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In a scene reflecting the strength of scientific partnerships and the integration of international expertise, and under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Grand Hall of Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine – Cairo University hosted the 14th Egyptian-French Meeting on hepatogastroenterology. The event witnessed broad participation from leading professors and experts from Egypt and France, in a rich scientific day showcasing the latest global medical practices.

Affirming its scientific leadership and pivotal role in supporting research and medical training, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute’s participation stood as a cornerstone of this event. Its role extended beyond co-organization to delivering advanced scientific content and managing specialized discussion sessions, reflecting its status as one of the most prominent medical and research institutions in Egypt and the region.

The opening session was attended by high-level officials, where Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director and Chairman of the Institute, delivered a speech emphasizing that the meeting represents an advanced model of international scientific integration. He highlighted that Egyptian-French cooperation has evolved beyond knowledge exchange into a strategic partnership that contributes to improving healthcare and supporting applied scientific research, directly enhancing the quality of medical services.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Hossam Salah, Dean of Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, stressed the importance of generalizing this successful model, calling for expanding cooperation between Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Université Paris Cité, and Beaujon Hospital to include various departments and specialties, thereby strengthening scientific and educational integration and maximizing benefits.

From the French side, Prof. Philippe Ruszniewski, Professor of Gastroenterology at Université Paris Cité and Honorary Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, stated that this collaboration reflects the depth of academic relations between both sides, emphasizing the importance of its continuity as an effective platform for knowledge exchange. He also noted that integrating precise diagnostics with clinical practice is fundamental to improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Karim Saïd, Scientific Attaché of the French Embassy in Cairo and representative of Beaujon Hospital, praised the outstanding scientific level of the meeting, describing it as a genuine platform for exchanging knowledge and clinical expertise, and a successful model of academic and research collaboration—especially given the training and research opportunities it offers to young physicians.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Raey, Professor of Hepatogastroenterology in the Institute and Coordinator of the Cooperation Agreement, explained that this participation comes within the framework of the scientific partnership between Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Cité, and Beaujon Hospital. This partnership has resulted in distinguished training opportunities for the Institute’s physicians in major French hospitals across multiple specialties, in addition to the approval of the Egyptian-French “Imhotep” project, supported by the Academy of Scientific Research and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The scientific program of the meeting was rich and diverse, featuring nine specialized lectures delivered by experts from Egypt and France, along with interactive sessions that included discussions of clinical cases from both countries, providing attendees with valuable opportunities for engagement and exchange of expertise. The lectures addressed the latest recommendations in the assessment and treatment of portal hypertension according to Baveno VIII updates, recent developments in liver cancer in Egypt and the region, optimal timing for suspecting neuroendocrine tumors, and the role of endoscopic ultrasound in pancreatic diseases. They also covered the latest strategies in managing severe acute pancreatitis.

Additional topics included the management of biliary infections and liver abscesses, endoscopic drainage techniques in biliary strictures, diagnostic challenges in inflammatory bowel diseases, and advances in histopathological diagnosis of liver disorders—particularly porto-sinusoidal vascular diseases—reflecting a strong integration between modern knowledge and clinical application.

The Institute’s participation was distinguished, with Prof. Dr. Khaled Ragab delivering an important scientific lecture, alongside contributions from several professors of the Hepatogastroenterology Department who chaired scientific sessions, including Prof. Dr. Ayman Abdel Aziz, Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Maged El-Ghannam, Prof. Dr. Mahmoud El-Ansary, Prof. Dr. Shendi Mohamed, and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Montasser.

In a statement on the event, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz affirmed that the Institute’s participation embodies its commitment to supporting international scientific collaboration and building an integrated system for education, training, and research. He noted that the continuity of this event over several consecutive years reflects its success as an influential scientific platform contributing to improving healthcare quality and enhancing Egypt’s regional and international standing.