ISDE News

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) is pleased to announce two new appointments to the Diseases of the Esophagus (DOTE) journal team:  

Dr. Sabita Jiwnani, Tata Memorial Centre, India  

Dr. Sabita S. Jiwnani is Professor of Thoracic Surgery in the Department of Surgical Oncology at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, one of Asia’s largest comprehensive cancer hospitals. Since 2022, she has led the thoracic surgery service, overseeing clinical delivery, training, academics, research, and capital planning for advanced surgical technology.

Her clinical expertise is in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including robotic approaches, and she has been instrumental in developing training pathways and protocols that have improved surgical safety and patient outcomes. She has also played a pivotal role in strengthening multidisciplinary care and introducing structured perioperative practices that are now standard within the department.

Dr. Jiwnani has multiple publications as first or corresponding author and contributions to book chapters. Her research spans a wide spectrum, including surgical innovation, implementation science, quality of life, and areas that challenge established practices in thoracic oncology. She has successfully secured both national and international research funding and continues to lead collaborative projects that aim to advance evidence-based surgical care.

As a committed educator, she has designed structured teaching curricula and mentorship programs for postgraduate trainees and fellows, and has served as Academic Director of the Indian Society of Oncology. She is a sought-after faculty member at national and international meetings and continues to mentor the next generation of thoracic surgeons.

Dr. Jiwnani serves on the executive committees of national and international oncology and thoracic societies. She is also actively engaged in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and mentors through Women in da Vinci Surgery and Women in Oncology.

Dr. Walter Chan is Director of the Center for Gastrointestinal Motility at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. A specialist in gastroenterology, hepatology, and endoscopy, he focuses on motility disorders, esophageal diseases such as GERD and Barrett’s esophagus, and other complex gastrointestinal conditions. 

Dr. Chan earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at Brigham and Women’s.  

Among his honors, Dr. Chan has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Boston Magazine in 2022 and was also listed in Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors for 2022. 

They will be joining Dr. Keith Kang, who currently leads DOTE’s social media communications in China. Together, they will form an energized team dedicated to advancing the journal’s social media strategy and outreach. 

Drs. Jiwnani and Chan are assuming the role of Associate Editors for Social Media Outreach, following the exemplary contributions of Jessie Elliot, whom we thank sincerely for her commitment and service. 

As Associate Editors for Social Media (AESM), Drs. Jiwnani, Chan and Kang will lead initiatives to expand the journal's presence across social media platforms, reporting directly to the Editors-in-Chief.  

Strategy Objectives 

This social media initiative is rooted in the understanding that visibility on digital platforms contributes significantly to citation rates and scholarly impact. The AESM team will work together to: 

• Engage with targeted virtual communities 

• Increase visibility of DOTE content through regular and strategic posts 

• Foster interactive networks around esophageal disease research and care 

• Promote dynamic and inclusive conversation around published work 

Please join us in welcoming Drs. Jiwnani and Chan to the DOTE editorial team. We are excited to see how their expertise and energy will shape the journal’s digital presence in the years ahead. 

Introducing the Women of ISDE Committee otherwise known as WISE 

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) is proud to announce the establishment of a new committee, WISE: Women of ISDE. This move represents a small step toward fostering equity, collaboration, and advancement within the field of esophageal disease. 

Leadership and Vision 
The WISE Committee will be co-chaired by Dr. Alia Qureshi (Oregon Health & Science University) and Dr. Daniela Molena (Memorial Sloan Kettering), two esteemed leaders dedicated to driving inclusion and innovation in the field. 

The WISE Committee aims to be a global leader in esophageal knowledge, empowering and advancing women as key contributors and leaders. 

The WISE Committee’s mission encompasses: 

1. Creating opportunities for individuals across disciplines to network and collaborate in esophageal medicine. 
2. Inspiring and empowering women at all career stages, with a focus on equity in leadership and valuing their contributions as students, clinicians, and leaders. 
3. Promoting scientific research and knowledge exchange, with a commitment to advancing women in the field. 
4. Advocating for women's inclusion and leadership in partnerships with organizations and industries. 
5. Supporting equitable opportunities for research funding, recognition, and professional growth in esophageal fields. 

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessie Elliott, as the inaugural Editor of Young DOTE—a new editorial role within the Diseases of the Esophagus (DOTE) journal focused on supporting training, mentorship, and professional development for early-career professionals.

In this newly created position, Jessie will lead the development of fresh initiatives designed to engage the Young ISDE community and foster pathways for emerging professionals to participate in the editorial and publishing process of the journal.

Role Highlights

As Editor, Young DOTE, Jessie will:

• Launch a new “Lessons Learned” section within the journal, focusing on key aspects of training, mentorship, education, and career development in the field of esophageal disease.

• Work closely with the Young ISDE community to create meaningful opportunities for members to become involved with DOTE's editorial activities and publishing processes.

• Contribute to ISDE’s broader mission to support the next generation of global leaders in esophageal care.

Jessie Elliott, MB BCh BAO BA PhD FRCS

Jessie Elliott is a Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Principal Investigator at the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute in Dublin, Ireland, where she focuses on the treatment of patients with oesophageal and gastric cancer. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, she completed a PhD in translational medicine at University College Dublin, where she explored novel strategies to enhance nutrition in cancer survivorship.

Jessie is involved in major international research initiatives such as the SARONG-II randomized controlled trial and the IMPROVE study on liquid biopsy applications. She serves as Vice Chair of the UK and Ireland Oesophagogastric Cancer Research Group, is a supervisor for the ICAT programme, and holds multiple leadership roles, including Young DOTE Editor of Diseases of the Esophagus and a member of the Journal’s Editorial Board.

Jessie is deeply committed to advancing clinical academic collaborations and delivering transformative research that addresses critical clinical questions to improve outcomes for patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers.

We are excited to welcome Jessie into this new role and look forward to her leadership in shaping the future of Young DOTE and its contributions to the ISDE community.

The European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ESDE) and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Study Group Europe (EACSGE) are pleased to provide access to the webinar recording on CANCER OF THE ESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION: Anatomy, Pathology, Molecular Biology held on May 15, 2024. This limited time access will be available until June 30, 2026. 

Why is this webinar important

In the last 50 years the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased severalfold, with some estimates of a risk in men by 2030 of approximately 1 per cent. The strategy for identifying high-risk individuals has remained largely unchanged, with a clinical focus on GERD, central obesity, and age, and a pathologic focus on BE, all of which lack specificity. Many patients

with EAC have no relevant known risk factors and few patients have a prior diagnosis of BE. Accordingly, current screening approaches of high-risk cohorts miss approximately 40% of at-risk patients, suggesting that screening practices are largely ineffective, and that a focus on BE and its progression has significant limitations.

During the Webinar, new ideas and modern concepts that challenge the simple paradigm of carcinogenesis at the EGJ were presented, new evidences and novel constructs were discussed. The key take-home points based on elements of reasonable certainty have been provided in the webinar summary provided below.

Cancer Of The Esophageal Junction Webinar FREE ACCESS

We will be very grateful if you will be active with questions or comments in the future debate, hopefully interesting and stimulating.

Sincerely

John Reynolds, Edoardo Savarino, Sandro Mattioli for ESDE and EACSDGE               

We are pleased to welcome our newest ISDE Members to the global esophageal community!

Your commitment to advancing education, research, and collaboration in esophageal diseases strengthens our shared mission. We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to the impact you’ll make. Welcome to ISDE!

Below, you’ll find a list of new members who have recently joined our international network.

We are pleased to announce the renaming of two prestigious ISDE awards given by the Diseases of the Esophagus Journal, reflecting our ongoing commitment to recognizing excellence in research and peer review. 

Paper of the Year Award (formerly Best Junior Faculty/Trainee Manuscript Award): This award celebrates outstanding first-author contributions to scientific research, recognizing excellence in methodology, clinical impact, and engagement. 

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Paper of the Year Award as follows: 

Winner: Dr. Sydney Pomenti
"Questionnaire for Diagnosis and Response Therapy in Rumination Syndrome"

Runner-Up: Dr. Benjamin Norton 
“Risk of Metastasis Among Patients Diagnosed with High-Tisk T1 Esophageal Adenocarcinoma who Underwent Endoscopic Follow-up”

Reviewer of the Year Award (formerly Outstanding Junior Faculty Peer Reviewer Award): Honoring exceptional dedication to peer review, this award acknowledges contributions in quality, timeliness, and volume of reviews. 

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Reviewer of the Year as follows: 

Winner: Dr. Chih-Han Kung 

Both award winners receive a USD $1,000 cash prize, complimentary registration to the ISDE World Congress, recognition in the “Esophagram” newsletter and on social media, and more! 

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our community at the ISDE World Congress. Stay tuned announcements about the recipients of these awards. 

The 2025 Shanghai International Esophageal Disease Conference, along with the 9th  International Summit of Shanghai Chest Hospital Esophageal Surgery (ISES) and the Joint Meeting between ISDE and CSDE, was successfully held on April 19, 2025. This significant event brought together world-leading experts and scholars in the field of esophageal diseases to explore cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment advancements. 

The conference was co-chaired by Professor Jie He, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Professor Lorenzo Ferri, President of the ISDE. The opening ceremony, hosted by Professor Zhigang Li, Director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Chest Hospital and one of the member of our board of directors, featured heartfelt open remarks from Professors Jie He, Lorenzo Ferri, and Jinhua Wu, President of Shanghai Chest Hospital, who welcomed global experts and highlighted the conference's role in promoting academic exchange and advancing clinical research. 

The conference covered four key topics, featuring detailed discussions on essential issues such as Organ sparing approaches to esophageal cancer, T4b Esophageal Cancer & TPLE, Management of Gastro-Esophageal Junctional Carcinoma, and Robotic Esophagectomy. During the conference, prominent ISDE experts from around the world, including Professors Bas Wijnhoven and Suzanne Gisbertz from the Netherlands, Professors Ken Kato, Seichiro Abe, Hiroyuki Daiko, Tomoki Makino, and Hiroya Takeuchi from Japan, Professor Ian Wong from Hong Kong, China, Professor Yin-Kai Chao from Taiwan, China, as well as Professor Lorenzo Ferri and Professor Mark Ferguson, shared their groundbreaking research and invaluable clinical findings. 

Chinese experts such as Professor Qingsong Pang from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Professor Xuefeng Leng from Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Professor Zheng Bin from Fujian Medical University Affiliated Union Hospital, and Professor Lijie Tan from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, presented their clinical research findings, surgical techniques, and case studies. These presentations highlighted the Chinese experience with a special eastern perspective, fostering a dialogue between east and west and providing a unique angle for international collaboration. 

Shanghai Chest Hospital, as one of the leading centers in esophageal disease research and treatment, showcased its innovative clinical practices and advanced surgical techniques. Professor Zhigang Li presented advancements in organ-preserving treatments and robotic-assisted McKeown esophagectomy, while Professor Yifeng Sun shared updates on the ToMIE clinical study for esophageal cancer surgery. Professor Chunguang Li discussed modified mediastinal tracheostomy for cervical esophageal cancer salvage surgery, and Professor Jun Liu highlighted the history and future of immunotherapy for esophageal cancer. These contributions demonstrated the hospital’s commitment to pioneering advancements that will shape the future of esophageal disease treatment. 

A key highlight of the event was the ISDE-CSDE Joint Round-table Meeting, which provided a platform for strengthening collaboration between the two societies. This rare opportunity allowed for strategic discussions aimed at increasing ISDE’s influence and visibility in China and fostering closer ties between international and Chinese esophageal disease specialists. 

Congratulations to Prof. Zhigang Li for organizing another outstanding ISES conference. Thanks to Prof. Jie He for his invaluable support and to ISES and CSDE for inviting ISDE to join in the conference. The outstanding group of international speakers and cutting-edge topics held the interest of an audience of more than 200 attendees. The ISDE leadership was privileged to meet with CSDE leadership after the conference and we made considerable progress in planning future collaborations, particularly focusing on young trainees. We look forward to seeing all of our new friends in Brisbane, Australia, in September 2025 for the ISDE World Congress. 
Mark Ferguson, Executive Director 

The International Summit of Shanghai Chest Hospital Esophageal Surgery (ISES) is a signature academic event organized by the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Shanghai Chest Hospital. It aims to advance cutting-edge technologies and research in the field of esophageal surgery and promote clinical and research collaboration within the industry. The event has been successfully held for ninth editions, with the latest one held on April 19th, showcasing significant advancements in the field. 

This summit provided an invaluable academic exchange platform for esophageal disease specialists around the world. The fruitful discussions and collaborations laid the foundation for ongoing innovation in esophageal disease treatment, ultimately improving patient care globally. 

Call For Submissions To The ISDE International Fellowship Database

The Young ISDE Committee is pleased to announce the creation of an International Fellowship Database for esophageal care, research, or surgery. We are inviting organizations that offer fellowship opportunities to join a global platform that brings together institutions and aspiring clinician-scientists from around the world. Organizations listing their fellowships will benefit in the following ways: 

• Expand Your Reach: Connect with a diverse, global community of experienced professionals and aspiring fellows passionate about advancing esophageal science and care. 

• Attract Top Talent: Share your opportunities with motivated individuals eager to grow their skills, contribute to impactful research, and become tomorrow’s leaders in the field. 

• Collaborate Globally: Build meaningful connections with like-minded institutions and fellows, fostering cross-border exchange of research ideas, clinical expertise, and innovative solutions. 

Visit the link below for more information and to submit.

Interested organizations wishing to showcase their programs to the international esophageal community are welcome to apply.

Learn More ISDE - International Fellowship Database Project

Submit Fellowships Online 

The ISDE Board of Directors is excited to announce the leaders of the 2026 ISDE World Congress in Kyoto, Japan from September 16-18, 2026. 

Manabu Muto Appointed as Congress President for the 2026 ISDE World Congress 

Professor Manabu Muto has been appointed as the Congress President for the 2026 Congress in Kyoto, Japan. This new leadership role, introduced in consultation with directors from Japan, reflects a shift from the traditional Chair position to a Congress President. 

Manabu Muto will work with a regional committee to champion the congress, provide local insights, and encourage regional participation. The ISDE looks forward to a successful and impactful congress under Professor Muto’s leadership. 

Ken Kato Appointed as Chair of the 2026 Scientific Program Committee 

We are also pleased to announce Ken Kato as the Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the Kyoto meeting. A respected leader in esophageal diseases, Ken Kato brings extensive expertise to the role.  

As Chair, he will lead a committee to develop a multidisciplinary program that engages ISDE members and the wider esophageal community. We look forward to the innovative program that Ken Kato will develop for the 2026 World Congress. 

The Diseases of the Esophagus (DOTE) Journal is delighted to present this Special Collection on Eosinophilic Esophagitis with Evan Dellon serving as the Guest Editor. 

Over the past few decades, we have seen a rapid rise in understanding of this disease. This special collection showcases knowledge gained from the spectrum of EoE with studies on epidemiology, biomarkers, clinical presentations, treatments, and gaps to be addressed.By highlighting the latest discoveries and clinical perspectives, it aims to serve as a crucial resource for clinicians, researchers, and patients, enhancing the comprehension of this intricate and progressing condition. 

Read the EoECollection