Dr. Delbert L. Chumley Elected President of the American College of Gastroenterology

Newswise — San Antonio, Texas, October 18, 2010—Delbert L. Chumley, M.D., FACG, was elected by the membership as the 2010-2011 president of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), a national specialty association representing more than 12,000 clinical gastroenterologists and other specialists in digestive diseases. Dr. Chumley officially took his position as president during the College’s 75th Annual Scientific Meeting, held this week in San Antonio, which coincidentally is Dr. Chumley’s hometown. In this position, Dr. Chumley will direct ACG’s programs which include continuing medical education in the clinical, scientific and patient-related skills of gastroenterology, policies involving national and state medical affairs, managed care issues and clinical investigation.

Dr. Chumley is a private practice gastroenterologist who says, “My approach and philosophy to clinical practice is simple: always serve the patient's needs first – and everything else will fall in place.” For Dr. Chumley, the art of medicine means that physicians have a primary responsibility to listen to their patients and gain their trust. He considers it a privilege to perform a physical examination on the patient and recommend appropriate diagnostic or treatment options.

“As I witness the effect of computerization, diminishing reimbursement, increasing hassle factors, and implementation of physician extenders, I am deeply concerned that the patient could merely become an ‘icon’ and that the profession of medicine risks being slowly dismantled,” Dr. Chumley said. “Regardless of the pressures of private practice, I try every day to ensure that my patients receive my undivided attention and that they leave my office satisfied and feeling that I listened to and addressed their needs.”

Currently, Dr. Chumley is in private gastroenterology practice with Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio. Dr. Chumley has served Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio since 1996. Dr. Chumley received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where he also served his residency and chief residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology. He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.

Dr. Chumley has served the College with loyalty and distinction for many years: first as Governor from South Texas (1992-1996); then as Trustee (1997-2003, and (2004-2006). He has moved through ACG’s leadership ranks, first as Secretary (2006-2007), Treasurer (2007-2008), Vice President (2008-2009), and President-Elect (2009-2010). His active serviceto ACG committees includes: Educational Affairs (1992-1996); Credentials (1994-2001); and Membership (1994-2001, Chair 1999-2001). On behalf of ACG, Dr. Chumley was Co-Chair of the National GI Carrier Advisory Committee (2001-2004). This group oversees and has input into federal Medicare payment issues.

Dr. Chumley is also active in Texas medical organizations, including the Texas Medical Association. He as served as Treasurer of the Texas Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy (TSGE) from 1987 to 2004, and President from 2007 to 2009. TSGE is one of the largest and most active state medical societies in gastroenterology. Dr. Chumley directed TSGE postgraduate courses in conjunction with the ACG in 1993, 1994 and 1995. From 2007 to 2008 he served as President of Bexar County Medical Society, the seventh largest county medical association in the nation.

“In light of our changing economic and political environment, among the College’s top priorities must be to carefully monitor new health care regulations as they are enacted and to communicate their potential impact to private practitioners. A personal goal in assuming the role of ACG President is to continue to oversee and evaluate the College’s investment and revenue policies in order to ensure ACG’s financial stability and future growth,” Dr. Chumley commented.

Dr. Chumley and his wife, Louise, reside in San Antonio and have three children.

Photographs of Dr. Chumley are available by contacting Anne-Louise Oliphant.

About the American College of GastroenterologyFounded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of more than 11,000 individuals from 80 countries. The College is committed to serving the clinically oriented digestive disease specialist through its emphasis on scholarly practice, teaching and research. The mission of the College is to serve the evolving needs of physicians in the delivery of high quality, scientifically sound, humanistic, ethical, and cost-effective health care to gastroenterology patients. www.acg.gi.org View releases on other research breaking at the ACG meeting at www.acg.gi.org/media/press.asp

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