CATANZARO, 28 JUNE 2025 – Two days of study, discussion, and scientific updates to address the new challenges of gastroenterological medicine were held on Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27 at the “Venuta” auditorium of the Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, which hosted the Regional Congress of Gastroenterology, jointly promoted by AIGO, SIED and SIGE, the main Italian scientific societies in the sector, with the patronage of the School of Medicine and Surgery, the Department of Health Sciences, the Province and Municipality of Catanzaro, the Regional Council of Calabria, Unindustria Calabria and the Medical Associations of the five Calabrian provinces.
The event was chaired by Professor Ludovico Montebianco Abenavoli, professor of gastroenterology at UMG and promoter of a model based on the integration of research, clinical practice, and university education:
“Diseases of the digestive system are the second leading cause of hospitalization in Italy. This data should prompt reflection on healthcare priorities, both nationally and regionally. In Calabria, in particular, it is essential to structure a solid network, supported by resources and strategic vision. Our congress was born precisely from this need: to create a place for discussion and dialogue, update professionals on diagnoses, therapies, and technologies, and above all strengthen the link between hospital, territory, and university. Gastroenterology is a complex and constantly evolving discipline, and today we have technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced endoscopic methods, and new therapeutic protocols. But all this only makes sense if accompanied by investments in personnel, training, and infrastructure. I am thinking, for example, of the urgency of establishing in Calabria a center dedicated to pre- and post-liver transplant follow-up, to avoid the healthcare migration of our citizens. It is a battle for civility.”
The congress saw the participation of over 500 healthcare professionals, including specialist doctors, hospital managers, university professors, and researchers, from all over Calabria and various Italian regions. Five thematic sessions were scheduled: digestive endoscopy, gastroesophageal reflux disease, liver diseases, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and reorganization of the territorial gastroenterological network.
The event was opened by the Rector of Magna Graecia University, Giovanni Cuda, who emphasized:
“Professor Abenavoli is an example of how scientific excellence can be combined with commitment to the territory. This congress, which brings together experiences from all over Calabria, demonstrates our university’s attention to dialogue between academic institutions and the healthcare system. We have always worked to promote inclusiveness and synergies, because only a cohesive network can guarantee quality and proximity in care. In these two days, not only will the state of the art in gastroenterology be reviewed, but a shared vision for the future of Calabrian healthcare will also be built. Meanwhile, just yesterday we recorded over 300 applications for the Medicine filter semester: an important sign of trust in our educational offer, which encourages us to continue on this path with even greater determination.”
Professor Francesco Luzza, Full Professor of Gastroenterology and former head of the Digestive System Pathophysiology Unit, also highlighted the scientific and social significance of the initiative:
“We are talking about diseases with a high social and economic impact, often underestimated, but which instead represent a huge challenge for our healthcare system. Our congress was created precisely to bring together expertise, update professionals, and enhance the network we have built in Calabria, also thanks to collaboration between the specialization schools. Our goal is twofold: to improve the quality of care and offer new training opportunities to young doctors. Only in this way can we restore dignity to local healthcare and stop the hemorrhage of professionals and patients.”
Of particular note were the two final round tables, focused on the training of residents (the first) and the care network (the second). The topics discussed were important. Dr. Giammaria Liuzzi, National Head of ANAAO Giovani, stated that in the coming days a white paper on the quality of Medical Specialization Schools in Italy will be published. Finally, the three Presidents of the scientific societies committed to drafting and delivering to the Calabria Region a document requesting the implementation of the emergency/urgency network in gastroenterology.
The organizational secretariat of the event was handled by the agency Present&Future, which also managed the technical and logistical secretariat.