Dr. Jack A. DiPalma Elected President of the ACG

Newswise — Jack A. DiPalma., M.D., FACG of Mobile, AL, was elected by the membership as the 2005-2006 president of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), a national specialty association representing nearly 9000 clinical gastroenterologists and other specialists in digestive diseases. Dr. DiPalma officially took his position as president during the College's Annual Scientific Meeting, held this week in Honolulu. In this position, Dr. DiPalma 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. DiPalma trained in medicine at New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York and did a residency in Internal Medicine at United States Air Force Medical Center, Keesler, Biloxi, Mississippi. After completing his fellowship in gastroenterology at Wilford Hall United States Air Force Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, he served on their teaching faculty. In 1987, Dr. DiPalma established the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of South Alabama which he now directs.

Dr. DiPalma's scholarly interests are in various areas of digestive disorders and physiology. He has contributed over 250 published articles, reviews, book chapters and abstracts. Dr. DiPalma directs the gastroenterology fellowship training program and the division is known for teaching to medical students, residents, physician's assistants and nurse practitioners. Dr. DiPalma has been an extremely active member of the ACG. A member of the Board of Trustees since 1996, Dr. DiPalma has served as Treasurer and Vice President of the College. He was the Course Director of the ACG Annual Postgraduate Course in 2001, and has been active in the strategic leadership of the ACG Institute Capital Campaign. His generous contributions of time, effort and creativity to the College encompass service as a member of numerous committees, including serving on ACG's Patient Care Committee from 1989-1997 and as chair from 1994-1997. He also chaired the ACG Publications Committee from 1999-2001, served on the Membership Committee from 1994-1999 and was its Chair from 1997-1998. He has served on the Credentials Committee, the Finance and Budget Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee of Carrier Advisory Committee Representatives as well as the College's Ad Hoc Committee on Managed Care.

"As President of the ACG, my goal is to keep member concerns in clear focus," said Dr. DiPalma. "The unique structure of the College having strong local representation via the Governors allows the leadership to be attentive and to be nimble in reacting to the needs of clinical gastroenterologists and our patients."

Dr. DiPalma and his wife, Ann, have two daughters.