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DDC hosts international workshop  on computer simulation by Peter Cotton, M.D. Director, Digestive Disease Center Traditionally, endoscopy, like most other interventional procedures including surgery, was taught by apprenticeship, (i.e. by supervised work on real patients). This clearly raises concerns about patient safety and also slows down the procedures.   In recent years, there has been increasing interest in speeding the learning process in various ways, and particularly by the use of inanimate models and simulation devices. The goal is to follow the lead of the airline industry, where pilots train and are certified solely on sophisticated (and very expensive) computer simulators.   On Feb. 2 and 3, MUSC’s Digestive Disease Center hosted an international conference on computer simulation for training and assessment of expertise in Gastrointestinal endoscopy. This event, held in Charleston, was attended by 25 experts from the United States, Germany, England and Israel, along with representatives of the companies currently manufacturing simulation equipment.   The keynote address was given by  John Schaefer, M.D., only very recently appointed to develop education simulation in South Carolina, based at MUSC.   Experts from the FAA and the motor vehicle industry gave their perspectives on the value of simulation, and presentations were made by advocates of the five current simulation devices. The evidence that simulations really do mimic actual procedures was reviewed, and the potential for development was discussed.   Whilst endoscopy simulation sounds very logical and desirable, it is sadly true that the market for endoscopy simulators is rather small at present, which has restricted investment and research in this area. Doctors, training institutions, hospital employers and payers have no real motivation to invest their time and money in this area. Mainly this is because, curiously, there is as yet no national certification in gastrointestinal endoscopy.   Doctors are credentialed to do procedures in hospitals based on their general training in Gastroenterology or Surgery, but with no tests focused on technical skills. Furthermore, doctors can perform endoscopy procedures outside hospitals (i.e. offices and clinics) without any credentialing process. Many feel this needs to change.   Teaching hospitals are beginning to realize that training reduces their efficiency, and may even lay them open to medico-legal risk. Even more important, patients are increasingly interested in making sure that their endoscopists (and surgeons) are well trained. It may be that malpractice insurance companies will give discounted premiums to proceduralists who have been officially tested and certified.   The workshop concluded by developing a list of priorities for further research and development. MUSC has a great opportunity to provide leadership in this area, not least because our own Robert Hawes, M.D., is the current president of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.     Friday, Feb. 17, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.