Abstract
In the clinical arena where endoscopy for the digestive system is conducted, it has been standard practice that fellows first acquire knowledge about the basic technology and observe experienced physicians in practice before they conduct the procedure directly on clinical patients. In view of the future trends in medical practice, however, endoscopic training should start with tutorial sessions and fellows should perfect their technique through the use of simulators before they face actual patients. In conducting endoscopic treatment, they should master the use of actual instruments, such as the Erlangen active simulator for interventional endoscopy (EASIE model) and acquire their clinical skills in stages under the guidance of highly experienced instructors so that the risk of accidents may be minimized, at the same time educational advantage in the process may be maximized. At present, the general attitude toward medical education is undergoing dramatic change. It is essential that physicians give further thought on the mission or role of medicine within society and establish an educational and training system that is comparable to those in the rest of the world and yet is the one that preserves the virtues of the Japanese people and the uniqueness of our practice.
