What is BygGIE?
BygGIE or the Belgian Young Gastrointestinal Endoscopists, is a national platform created to connect, educate, and empower the next generation of endoscopists in Belgium. It unites gastroenterology trainees and early-career specialists (< 35 years old) with a shared interest in diagnostic and interventional endoscopy. The initiative was established under the umbrella of the BSGIE, with the goal of fostering professional growth, collaboration, and innovation among young physicians.
Mission
BygGIE’s core mission is to create a dynamic community where knowledge and experience are exchanged freely between young and senior endoscopists. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, and (inter)national collaboration, BygGIE aims to strengthen technical skills and broaden exposure from diagnostic endoscopy to emerging endoscopic technologies such as ESD, POEM, and interventional EUS. It further promotes representation of Belgian trainees in European and international societies such as ESGE’s Young Endoscopists (EYE) network.
Beyond training, BygGIE is developing a Belgian young endoscopist registry to facilitate research collaboration. In the long term, BygGIE aspires to become a recognized voice in shaping the future of endoscopy training in Belgium—ensuring that every young endoscopist has the support, skills, and opportunities to reach excellence in patient care and innovation.
Mariana Figueiredo and Michiel Bronswijk
2025-2026 BygGIE representatives