Thailand Prepares to Host the Federation of Neurogastroenterology and Motility Meeting 2024 — Bringing Together Global Researchers and Clinicians to Exchange Knowledge and Develop Innovative Treatments for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Bumrungrad International Hospital, a leader in healthcare and medical innovation, is honored to be the first and only Thai private hospital sponsor of the Federation of Neurogastroenterology and Motility Meeting (FNM 2024), chosen by the Center of Excellence in Neurogastroenterology and Motility at Chulalongkorn University.

Artirat Charukitpipat, Ph.D., CEO of Bumrungrad International Hospital, shared that throughout Bumrungrad’s 43-year history, the hospital has focused on excellence in medicine and innovation by developing centers of excellence. The Bumrungrad Digestive Disease Center, one of its centers of excellence, is well-known and trusted by patients around the world.

Bumrungrad’s sponsorship of FNM 2024 demonstrates its continued dedication to advancing medical science in the field of neurogastroenterology and motility. FNM 2024 provides yet another important stage for healthcare professionals to develop professionally, learn, and build networks among international experts. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to enhance public health in Thailand and bolster Thailand's reputation as a highly sought-after MICE destination. Additionally, FNM 2024 will help enhance Thailand’s reputation for medical excellence.

Prof. Dr. Sutep Gonlachanvit, Chairman of FNM 2024 and Director of both the Center of Excellence in Neurogastroenterology and Motility at Chulalongkorn University and the Gastrointestinal Motility Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that FNM 2024 was made possible through collaboration among the world's leading neurogastroenterology and motility organizations. These include the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association, Australasian Neurogastroenterology & Motility Association, and the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Neurogastroenterología.

The Federation of Neurogastroenterology and Motility Meeting has been held biennially since 2014 as a venue for global knowledge exchange and networking. It connects over 1,000 researchers in the field of Neurogastroenterology and Motility with the aim of enhancing our understanding of the complex connections between the nervous and gastrointestinal systems, and developing innovations for diagnosing and treating diseases caused by gastrointestinal malfunctions. These include well-known conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, delayed gastric emptying, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, and more. Abnormalities in the digestive system are very common health problems among Thais and people worldwide, with the number of patients increasing each year. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of FNM 2022, which was subsequently rescheduled to 2024 as FNM 2024.

As the Center of Excellence in Neurogastroenterology and Motility at Chulalongkorn University is internationally recognized, FNM 2024 will be held from November 6th to November 8th, 2024, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. The event will be hosted by CUNM in partnership with the Asian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association, a well-respected institution in neurogastroenterology and motility. Moreover, Thailand is an excellent choice for the location, given its medical excellence, unique culture, and culinary strengths.

FNM 2024 will feature over 100 speakers sharing the latest research, covering topics from basic research to clinical techniques. Moreover, there will be 'deep dive' sessions dedicated to topics of particular interest, including diet and the role of gut flora in GI diseases, as well as exploration into how GI diseases can arise from interactions between the gut and the brain. 'Asia focus' topics will investigate GI health issues commonly diagnosed in Asia and the Middle East. Attendees are sure to gain innovative new perspectives on neurogastroenterology and motility issues, which they can extend and apply to their own work, while developing an enduring professional network.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Yudhtana Sattawatthamrong, Director of the Digestive Disease Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital, stated that GI and liver conditions are frequently diagnosed in people of all ages and genders because these conditions are highly related to eating habits, environmental factors, and modern lifestyles. Each year, the number of GI and liver diagnoses continues to increase. Some common conditions include GERD, chronic stomach diseases, IBS, liver disease, and pancreatitis.

The Bumrungrad Digestive Disease Center aims to use its expertise to comprehensively manage patients' symptoms and treat their underlying digestive or liver conditions, whether the cases are general or complex. The hospital adheres to a process of continuous improvement to ensure it remains 'top of mind' for both international and domestically based patients. Toward that end, in 2022, the Bumrungrad Digestive Disease Center partnered with CUNM, recognized as Thailand’s number one facility and world-famous for treating all problems related to the gastrointestinal system—especially noted for its ever-increasing standards of care.

In 2023, the Bumrungrad Digestive Disease Center expanded to include a specialty clinic to deliver more comprehensive treatments aligned with international standards of care. The Digestive Disease Center hosts a variety of sub-specialty centers and clinics, including the General GI Center, Motility Center, Endoscopy Center, Pancreas Program, GI Genetics Clinic, IBD Center, Liver Center, and Integrative Microbiome Clinic. Today, it has become a leader in improving diagnostic and treatment efficiency through capabilities such as AI-assisted endoscopy, which improves the identification of polyps by 54% in the intestines or stomach. Doctors can then examine the tissues for further analysis and diagnosis. The use of endoscopic tools allows doctors to avoid large paramedian incisions. These advances reflect the hospital’s commitment to continuously seeking the best practices that most benefit patients.

This year, Bumrungrad is honored to be the main sponsor of FNM 2024. The hospital is extremely proud to host this international conference in Thailand, enhancing the recognition and acceptance of Thai doctors in the international academic arena and demonstrating that Thailand is a key destination for academic conferences and MICE. This conference will also positively impact the future of the Thai healthcare industry by acting as a springboard to showcase and launch medical innovations and enable collaboration. These factors will help improve the Thai healthcare industry, inspire Thai doctors, and raise the standards of medical care across all regions of Thailand.

Those interested can register to attend FNM 2024 or find additional details and discussion topics at https://www.fnm2024.com/