Asem Ismail is a Senior Physician Associate in Gastroenterology in Dudley Group of Hospitals, West Midlands, UK, and a Lecturer at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham.

What attracted you to a career in gastroenterology/hepatology?

Gastroenterology appealed to me as it is a multi-organ specialty with opportunities to sub-specialise further in areas such as hepatology, luminal GI, and nutrition. I enjoy dealing with the acute side of things such as managing acute GI bleeds and acute liver failure which can be incredibly rewarding, as well as managing and monitoring chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterology is also incredibly hands-on as one can train in endoscopy and perform various diagnostic and interventional procedures. I also get to work with patients of all ages and work collaboratively with colleagues from other medical specialties, surgery, radiology, and dietetics.

What advancement in gastroenterology/hepatology are you most excited about and why?

For me, the most interesting developments in gastroenterology have been in the field of therapeutic endoscopy.  Advances in EUS have enabled this endoscopic modality to evolve from mainly diagnostic to one with actual therapeutic potential. Choledoscopy during ERCP has been substantially expanded in terms of clinical utility thanks to spyglass technology which has revolutionised the treatment of difficult stone disease and the evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures. Furthermore, the advent of single and double balloon enteroscopy as well as improvements made to capsule technologies have significantly improved our capacity to view and treat diseases of the small bowel.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The most enjoyable aspect of my job is definitely interacting with my patients first and foremost, whether it is in an inpatient or outpatients setting. It is immensely satisfying to seeing your patient do well and make a meaningful recovery. Secondly, it is being a part of a wider MDT that has a common goal of working in the best interest of our patients. Thirdly, life-long learning, there are always new developments and new research that inform my practice and that is exciting.

What is the one thing you would change?

As a physician associate, the role is somewhat limited due to the lack of having a regulatory body. It is expected that the GMC will regulate the profession, but this has been frustratingly pushed back. With time and regulation, physician associates should be able to participate in endoscopy service lists.

What does being a BSG member mean to you?

I joined the BSG fairly recently in 2020. I attended the BSG conference in Birmingham 2022 and presented a poster. During the conference, I learned a lot and got to meet many like-minded individuals. The BSG gave me the platform to do this.

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