The American University of Beirut Medical Center's (AUBMC) Endoscopy and Bronchoscopy Unit (EBU) has been selected for the second consecutive year to conduct advanced live demonstrations at EURO–EUS 2025, one of the most prestigious endoscopy congresses in Europe and across the globe.
This pioneering effort marks Lebanon's only event where complex endoscopic procedures are internationally transmitted via satellite for educational purposes as part of the international European endoscopic congress, EURO-EUS, cementing AUBMC's global reputation as an international center of excellence in the field of endoscopy.
The AUBMC team consisted of Dr. Assaad Soweid, Dr. Yasser Shaib, Mr. Tarek Abou Merhi, Mrs. Jihan Salameh, Mr. Melhem Tabet, and Dr. Jamil Mrad.
Standing as the sole medical center in Africa and the Middle East to be selected for this prestigious opportunity, the participation of Dr. Assaad Soweid, professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, as the Lebanon team leader and international EUS expert, in the live demonstration, where he performed complex endoscopic ultrasound cases that were transmitted via satellite from our EBU to around the world, further solidifies AUBMC's international standing as a beacon of innovation and expertise in healthcare delivery. Dr. Soweid, a distinguished board member of the prestigious EURO-EUS Society, has played a pivotal role in the society's meetings for the past two decades. His active participation included delivering state-of-the-art lectures and conducting live demonstrations on complex gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary cases that necessitate endoscopic ultrasound expertise.
In addition, this workshop marks the introduction of novel EUS procedures performed for the first time in Lebanon, such as EUS-guided treatment of gastric varices via coiling and glue injection, EUS-guided chemoablation of malignant pancreatic cyst without the need for surgery, and EUS-guided full evaluation of liver using elastography and liver biopsy.
Reflecting on this milestone achievement, Dr. Soweid stated, "Being an integral part of EURO-EUS workshops, despite all the challenges that we are facing in our country and the region, marks a pivotal moment for us at AUBMC and underscores our commitment to advancing medical knowledge in the Middle East and Africa. Being the first center from our region to join this prestigious workshop is not only an achievement for us, but a testament to the growing recognition of our expertise on the global scale. In addition, our inclusion among elite centers globally reaffirms our dedication to excellence in patient care, education, and research, setting a benchmark for others to aspire to."
With a legacy spanning around 25 years, EURO-EUS convenes an annual meeting in esteemed European countries such as Italy, Spain, and France. This scientific gathering features enlightening lectures delivered by leading global authorities in the field of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), hands-on training sessions on cutting edge endoscopic/EUS techniques for gastroenterologists worldwide, and live demonstrations of innovative EUS procedures, including intricate and pioneering methodologies.
Drawing a diverse audience of thousands of gastroenterologists from around the globe, both in person and virtually, these conferences serve as a nexus for knowledge exchange and professional development. The EUS demonstrations, broadcasted from select European venues and elite medical centers worldwide, including the United States, captivate attendees comprising of gastroenterologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and oncologists, who are keen on witnessing the latest advancements in the field firsthand.
The AUBMC EBU's participation in the renowned EURO-EUS workshops not only signifies its unwavering commitment to advancing medical knowledge and techniques in our region, but also fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange with experts from all over the world, ultimately benefiting patients in the region and beyond. This milestone positions the American University of Beirut Medical Center as pioneering in healthcare and reaffirms the institution's dedication to providing the highest standards of excellence in patient care, education, and research. Through live demonstrations and collaborative efforts with distinguished professionals worldwide, AUBMC strives to lead the way in healthcare innovation and to elevate the standards of endoscopic practices, ultimately ensuring optimal outcomes for patients, both locally and globally.