ASGE Introduces Interactive Training and Technology CenterNew Studies Identify Risk Factors for Colon Cancer 6/1/2004
From: Tamaryn Wiggins of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 630-570-5618 or twiggins@asge.org; or Barbara Connell, 630-871-8202 or Connell@savvysrp.com OAK BROOK, Ill., June 1 -- A variety of considerations factor into the decision on why, when and how a specific market segment will address personal health concerns. Studies released recently reveal women are at risk in terms of diagnosing and treating colorectal disease, the second leading cancer killer in the United States, due to cultural and behavioral considerations. Female patients tend to prefer seeing female physicians in most specialties of medicine. A study presented by researchers at the University of Michigan found that for colorectal screenings, in particular, women patients' preference for a female health care professional is strong enough to delay the procedure and incur additional expenses, as there is a lack of available female endoscopists. ASGE member, Dr. Grace Elta, conducted research to determine the levels of risk associated with women seeking colorectal treatment with female physicians. The results reveal that a remarkable number of women patients will delay indefinitely seeking the diagnostic procedure because they do not have access to a female practitioner. On Thursday, June 10, you can join Dr. Elta and other leading physicians to find out more about this and other research as the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) hosts an Open House in its new state-of-the-art educational facility, the ASGE Interactive Training and Technology (IT&T) Center. The IT&T Center hosts comprehensive GI training for physicians and the medical team and houses a fully-functioning ex-vivo training laboratory that garners the world's most renowned gastroenterologists and endoscopists to serve as faculty delivering hands-on training to medical professionals. Showcasing the latest GI medical devices and technology from a variety of corporations the Center features eight fully-equipped training stations. By attending the Open House, media representatives will see the equipment first-hand and gain insight into how GI physicians are trained. Just returning from the Digestive Disease Week Conference in New Orleans (May 16-20), ASGE leaders will provide insight into the latest research, medical technologies and techniques released at that event. Tying into this information, leaders and faculty will demonstrate the most current practices in gastrointestinal endoscopy and discuss factors that impact GI health. GI physicians Dr. Christopher Gostout, Mayo Clinic; Dr. Grace Elta, University of Michigan, Dr. Douglas Nelson, VA Medical Center, and Dr. Irving Waxman, University of Chicago are just a few of the experts who will be on hand to meet with journalists and provide on-the-spot interviews about the latest developments in GI healthcare. Dr. Gostout has been invited as a guest lecturer worldwide for topics such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, endoscopic laser therapy, acute GI Bleeding and diseases of the GI tract. Dr. Waxman specializes in the areas of endoscopic intervention techniques and technologies, and high resolution endoscopy and its role in identifying early esophageal and colonic neoplasia. All of these physicians will be on hand to discuss current research and studies related to GI endoscopy and its impact on disease diagnostics and therapy. Accessing the most current healthcare intelligence for audiences can be a daunting task. ASGE will make access to GI endoscopic information easier for members of the media and their teams. Attend the Open House on June 10 and gather the latest data, view state-of-the-art equipment and meet knowledgeable leaders in the field. The Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday June 10, at 800 Quail Ridge Drive in Westmont, Ill., just off Route 83. Detailed directions and media kits are available upon request prior to the event. RSVP to Tamaryn Wiggins at ASGE at 630-570-5618, or by email at twiggins@asge.org. --- About ASGE: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), founded in 1941, is the preeminent professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of Endoscopy. ASGE promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to Endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. ASGE, with more than 7,500 physician members worldwide, serves the medical profession and the public by developing and advocating responsible positions for the benefits of patients, the public and medical professionals. ASGE publishes the leading peer-reviewed endoscopic journal, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (GIE), as well as a comprehensive member newsletter, ASGE News. More information about ASGE can be found on its Web site at http://www.asge.org. The ASGE just launched a new patient information website, http://www.askasge.org , which provides information on GI Health and finding the most qualified ASGE physician. | |