Medical Society: Gastroenterology & Hepatology Chair

I would love to be the next Gastroenterology and Hepatology Chair because I think it is one of the most diverse and intellectually interesting specialties in medicine. It combines acute care, chronic disease, procedures, complex physiology, and extensive patient interaction, which makes it such an engaging field to explore.

As chair, I would want to make the society more interactive, approachable, and genuinely useful for students across all years. I would aim to organise practical and engaging events such as:

• case-based teaching sessions
• revision events
• careers talks with clinicians
• opportunities to learn more about endoscopy and hepatology in practice

Gastroenterology is becoming increasingly important, particularly with rising rates of obesity, metabolic disease, alcohol-related liver disease, and GI cancers. It is a rapidly evolving specialty, and I would want the society to reflect that through clinically relevant and interesting events.

Most importantly, I would aim to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable getting involved regardless of prior knowledge or experience. I would bring enthusiasm, organisation, and reliability to the role, and I would work to make the society both educational and enjoyable for its members.

Hi, I'm Alisa! I'm currently in Y4 and running to be your next UCL GastroHep Chair! 

Having been the GastroHep Finance Officer this year, as well as holding leadership roles including Vice President of the Student Hospital Fun Team and Endocrinology Publicity Officer, I have experience organising and managing teams and events. Most recently, I led the financial and organisational aspects of the National Gastroenterology Undergraduate Conference, collaborating with leads from multiple universities to ensure a smooth, successful, and memorable event. 

My plan for next year: 

• Continue working with the BSG to create an exciting and interactive conference for anyone remotely interested in GastroHep! 
• My iBSc project was on the liver, and attending the BSG conference next month to present my research will hopefully result in getting more contacts who may be interested in delivering talks and workshops for events and conferences 
• Invite patients with e.g. IBD to hear about their patient experiences 
• Get in contact with sponsors to organise fun socials, such as having events with alcohol-free beers and wine! 

I believe creativity and initiative are essential qualities for a specialty chair, and I'm motivated to bring the same energy, ideas, and proactive approach to GastroHep.