News

Under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and within the framework of the scientific cooperation agreement between Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Beaujon Hospital, Paris Cité University, and Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine – Cairo University, TBRI hosted the 13th Egyptian-French Scientific Meeting in Hepatogastroenterology on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in “Ahmed El-Garim Hall” at the Institute.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of TBRI, emphasized that the institute’s continued organization of this meeting for the thirteenth consecutive year reflects its commitment to being a leading scientific platform for integrated research and specialized medical training. He added that it also demonstrates the institute's strategic role as a regional hub for international collaboration in some of the most critical medical specialties impacting human health. He affirmed the importance of sustaining this initiative not just as an annual event but as part of TBRI’s long-term vision to become a regional reference center in hepatogastroenterology.

Prof. Abdel Aziz also highlighted the success of Egyptian-French cooperation as a model in the field of continuing medical education, stressing that clinical and medical practice can only be modernized through engagement with pioneering international experiences—something this exceptional scientific event clearly embodies.

He concluded by underscoring that empowering young medical professionals with access to the latest knowledge, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches remains a top priority for the Institute, and that TBRI actively pursues international training and cooperation programs in alignment with the national vision to enhance healthcare services and strengthen Egypt’s scientific research ecosystem.

The opening ceremony was moderated by Prof. Ahmed El-Raai, Professor of Hepatogastroenterology at TBRI and General Coordinator of the Meeting. Attendees included Prof.  Hossam Salah Mourad, Dean of Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine – Cairo University; Prof. Philippe Ruszniewski, French coordinator of the cooperation agreement; and Prof. Karim Said, Scientific and Academic Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy in Egypt. Each delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the meeting as a dynamic platform for medical and research exchange and as a driver for enhanced collaboration between Egyptian and French academic institutions—ultimately contributing to the advancement of medical education and healthcare in the fields of hepatology and gastroenterology.

The program featured a series of specialized lectures delivered by leading professors from France and Egypt, addressing advanced and nuanced topics, including: the gut microbiome and its relation to chronic liver diseases, recent advances in the treatment of viral and autoimmune hepatitis, multidisciplinary approaches to liver cancer diagnosis and treatment, the role of modern endoscopy in managing complex gastrointestinal conditions, and innovative therapeutic strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases.

The agenda also included three interactive clinical case discussion sessions featuring both Egyptian and French cases. These sessions facilitated a valuable exchange of perspectives on the diagnosis and management of rare and complex conditions, offering a unique opportunity to bridge academic knowledge with real-world clinical expertise.

Prof. Ahmed El-Raai, the Meeting Coordinator, stated that the event has evolved beyond a traditional scientific meeting into a truly interactive forum connecting elite local and international experts. He noted that this year’s meeting was particularly distinguished by the enthusiastic participation of young physicians and trainees, who actively engaged in the panel discussions—an encouraging sign of building a new generation of medical professionals adept at integrating research methodologies with advanced clinical practice.

He extended his gratitude to the organizing committee members—Dr. Philippe Ruszniewski, Dr. Mohamed Saeed, Dr. Ayman Fouad, Dr. Alaa Awad, Dr. Magid El-Ghannam, Dr. Heba Khalil, Dr. Hesham El-Meligy, and Dr. Safia Samir—for their tremendous efforts in preparing this important scientific event. He praised their meticulous planning and the high quality of the scientific content, which were key contributors to the meeting’s success. He also remarked that this collaborative effort reflects the spirit of academic excellence that unites Egyptian and French expertise and further establishes TBRI’s capacity to organize international events at the highest scientific and organizational standards.

At the conclusion of the meeting, emphasis was placed on capitalizing on the established scientific collaboration by expanding academic and research partnerships among participating institutions. This includes researcher exchanges, multinational scientific projects, and the launch of joint clinical training programs for young doctors between TBRI and specialized hospitals in Paris. Additionally, the documentation of rare and complex cases was encouraged for educational and research purposes, and the continuation of interactive sessions between medical teams from both countries—through regular virtual meetings—was promoted as a means of sustaining shared medical learning and practical experience exchange.

This meeting reaffirms the leading role of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute in linking scientific research with clinical application and in opening pathways for international cooperation for Egyptian medical professionals. It contributes to improving the quality of healthcare services and enhancing Egypt’s standing in global scientific forums.