Young GI angle: What being a myUEG young GI associate can offer you-Check it out!

For many years, one of the main pillars of United European Gastroenterology (UEG) has been supporting the education and career development of digestive healthcare specialists. Another key aim has been the promotion of international, young specialists as tomorrow's leaders and experts in European gastroenterology. Over these years, the different UEG committees together with the UEG Young Talent Group (YTG; founded in 2013), , have promoted a variety of initiatives with the aim of bringing the GI community together, as well as making UEG more attractive to the new generation of digestive health specialists. This was achieved by involving them in UEG activities early on, promoting their participation in the scientific and educational programme at UEG Week, and listening to their needs and to those of their national societies. , Excellent examples of these initiatives are the Young Co‐Chairs, and UEG Journal Trainee Editors as well as the Talent Pool, which allows GIs of all ages and subspecialities to get involved in UEG. The new myUEG Community will continue these initiatives but will also allow for easier connection and interaction between GIs, and will give them access to unique new offers—go and check them out!

KEEP CONNECTED AND MUCH MORE VIA MyUEG COMMUNITY

UEG is always evolving and trying to keep us all connected, promoting active and multidisciplinary networking. The launch, in December 2021, of myUEG Community has been a milestone in this regard. All digestive health specialists, including medical doctors, allied health professionals, nurses, researchers, basic scientists, retirees and students can now become a myUEG Associate or a myUEG Young GI Associate for free.

MyUEG Associates can grow a diverse network of friends, colleagues, peers and collaborators within the digestive health community via the new My Connect Tool. My Connect is the UEG's exclusive and secure networking feature for searching and linking with international digestive health professionals. Here you can exchange ideas, ask questions and discuss with the experts in your field in a safe and secure online environment.

DO NOT STOP LEARNING AND KEEP UP TO DATE

UEG, in close collaboration with the YTG, is delighted to announce a special feature for Young GIs within my UEG: A new Career Development programme for myUEG Young GI Associates, tailored specifically to those in the early stages of their professional and academic careers. Medical doctors, allied health professionals, nurses, researchers, basic scientists, undergraduate/graduate students up to 40 years of age (main carers of children can request an extension of the age limit if needed) qualify for this programme—so come on board and push your career to the next step.

With regards to education, both clinical and scientific topics will be covered. Topics like ‘Check your CV’ or ‘How to get your work published in scientific journals’ have been very popular in the past years. Based on a survey performed together with the Friends of YTG (young contacts in UEG's National Member Societies) during 2021, the YTG identified two main topics for the 2022 Career Development programme. Registration to these activities will be opening soon—so keep an eye on our social media and UEG website!

Writing and publishing—How to write a good original article. This will involve the participation of UEG Journal editors.

Growing as a leader—How to empower yourself and your team. Learn how to avoid burn out, keep motivation and promote strategic thinking.

The programme extends over several months, including the following activities (for each specific topic):

Level 1 : read and watch selected content on the topic in your own time.

Level 2: 1‐h virtual session in which experts will summarise the content and bring in additional aspects and their point of view.

Level 3: small group virtual meetings with other participants and experts to discuss and receive individual feedback on work done based on levels 1 and 2 of the learning plan.

Level 4: face‐to‐face meeting with the group and the experts to strengthen the relationship, discuss and network.

The programme focused on ‘how to write a good original article’ could include an actual abstract or manuscript pitch, with UEG Journal editors, to get your work up to scratch in real time. We are curious to see how these pilot projects are received. We hope that many Young GI Associates, from different professional backgrounds and countries, will participate and confirm our motivation to continue with such educational initiatives. Most importantly, we rely on feedback—give us feedback, input on topics and ideas to broaden and improve the content of the programme based on your suggestions.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The author declares no conflict of interests.