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Hein is a senior gastroenterology specialist registrar in Wessex Deanery with a special interest in artificial intelligence and advanced therapeutic endoscopy.

What attracted you to a career in gastroenterology/hepatology?

My foundation year 2 gastro rotation was a deciding factor for me. This was further confirmed by attending a ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø taster course which I would recommend to anyone thinking of pursuing a career in gastro/hepatology. Personally, having lots of hands-on skills attracted me the most in gastro/hepatology. This is especially the case in the endoscopy field which is constantly evolving with more complex organ-preserving, minimally-invasive endoscopic therapies. 

What advancement in gastroenterology/hepatology are you most excited about and why?

I am most excited about artificial intelligence (AI) in endoscopy. It is still in infancy with its computer vision in colorectal polyps, IBD neoplasia and Barrett's oesophagus and there is still a huge area of unexplored territory with AI use in endoscopy. I believe that comprehensive AI driven quality markers during endoscopy and integrated reporting may totally change the way we scope and provide service today. I believe it would be incredible to witness the beginning of a change in endoscopy, just like the way we witnessed how smartphones have changed our lives in the past two decades.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy having a variety at work which keeps me interested -ward rounds, MDTs, clinics, referrals, endoscopy, teaching, management meetings along with constant learning within the subspeciality of gastro/hepatology. I also enjoy dealing with GI bleed emergencies. Besides all these, gastro/hepatology offers flexibility which can improve work-life balance.

What is the one thing you would change?

More efficient IT system within the NHS. Imagine a seamless, integrated IT system (perhaps driven by an AI at some point in our lifetime) where we have all the relevant and reliable information in one place to make a decision and action at the same time. How productive that would be for a clinician?

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in your career?

Everything we encounter in life is a learning opportunity, we just need to reflect correctly!

What does being a ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø member mean to you?

To me, it is an excellent platform to meet like-minded individuals within the gastro/hepatology world (not just clinicians but also other AHPs and industries). This relationship continues to grow and strengthen throughout our career. And there is a place for everyone in ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø!