President's Message from Andy Smith

AUGIS exists to set standards, improve patient outcomes and support colleagues across the upper GI disciplines. It is an honour to serve as President, building on Iain Cameron’s leadership and the work of our Council, Executive and office team. Our strength is our whole community—trainees, DANS, AHP colleagues and consultants—working across subspecialties with a shared commitment to surgical excellence, education and audit.

Education will step up this year. In November we launch the AUGIS Winter Webinar series—every Wednesday evening—bringing the best evidence into everyday practice. We are also shaping a busy 2026 education calendar around what members tell us they need on the shop floor.

We will strengthen research through the AUGIS Research Academy, led by Prof Tim Underwood, and launch a Professional Affairs team to support members with advice and medicolegal training. This will incorporate our EDI committee to ensure equity across the organisation, and introduce “First Five” to support early-years consultants.

We will update existing guidelines and develop new ones to provide clear, practical standards that help teams deliver safe, equitable care. That means close collaboration with specialty groups and regional leads, strong support for trainees, and strengthening our voice with commissioners and policymakers. Please tell us what AUGIS should start, stop or improve. I want my term as President to be open, responsive and useful. And do save the date for our 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting in Harrogate, 23–25 September!