Physicians & FITE

The field of interventional endoscopy — also referred to as advanced interventional endoscopy, therapeutic endoscopy, and surgical endoscopy — has rapidly evolved over the last 10–15 years.

During this period we have seen the popularization & refinement of techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound for imaging/staging/access/interventions and a shift from FNA to large core biopsy. We have seen the advent of cholangioscopy with high-definition visualization and novel tools on the rise. We have improved and popularized tissue resection, ablation with thermal and cryoablation technology, we added endoscopic suturing, complex microscopy & enhanced imaging, advanced enteral stenting, added and improved on endoluminal and 3rd space / NOTES-type procedures, opened the door to endobariatrics and more.

To continue to keep up with the pace of change, enhance the field, and understand & implement novel therapies through endoscopy, our foundation has been created and led by interventional endoscopists. We strive to expand the breadth and realm of offerings that GI physicians can provide as endoscopists — supporting the innovation, training, and future growth of advanced endoscopy. This opens patient access to high-quality minimally invasive options.

The foundation is a cooperative charitable, mission-led venture rather than a society. Its goal is to work collaboratively with societies and special-interest groups that could be beneficially impacted by enhancements in the therapeutic endoscopy space.

Similar to cardiology in the 1980s and 1990s as they recognized they must subspecialize and carve out all that they can do in the cardiovascular system via catheter-based interventions, interventional endoscopy fellowship-trained physicians must embrace all we can offer through improvements in advanced training and responsible stewardship of the field of advanced endoscopy. The time is now to center on: