Leading academic praises gastrointestinal unit

The commitment to the practice of gastroenterology at UCT's Gastrointestinal (GI) Clinic has left a lasting impression on a world leader in the field, who recently served there as a visiting professor.

Professor Paul Fockens, from the University of Amsterdam's Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, concluded his two week visit to UCT with a lecture titled Therapeutic endoscopy 2015: Gastroenterology or Surgery on 5 February.

Reflecting on his experience at UCT, Fockens, remarked that he was honoured to be the 2015 Solly Marks Visiting Professor and was also pleased to get away from the sub-zero temperatures in Amsterdam.

"I have enjoyed sampling the camaraderie and common purpose of consultants and trainees in the GI Unit, particularly the efforts of the clinic to take the training and technical aspects of advanced endoscopy forward as an essential part of modern gastroenterology. Equally, I was educated by seeing the committed practice of gastroenterology, the different pathologies and resources constraints in a different health care environment to my own."

In 2014, the Department of Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences established the Solly Marks Visiting Professorship Fund in tribute to the legacy of Professor I.N. "Solly" Marks. As founder of the GI unit at Groote Schuur Hospital and the South African Gastroenterology Society, Marks made a profound contribution to the development of gastroenterology both locally and internationally.

Prof Sandie Thomson, Head of the GI clinic, said Fockens' period as the Solly Marks Visiting Professor had been very productive. "It was our privilege to have one of the leading exponents on interventional endoscopy on the premises and upskill our faculty and trainees in a variety of procedures."

"Marks would be very proud of Paul's contribution as it is a testament that his influence on the practice of gastroenterology will continue to enhance the efforts of the UCT GI Clinic way into the future," Thomson added.

Should you wish to make a gift to the fund, please contact Jasmine Erasmus at the Development and Alumni Department on +27 21 650 3749 or jasmine.erasmus@uct.ac.za. You may also use the online giving link.

Photo by Michael Hammond.