World Organisation of Digestive Endoscopy

History & Mission

OMED was constituted as an international society, independent from Gastroenterology, in 1962 during the World Congress of Gastroenterology in Munich, Germany. The selected name at the time was "International Society of Endoscopy" (ISE) and this was changed to OMED on July 3, 1976.

Past Presidents of the Organisation include:

  • 1974-1978TASAKA, Sadataka (Late), Japan
  • 1978-1982COLCHER, Henry, USA
  • 1982HEINKEL, Klaus (Late), FRG
  • MASUDA, Masasuke (Late), Japan
  • 1983-1986SIRCUS, Wilfred, Great Britain
  • 1986-1990RUBIO, Horacio, Argentina (Late)
  • 1990-1994SAKITA, Takao, Japan
  • 1994-1997CHELI, Rodolfo, Italy
  • 1997-1998CRESPI, Massimo, Italy
  • 1998-2002MACHADO Glaciomar, Brazil
  • 2002-2005NIWA Hirohumi, Japan

Honorary Members of the organisation are:

  • DEBRAY, Charles (Late) France
  • HENNING, Norbert (Late) FRG
  • HEINKEL, Klaus (Late), FRG
  • KIRSNER, Joseph B. USA
  • ROYER, Marcelo Argentina
  • RUBIO, Horacio, Argentina (Late)
  • TAYLOR, Hermon Great Britain

OMED Objectives (Article 3, OMED Statutes)

  • Worldwide promotion of the study and advancement of digestive endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of GI diseases.
  • Establishment of standard practice and training in endoscopy.
  • Support and co-ordination of OMED zones in achieving and maintaining optimal practice of endoscopy and in stimulating progress in endoscopic research.
  • Organization of workshops in digestive-related topics either on its own or in conjunction with other societies.
  • Promotion of education and training for physicians and surgeons in digestive endoscopy.
  • Standardization of endoscopic terminology and databases.
  • Consultation with industry on research and development.
  • OMED will be responsible for the educational and scientific content of the digestive endoscopy programme at the World Congress of Gastroenterology.