MEETING FEBRUARY 12-17, 2026

This is the 41st year of the course, “Medical and Surgical Aspects of Esophageal and Foregut Disorders: Pathophysiology and Treatment”. We are pleased to announce that the venue for the 2026 course will be the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa on the island of Maui.

MEETING JANUARY 16-21, 2025

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz, with support from Stu Spechler

Guest surgeons: Shahin Ayazi, Guilherme Campos, John Lipham, Sumeet Mittal, Lee Swanstrom

Guest GI: Barham Abu Dayyeh, David Katzka, Joel Rubenstein, Rhonda Souza, Sachin Wani

Quotes from attendees:
“As a first time attendee, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. The knowledge of the speakers was phenomenal, the venue was spectacular and the course content covered the entire spectrum of topics I wanted to learn. Everyone who had a hand in this event has my deepest gratitude and respect. I hope to return.”

“Awesome interactive and inclusive sessions.”

MEETING FEBRUARY 1-6, 2024

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz, with support from Stu Spechler

Guest surgeons: Ross Bremner, Stephen Attwood, and Daniela Molena

Guest GI: Nicholas J. Shaheen and C. Prakash Gyawali

Guest pathology: Celia Marginean and Robert Odze

Quotes from attendees:
“Thank you all for an amazing first experience attending this course. It was interactive and informative. I appreciate the opportunity to attend and meet so many great people. Looking forward to attending in 2025!”

“Appreciated the afternoons free to be with family and enjoy the island.”

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz, with support from Stu Spechler

Guest surgeons: Jesper Lagergren and Brian Louie

Guest GI: Roos Pouw, Rhonda Souza, Sachin Wani

Guest GI oncology: Yelena Janjigian and Gina Vaccaro

Quotes from attendees:
“Excellent course, highly recommend to Surgeons and GI”

“AMAZING every year I have attended, grateful for the opportunity!”

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz, with support from Stu Spechler

Guest surgeons: John Hunter, Nat Soper, and Lee Swanstrom

Guest GI: Kenneth Chang and Michael Vaezi

Quotes from attendees:
“This conference was intellectually stimulating, full of relevant information for the practicing gastroenterologist, and completely free of commercial bias. I will change my practice as a consequence of attending this activity.”

“Outstanding, and I can't wait to come back!”

“Small size, amazing expertise, friendly atmosphere, intellectual openness and hunger.”

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz, with support from Stu Spechler

Guest surgeons: Shahin Ayazi and Sumeet Mittal

Guest GI: C. John Clarke and Sachin Wani

Quotes from attendees:
“Excellent job bringing the virtual and live talks together.”

“First time at the conference. Great information and great scientific reasoning backing up the presentations!”

“Fantastic course this year. Provided up-to-date clinical evidence and great discussion of controversial areas to provide data for clinical practice.”

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz

Guest surgeons: Ralph Aye, Reginald Bell, David Watson

Guest GI: C. Prakash Gyawali, John M. Inadomi, Stavros N. Stavropoulos

Quotes from attendees:
“Up to date and novel topics not presented elsewhere.”

“Highly interactive sessions with a great deal of time dedicated to Q&A.”

“High-level evidence and constructive clinical discussion. Multidisciplinary approach to disease management was excellent.”

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz

Guest surgeon: Jesper Lagergren

Guest GI: Christopher Thompson

Quotes from attendees:
“I appreciate the review of how the pathology of reflux needs to be approached from a medical and surgical perspective.”

“I'm asked to comment on these topics with a surprising frequency. I am confident I can now respond with up-to-date knowledge.”

“I am always rejuvenated by this meeting.”

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz

Guest surgeon: John Reynolds

Guest GI: Joachim Labenz

Quotes from attendees:
“I love the course and learn something new every year.“

“The representation from different companies is very useful; many are able to enhance learning experience from discussion of recent trial results.”

Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz

Guest surgeon: Lars Lundell

Guest GI: Hashem El-Serag

Quotes from attendees:
“Excellent conference. The debates were engaging and fruitful for all.”

“Continues to be an excellent conference. I always come away with at least one small practice change that can make a large difference in my busy practice.”

Course directors: Steve DeMeester and Phil Katz

Guest surgeon: Dan Smith

Guest GI: Stuart Spechler & Ken Chang