“…But in the long run, There's still time to change the road you're on...”
Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven
UEG RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP 2019— FELLOW'S PERSPECTIVE
“Life‐Gamechanger” – that was the first thought I got when I tried to summarize my UEG Research Grant Fellowship experience in Munich. It is not easy to describe briefly this fantastic time. That is why I will try to focus on what could be interesting (and useful), especially to all of you who would like to participate in UEG's clinical and research fellowships.
The road to Munich started quite far away from where it ended. In 2017, thanks to UEG Week meetings, I managed to establish a contact with Prof. Rui Tato Marinho from the University Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon. This short term clinical‐endoscopy fellowship helped me with my application for a UEG Clinical Visiting Fellowship. Here comes clue‐tip number one: do not give up on your fellowship plans after first (or second…) rejection. Think about how to improve your application, gain as much experience as possible, and invest some of your free time to search for opportunities that will make your CV more spectacular. Remember the UEG initiative “CV check”, which might be helpful to improve your success rate.
My next attempt to get a UEG Clinical Fellowship turned out to be successful in 2018. I was thrilled to join Prof. Julia Mayerle's endoscopy team for a month of intense endoscopy‐based scholarship. During this time, I was introduced to advanced pancreatic‐biliary techniques. As my focus was mainly endoscopy, it was fascinating to discover how interdisciplinary and translational research in the Pancreas Research Group looks like. Here comes clue‐tip number two: take from your UEG Clinical Fellowship as much as you can, do not close in your comfort zone. During weekly afternoon scientific meetings, I witnessed truly fascinating discussions about high‐end research projects which allowed me to realize that these projects might contribute much more to future medicine than my eyes on an endoscopy‐monitor and my hands on a scope. Prof. Mayerle agreed that I could "take‐a‐shot" and apply for a UEG Research Fellowship on microlithiasis–papillitis–pancreatitis project in 2019. As a new kid on the block, I got a great deal of help from Dr. Ujjwal Mahajan and Dr. Georg Beyer, who helped me to develop a competitive research proposal. Here is tip number three: know your future team and environment before moving from a "safe place" (in my case—clinics) to a brave new world (in my case—enter the lab). From my perspective—it could not go any better: I joined a team of wonderful people, and we finally got the UEG Research Fellowship 2019.
I entered the lab with apparent deficiencies in my prior basic science training. I was given a no short cuts education from day one. Introduction and working in a completely new environment had its ups and downs. Still, on every step, I got every support I needed. Thanks to the well‐organized team, we managed to progress with the project: “Role of microlithiasis NLRP3 inflammasome activation in papillitis and acute pancreatitis”, and continue our work despite the COVID‐19 crisis. This fascinating journey continues, as there are many steps on the stairway of science to overcome.
Finally, I would like to express my great thanks for the outstanding help and made this all possible: Prof. Julia Mayerle, Dr. Ujjwal Mahajan, Dr. Georg Beyer, Dr. Ivonne Regel, and all my Friends at the Diseases of the Pancreas Research Group at Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich.
Michal Zorniak MD
UEG RESEARCH GRANT 2019 – HOST PERSPECTIVE
I first met Michal when he stayed as a United European Gastroenterology fellow at my department, eager to learn advanced endoscopic procedures. I immediately recognized his attitude as a hard worker, his eagerness to increase his abilities and curiosity. It was a pleasure having him with us in the endoscopy suite. I was puzzled when my head of endoscopy after a week or two told me that he would allow Michal and take over responsibility from him to perform hands on EUS exams under his supervision—something not planned for a short term fellowships but baring on Michal's performance. After some time, he started attending our scientific seminars and phrased his interest in working on a basic science project. Furthermore, he presented his own work and prepared a review manuscript on acute pancreatitis, which was successfully submitted and published. Even in this short stay, he was well integrated and his personality and knowledge were appreciated by the endoscopy and lab team.
After discussing his particular research interests, we designed a project for him. It is dealing with the role of microcrystals/microlithiasis causing biliary pancreatitis via inflammasome driven papillitis. Biliary pancreatitis and the role of microlithiasis is still an unsolved question. Still, it might explain 50% of so far described idiopathic cases of acute pancreatitis. The mechanism of microlithiasis causing biliary pancreatitis is yet to be elucidated, and its understanding could greatly improve patient's care. Since becoming part of the Diseases of the Pancreas Research Group Michal has put a lot of effort into pursuing this project, and the first outcomes have been already presented at international pancreatic meetings. Michal have never ever disappointed my expectations but excelled beyond expectation.
As a host of the first‐ever UEG Research Fellowship, I am convinced that this programme supports especially young digestive healthcare specialists, training them to pursue a career as academic physicians–scientists. I am truly grateful to UEG for developing this funding opportunity and I am convinced that my many young talents in GI will use and get benefitted from this option.
Prof. Julia Mayerle
To find out more about the UEG Research Fellowship and apply, go to ueg.eu/opportunities/research-funding/research-fellowship