Mohammed Alboraie, Mohammed Alfaiomy, and Sami Zak. Their role was central to the success of the 3rd wave of the WISE Egyptian Chapter, representing a highly valuable academic and practical experience in the field of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).
I would also like to express appreciation to all the faculty members, trainers, and medical teams who contributed to the training across all participating centers. Their dedication, mentorship, and commitment to education were fundamental to the success of this program.
On an academic level, this module substantially enhanced our diagnostic capabilities and procedural skills, while also contributing to the broader goal of advancing scientific knowledge and promoting high standards of medical practice. Equally important was the role of WISE in bringing together physicians from various Arab countries in a collaborative scientific environment, fostering knowledge exchange, professional networking, and unity through education.
In conclusion, I would like to commend the WISE Egyptian Chapter for this outstanding educational initiative and for its unwavering dedication to excellence in medical training. Such programs play a vital role in shaping the future of EUS practice in our region.
With sincere respect and appreciation,
Dr. Salam Q. Mohammed Al Sarray, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
GIT Centre – Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq
