FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Shanyn McNulty (202) 973-5877
[email protected]
NEW SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES IN GASTROENTEROLOGY
PRESENTED AT COLLEGE'S 64th ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING
WASHINGTON, DC, October 7, 1999 -- More than 2,700 of the world's preeminent gastroenterologists will gather from October 15 -- October 20 for the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 64th Annual Scientific Meeting at the Phoenix Civic Plaza Convention Center. There, they will discuss the latest advances in gastrointestinal research, treatment of digestive diseases and clinical practice management.
Two keynote addresses highlight the program. The Baker Presidential Lecture, "A Tale of Two Oppossums and a Discussion on Gallstones," will be presented by Sum P. Lee, M.D., FACG at 10:15 a.m. (MT) on Wednesday, October 20, 1999. An expert on gallbladder disease, Dr. Lee is Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and Chief of Gastroenterology at the Seattle Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The J. Edward Berk Distinguished Lecture "Evaluating Media Stories of Health Risk," will be delivered by Marcia Angell, M.D. Executive Editor and interim Editor-in-Chief of the New England Journal of Medicine and lecturer in the department of Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Angell will address the assembled physicians on Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 10 a.m. (MT).
Daily lunchtime media briefings are planned on the following topics:
Monday, October 18, 1999 12:00 PM (MT) -- "What's New in GI Pharmacology"
* Joel E. Richter, M.D., FACG, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
* Nicholas J. Talley, M.D., FACG, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
* Philip O. Katz, M.D., FACG, Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
* Donald O. Castell, M.D., FACG, Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
* Steven B. Hanauer, M.D., FACG, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
* Leonard B. Seeff, M.D., FACG, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
* David Y. Graham, M.D., MACG, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
* Harris Clearfield, M.D., FACG, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, October 13, 1999, 12:00 PM (MT) -- "Preview Colon Cancer Symposium"
* Douglas K. Rex, M.D., FACG, Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
* Amy E. Foxx-Orenstein, O.D., FACG, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA
* LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., M.D., FACG, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC
* David Lieberman, M.D., FACG, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR
* Radikha Srinivasan, M.D., Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
The above media briefings are available via telephone by calling toll-free 888-886-7043.
A Press Availability will be held on:
Tuesday, October 19, 1999, 3:15 PM (MT) -- COX-2 NSAIDs & GI Complications
* Phil Schoenfeld, M.D.(Paper 20), National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
Scientific presentations at the meeting will focus on new challenges in patient care faced by gastroenterology physicians and advances in the prevention and treatment of digestive diseases.
Highlights of topics to be addressed include:
* Athletes and Reflux, three studies that examine relationships between various athletic activities and gastroesophageal reflux.
* Prevalence and Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux, a population-based study examines gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in racially diverse areas.
* Effectiveness of Yogurt in the Prevention of Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea, reports findings that persons receiving yogurt reported less episodes of antibiotic related diarrhea.
* Reduced Gastrointestinal Side Effects, reports that COX-2 NSAIDs appear to reduce adverse gastrointestinal effects while retaining pain relief and anti-inflammatory qualities.
* New Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Constipation and new classes of medication will be highlighted in several papers and posters.
* COX-2 Inhibitors will be revealed as effective in reducing the number and size of colorectal polyps in patients.
* Colon Cancer Screenings are shown to be a cost-effective strategy for preventing colorectal cancer and increasing life expectancy among average risk patients over 50.
* Diminishing Role of H. Pylori Infection, studies suggests a decrease in the incidence in H. pylori infection associated with duodenal ulcers.
* Colonoscopy Offers Most Complete Screening, studies confirm than colonoscopy exams that allow physicians to view the entire colon are more likely to detect lesions in the distant right section of the colon.
Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG sponsored programs:
*1-800-978-7666: GI Health Information Hotline. Callers receive free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcers, colon cancer, gallstones and liver disease
*1-800-HRT-BURN: ACG Heartburn Hotline. Callers receive a free brochure & video on GERD
*http://www.acg.gi.org - ACG's Web site
# # #
The American College of Gastroenterology was founded in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the individual and collective needs of clinical GI practitioners.
For media registration, or to participate in the press briefings via teleconference, please contact Shanyn McNulty at the number or e-mail listed on Page One.
RSS