AEM 2025 in Malta: A Narrative on Clinical Innovation, Robotic Milestones, and the Evolution of Endoscopic Practice 

The International Advanced Endoscopy Masterclass (AEM) made its much-anticipated Malta debut in 2025, attracting more than 300 delegates and faculty from over 30 countries to the historic Mediterranean Conference Centre from June 11 to June 13, 2025. Known globally as a premier educational event in advanced endoscopy, AEM delivered a packed schedule of interactive sessions, hands-on courses, and collaborative exchanges between clinicians, researchers, and technology leaders. 

During the event, MedTech World interacted with key figures, including Malta’s Minister of Health and Active Ageing, Hon. Jo Etienne Abela; Prof. Edward J. Despott, a leading voice in advanced endoscopy; Mr. Salim Tayah, representing FUJIFILM; and Mr. Cliffort Caruana from Mater Dei Hospital. 

“Malta is Becoming a Hub for MedTech and Digital Health” 

Minister of Health and Active Ageing, Malta, Hon. Jo Etienne Abela, who brings both clinical and political insight as a former surgeon, expressed pride in Malta’s growing status as a regional MedTech center. “Having the international AEM congress here in Malta is a step ahead,” he told MedTech World. “This is medicine at a new frontier. The cream of endoscopy is meeting here, and our local professionals benefit immensely.”

Addressing the rapid evolution of minimally invasive procedures and the critical role of AI in diagnostics and surgery, Minister Abela highlighted the importance of collaboration across ministries. “Innovation costs money,” he acknowledged. “But our relationship with the Ministry of Finance is strong. We are committed to building patient-centric, future-ready healthcare services.”

FUJIFILM: Listening to Clinicians, Acting Globally 

FUJIFILM’s presence at AEM underscored the role of medtech manufacturers in co-developing healthcare solutions with clinicians. “We’re here not just to showcase endoscopy equipment, but to listen,” said Mr. Salim Tayah, Director, FUJIFILM France (Medical Systems). “Clinicians know what patients need. Innovation starts by listening to them.”

Tayah praised Malta’s positioning at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, calling it a “melting pot” for healthcare innovation. He shared FUJIFILM’s vision for global connectivity, citing technologies like Synapse 3D that support remote surgical planning and long-distance collaboration. “We plan globally but act locally. And conferences like AEM give us the chance to stay grounded in the realities of clinical practice.” 

Prof. Edward J. Despott: Giving Back Through Education 

Born and trained in Malta, Prof. Edward John Despott has built an international reputation in interventional endoscopy. Now based in the UK, his leadership at AEM reflects a personal commitment to advancing Maltese medicine. “We’ve been holding this meeting since 2017, but bringing it to Malta is particularly meaningful,” he said. “It’s a full house, and the format is unlike any other.” 

Prof. Despott’s saline immersion technique for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now being adopted worldwide. “The goal is to educate, step by step, like a cookery class,” he explained. “I bring these techniques back to Mater Dei Hospital every six weeks. The idea is to keep patients in Malta rather than having to send them abroad.” 

Robotic Surgery at Mater Dei: Ambitions and Next Steps 

Mr. Clifford Caruana, Clinical Chairperson, Department of General and Vascular Surgery, speaking on behalf of Mater Dei Hospital, highlighted Malta’s advancements in robotic surgery since its introduction in 2023. From urological procedures to complex gastrointestinal surgeries, the use of the Da Vinci robotic system is steadily expanding. “We started with prostate surgeries, but now we’re performing major resections and colorectal procedures,” he said. 

The hospital aims to triple its annual robotic procedures to 300, with plans to acquire a second surgical robot and invest in a trainee console. “We want to create opportunities not just for local doctors, but for trainees from abroad as well,” Caruana added. “It’s a major restructuring effort, but it places Malta firmly on the map in advanced surgical care.”

Placing Malta at the Heart of Medical Innovation 

The success of AEM Malta 2025 stands as proof that small nations can make a global impact in healthcare innovation. From AI-enhanced diagnostics to state-of-the-art robotics, and from grassroots clinical training to multinational industry support, the event offered a compelling vision of what’s possible when clinicians, companies, and policymakers converge. 

For MedTech World, participating in AEM was more than just engagement; it was an affirmation of its mission to support and scale innovation from the heart of the Mediterranean to the world. As Prof. Despott aptly put it, “There’s no better platform than this to place Malta on the global map, not only as a hub for cutting-edge medical technology, but for world-class education too.” 

Join Us This November at MedTech Malta 2025 

AEM Malta showcased just how powerful collaboration between clinicians, innovators, and policymakers can be. This November, MedTech World returns with its flagship event, MedTech Malta 2025, from November 12 to 14, bringing together pioneers from across the healthcare ecosystem for three days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and next-generation innovation. 

Held in the heart of the Mediterranean, MedTech Malta is where meaningful connections are made, investment opportunities emerge, and advancements in patient care come to life. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, healthcare professional, or industry leader, this is your opportunity to engage with a truly global MedTech community. For more information, contact us at [email protected].