North Star Endoscopy (NORSE) Course

Join us at the North Star Endoscopy (NORSE) Course—a focused, high-energy update on the advanced endoscopy you do every week and the skills you’ll need for the cases that walk in tomorrow. Led by recognized experts, the program zeroes in on what moves the needle now: endobariatric therapy with practical metabolic co-management; third space endoscopy; advanced in pancreatic and biliary disease; and EUS/ERCP strategies for altered anatomy and high-risk patients. Expect candid, device-agnostic teaching, case-based “how-I-do-it” walkthroughs, interactive small-group breakouts, and take-home checklists you can plug into your service on Monday. Come for the techniques—leave with playbooks, pearls, and a regional network committed to safer procedures and better outcomes.

NORSE 2026 will feature:

• Cutting-edge live procedures and hands-on training

• Interactive, case-based panels

• Cross-specialty collaboration

This course is planned and organized by the University of Minnesota, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Department. Contact Shelby Gill for additional information. 

1. Describe a standardized, risk-stratified approach to Barrett’s esophagus, including ablation selection and post-therapy surveillance.
2. Compare first-line and rescue strategies for endoscopic hemostasis and defect closure, including cryotherapy, clips, thermal modalities, and suturing.
3. Identify appropriate candidates and referral triggers for endobariatric therapies (ESG/TORe) and EUS-guided drainage.
4. Determine peri-procedural antithrombotic and diabetes medication adjustments using course algorithms.
5. Interpret imaging and endoscopic features of pancreatic cysts to guide sampling choices and surveillance versus surgery decisions.
6. Outline a stepwise management algorithm for pancreatic duct stones, leaks, and strictures, including pancreatoscopy, lithotripsy, stenting, and follow-up.
7. Differentiate candidates for ESG versus TORe based on anatomy, prior bariatric surgery, and metabolicprofile.
8. Outline a co-management follow-up plan after endobariatric procedures that integrates nutrition, anti-obesity pharmacotherapy, and glycemic monitoring.
9. Interpret expected 3–12-month metabolic and weight outcomes after ESG/TORe to guide medication titrationand further interventions.

Registration coming soon! Sign up here to be notified when registration opens. 

Credit Designation Statements

American Medical Association (AMA)
This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Determination of exact number of credits is pending.

Other Healthcare Professionals
Other healthcare professionals who participate in this CE activity may submit their certificate of participation to their appropriate accrediting organizations or state boards for consideration of credit. The participant is responsible for determining whether this activity meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.

McNamara Alumni Center

200 Oak Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Directions and Parking

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

University of Minnesota Continuing Professional Development adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education and has policies in place to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all of its educational activities. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities; individuals who fail to complete the disclosure in advance of the course are not eligible to be involved in this course. Specific disclosure information will be shared with learners prior to the start of the course. All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Member Information

Role in activity

Nature of Relationship(s) / Name of Ineligible Company(s)

Elizabeth Aby, MD
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Stocks or stock options, excluding diversified mutual funds-Medtronic (Any division)|Stocks or stock options, excluding diversified mutual funds-United Health Group

Stuart Amateau, MD, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEDICAL SCHOOL

Planning Committee Member

Consulting Fee-Merit Medical|Consulting Fee-Cook Medical, Inc.|Consulting Fee-MicroTech|Consulting Fee-Boston Scientific Corporation|Consulting Fee-Steris|Consulting Fee-TaeWoong|Consulting Fee-Olympus Corporation|Advisor-Olympus Corporation|Consulting Fee-Hemostasis

Ahmed Dirweesh, MD
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Amanda Hjeltness, PA-C
University of Minnesota Physicians

Planning Committee Member

Guru Trikudanathan, MBBS, Associate Professor
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Paid consultant-Boston Scientific Corporation|Grant or research support-AbbVie (Any division) (Relationship has ended)

Exhibit opportunities will be available. Check back soon for more information.