Previewing the ECCO Congress 2023 - part 1

ECCO is back! What to look forward to in Copenhagen, the ECCO Party and presidential elections.

ECCO is back for the first full meeting in 3 years.

There is a LOT to look forward to. You can pretty much guarantee great science, new clinical trials data, education, interaction, networking, academic - clinical - industry collaborations and much more.

Being back together in person feels incredibly important to me.

What to look forward to in Copenhagen

From Wednesday through Saturday the programme is stacked with great content.

There are new data on precision medicine, new (small) molecules and practice changing clinical studies. New studies and clinical updates to cater for every part of the ECCO family - gastroenterologists, nurses, surgeons, paediatricians, dietitians, psychologists, pathologists, trainees, basic scientists, analysts, pharma, biotech, A.I. and digital health.

I’ll preview some of the many highlights from the scientific programme tomorrow.

The ECCO party

And there will be more than a healthy dose of fun.

Reunited with colleagues from across the world - deep friendships forged over 20 years working in IBD. And new connections to make across generations and disciplines. Everyone is welcome at ECCO.

Please do come along and say hello. I’m in Copenhagen all week.

Plus the infamous ECCO Hearts and Minds.

This really is the original and best congress party. Hopefully you already have your ticket on order - the event is fully sold out. I arrived in Vienna in February 2020 without a party ticket. My mad scramble for a ticket was successful thankfully, but you will need to be proactive.

Many memories from the ECCO party over the years - some admittedly rather hazy!

Who will be the next ECCO President?

I’ve been involved with ECCO since 2005. First as part of the Educational Committee and later on the Scientific Committee. Early on my responsibility was to run the intensive course for trainees - I’m extremely proud of the work I did there.

I am hugely fond of ECCO.

When the position of President-Elect was advertised this year I agonised about whether to apply. But it was not the right time for me personally or professionally.

There are two fabulous candidates this year.

James Lindsay from the UK and Fernando Magro from Portugal. I like and respect both enormously.

I’ll be there at the General Assembly on Thursday to vote for Professor Lindsay.

I’ve known James since almost the first day in my IBD career and have huge admiration and respect for him. I know he will bring a fantastic positive energy and provide superb leadership for our community.James has become a good friend, so i’m clearly conflicted here!

You will just have to decide for yourself!

I’ll be back tomorrow with things to look out for in the scientific programme.