Dr Zarate-Lopez graduated and completed her Gastroenterology CCT in Spain where she started her training in the field of Neurogastroenterology under the supervision of founder of the field Prof Malagelada. She then moved to Canada after been awarded a post CCT fellowship by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology at MacMaster University to develop her PhD. Continued her training at the Royal London hospital and UCLH. She is currently the GI physiology Unit lead at University College of London Hospital, Consultant in Neurogastroenterology, Honorary Consultant at GOSH, lead of the UCLH Adolescent Neurogastro transition service and UCL Associate Professor.

She is passionate about promoting training in the field to guarantee evidenced based experience and management and the development of new technologies to assess gut sensorimotor function. Dr Zarate-Lopez has lectured and published extensively in the field, contributing to the recent European Guidelines in both Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroparesis. 

What attracted you to a career in gastroenterology/hepatology?

Human physiology was my favourite subject at Uni. Gastroenterology and hepatology involve understanding and management of many different physiological processes. Some have a direct impact on our daily routines and lifestyle and how we interact with others, for example through our nutritional habits. In addition, the specialty requires a unique mixture of medical, psychological and interventional skills. This degree of complexity was fascinating and very attractive for me

What advancement in gastroenterology/hepatology are you most excited about and why?

From the specialty perspective, the development of endoscopic techniques that prevent more invasive surgical interventions is fascinating. From my perspective as a Neurogastroenterologist, the ongoing work to recognise the  brain gut microbiome axis interaction and  the role of the biopsycosocial model in the management of patients with disorders of the brain gut axis is critical to promote a more physiologic, holistic and patient centered approach. This is more needed than ever in order to balance a highly technological medicine with a more humanistic approach.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The constant learning which comes from multiple sources: patients sharing their experiences thanks to a less patronizing model of medical care and colleagues whose drive and knowledge is a constant inspiration. I am a very social person and interaction with patients and colleagues is very rewarding. 

What is the one thing you would change?

Following the same argument, i find at times the increasing administration workload demoralizing. Data collection is key for advancement in every field but I have the impression that it is done at the expense of time dedicated to listen to our patients and interact with them and with our colleagues. It also means less available time for education which is so critical for our more junior medical colleagues. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in your career?

I was told by one of my mentors to think in terms of how i could contribute to the advancement of the institution and the specialty, in addition to managing patients. This was a change in how i approached my job, and started to work on how to contribute to service development, research and education in the field of Neurogastroenterology. It made my job even more exciting and challenging... And definitely busier!

What does being a BSG member mean to you?

It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a community of colleagues dedicated to the advancement of the specialty, allowing access to excellent educational material and resources. Joining some of the BSG sections has been extremely helpful to meet colleagues with similar areas of interests and learn from their expertise.