TRAIN THE TRAINERS WORKSHOP
September 6-8, 2003

DR. JAYARAM MENON

"Train the Trainers" had been conceived by the OMGE/OMED as an educational workshop for consultants who are already experienced teachers in their own institutions. The objectives of this highly illuminating workshop were as follows:

1. Introduce the concept of positive critiquing in the teaching of gastroenterology. Effective, and at times novel, teaching methods were demonstrated.

2. Explore the issues concerning credentialling of Gl physicians and surgeons in all regions of the world.

3. To understand evidence-based medicine, the requirements for acquiring EBM data and its limitations.

4. Critical appraisal of medical literature.

5. Structured teaching of gastroenterological procedures.

6. Appropriate use of educational tools and endoscopic models in the teaching of gastroenterology.

7. The proper conduct of clinical research.

8. Outline the basic requirements for effective publishing.

9. Create an environment where colleagues from all over the world can meet, interact, discuss and socialise.

Set in the idyllic tourist capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, all the participants knew they were in for a treat when they arrived in this spectacularly beautiful locale. The mere sight of the majestic Remarkables with their snow-clad peaks was enough to inspire us. Being the first day of spring the weather was just right although the nights were a tad cold. The participants were a potpourri of cultures and personalities, a somewhat eclectic blend of gastroenterologists that made for a truly educational and often entertaining three days.

How useful were the various modules? All the modules were very informative. Dr. O.T. Terpestra expounded the concepts of adult education. His engaging and often interactive style appealed to many of us. He provided us with valuable insights on how adults learn. We were also tested on our presentation skills. The strong audience participation and lively feedback were a feature throughout all the sessions.

The session on credentialling in gastroenterology by Dr. G. Metz was an eye opener for me. As Chairman of the Board of Continuing Professional Development, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Dr. Metz was eminently qualified to lecture on this subject. The ever-provocative Dr Christian Gluud had us transfixed with his sessions on evidence-based medicine and the Cochrane Collaboration. I found the session on critical appraisal by Dr. Jim Toulli to be particularly useful. GATE(Generic Appraisal Tool for Epidemiology) and the PECOT (Population, Exposed, Comparison, Outcomes and Time) diagram became valuable tools in the assessment of any study. We were then asked to evaluate a few papers, including some 'landmark' studies. Lo and behold we found flaws in all of them!

Dr. Roger Leicester's module on teaching procedural skills turned out to be the most popular session, for obvious reasons. He imparted several pearls of wisdom. We were then tested on our teaching skills. Just when you thought you were a good teacher.....

Melvin Schapiro outlined the strengths of the electronic media for teaching endoscopy, Simon Bar-Meir introduced us to the realm of endoscopic simulators. They turned out to be quite addictive during the 'hands-on' sessions!

Christian Gluud provided us a succint guide on how to design a trial. Earnon Quigley, in his own inimitable style, taught us the do's and don'ts of publishing.

The outstanding faculty was the primary reason for the overwhelming success of the meeting. The sessions were always interactive. However, it was not all work as the final night turned out to be quite memorable. What hadn't occurred to me was how much preparation had gone into each group's presentation! Some groups had practised tirelessly in their respective countries prior to making the trip to Queenstown! The show-stopper was the unforgettable presentation by the Kiwis. They simply had us in stitches with their unique brand of Kiwi humour. They proceeded to accuse the Aussies of stealing so much from them but promptly added that they could keep Russel Crowe! Eamon Quigley did his bit for Ireland with a very witty presentation on Cork. As the sole representative of Malaysian team I did the logical thing and joined the Indonesian group for a stirring rendition of that evergreen classic 'Rasa Sayang Eh.'

I would strongly recommend this meeting to our Gl trainers. Much of what was learnt may be applied in practice and here's to more venues like Queenstown!