News from the Literature | Research | Education & Meetings | Announcements | Practice | Journals & Publications
LEADING THE NEWS
Take it From Me — Politics Really Are Local
As part of the AGA’s Congressional Advocates Program, two AGA members from Pennsylvania are building a relationship with Congressman Tim Murphy, R-PA. Read an AGA policy blog post from David Whitcomb, MD, PhD, AGAF, to learn about his experience and his discussion with Rep. Murphy about health policies important to gastroenterology.
NEWS FROM THE LITERATURE
More Data Needed to Estimate Global Epidemiology of Hep B, C
Injecting drug use is an important risk factor for transmission of viral hepatitis, but detailed, transparent estimates of the scale of the issue do not exist. According to data published in The Lancet, improved and more complete data and reporting are needed to estimate the scale of the issue, which will inform efforts to prevent and treat hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus in injecting drug users.
The Lancet 2011: 378(9791): 571-583
Pregabalin Reduces Pain in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis
Pain is a disabling symptom for patients with chronic pancreatitis and difficult to treat. Evidence from basic science and human studies indicates that pain processing by the central nervous system is abnormal and resembles that observed in patients with neuropathic pain disorders. In a placebo-controlled trial published in Gastroenterology, doctors found that pregabalin is an effective adjuvant therapy for pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Gastroenterology 2011; 141(2): 536-543
Variation in Reoperation Is Indicator of Surgical Performance
In a study appearing in the British Medical Journal, doctors described national reoperation rates after elective and emergency colorectal resection, and assessed the feasibility of using reoperation as a quality indicator derived from routinely collected data in England. They found that there is large variation in reoperation after colorectal surgery between hospitals and surgeons in England. If data accuracy can be assured, reoperation may allow performance to be checked against national standards from current routinely collected data, alongside other indicators such as mortality.
British Medical Journal 2011; 343:d4836 doi: 10.1136/bmj.d4836
Salmonellosis Outbreak Associated with Peanut Products
Contaminated food ingredients can affect multiple products, each distributed through various channels and consumed in multiple settings. Contaminated peanut butter and peanut products caused a nationwide salmonellosis outbreak in 2008. Ingredient-driven outbreaks are challenging to detect and may lead to widespread contamination of numerous food products, stated doctors in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
New England Journal of Medicine 2011; 365:601-610
RESEARCH
Your AGA Research Foundation Gifts Support ...
… Jennifer Mkoma, who received the AGA-Stuart Brotman Student Research Fellowship Award in 2011.
"The 2011 AGA-Stuart Brotman Student Research Fellowship has multiple meanings for my future research endeavors. First, to be affiliated with the AGA Research Foundation has always been my dream. Now that it has happened, I will focus on becoming a future physician-scientist in pediatric gastroenterology. I will seek to learn the basics of the foremost problems in GI biology and how different situations can play a role in influencing the outcomes of various pathologies exhibited in living organisms, such as humans. It is my hope that this 10-week research fellowship will encourage and allow me to extract enough research data so that I can submit an abstract for DDW® 2012.”
To make a donation, visit http://www.gastro.org/contribute.
Funding Opportunities: 2012 NIH Director’s Award Programs
Each year, NIH makes grants to exceptionally creative scientists through the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award and New Innovator Award programs, and is now welcoming proposals for innovative approaches to major challenges in biomedical or behavioral research.
Pioneer Awards:
- Up to $2.5 million in direct costs over five years.
- Open to scientists at any career stage.
- Application deadline: Oct. 7. View instructions and send questions to pioneer@nih.gov.
- Up to $1.5 million in direct costs over five years.
- For early career stage investigators (ESI) defined as those who have not received an NIH R01 or similar grant and are within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree or medical residency.
- Application deadline: Oct. 14. View instructions and send questions to newinnovator@nih.gov.
To continue its strong record of diversity in these programs, NIH especially encourages women and members of groups that are underrepresented in NIH research to apply.
Enhance Your Research Career
As part of its core mission to support multiple aspects of GI research, the AGA has created a new directory of GI researchers. This free, online tool encourages research collaboration and enhances mentoring opportunities for young researchers.
The directory is a benefit of AGA membership, and all AGA members who perform research are invited to participate at no cost. This short instructional video provides information about how the directory works and how to search participants' profiles:
The directory will help researchers to:
- Identify potential collaborators.
- Identify resources that may be shared among fellow researchers.
- Identify potential mentors and mentees.
- Indicate interest in participating in pharmaceutical or device clinical trials.
Users can also search the directory for individuals in particular research interests and discipline descriptors, among other attributes. To access the directory, visit http://gastro.org/ResearcherDirectory.
EDUCATION & MEETINGS
Course Aids in ABIM MOC Process
The AGA Institute is holding a half-day maintenance of certification (MOC) course to assist gastroenterologists in completing the 2010 and 2011 American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) self-evaluation process modules for MOC in gastroenterology. The course will take place immediately following the AGA Clinical Congress on Sunday, Jan. 22 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, FL. Participants will earn up to 20 out of the required 100 points of self evaluation toward MOC and up to 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Expert clinician educators will present each module, identify the key points and summarize the relevant medical issues in an interactive group setting using audience response technology that will lead participants to the correct answers. After the course, participants can submit their answers to the module questions to the ABIM for MOC points.
The course also includes a special session, Pearls for Successful Completion of ABIM Maintenance of Certification, which offers valuable information about fulfilling MOC requirements and how to successfully pass the proctored MOC exam.
Course attendees will receive AGA guidebooks that include monographs linked to each of the questions in the corresponding ABIM modules. The 2010 guidebook can also be purchased through the AGA website; the 2011 guidebook will be available in October.
Physicians who also register for the congress will receive a discount on this course.
| Train the Trainers Program Application Deadline: Aug. 29 |
|---|
There are only a few days left to apply for this exciting program that will bring two educators to Xi’an, China, April 15–20, 2012, to develop their teaching and training skills. Learn More |
Save 20 Percent on Rome III Slides and Book
AGA members will receive a 20 percent discount on the purchase of educational products from the Rome Foundation.
The Rome Foundation computer-based learning program is a collection of state-of-the-art slides that brings to life information from the Rome III book, and updates this information from the recent scientific literature.
Designed by the world’s leading experts on functional GI disorders, the program is the product of a two-year effort by international clinicians and investigators. Using animations and videos, the slides illustrate concepts that can be difficult to explain verbally. Every image includes a clearly written description with key references.
The complete program includes eight topic modules (epidemiology, basic science, diagnosis, treatment, pediatric, psycho-social and brain imaging) and four specialty modules (primary care/health-care extender, IBS, constipation, dyspepsia and pediatric), which can be purchased individually or as a complete set of 825 images.
The Rome III book, available in English and Spanish, is designed for one-stop learning about functional GI disorders. It serves as a valuable resource to general and specialist physicians, mental health professionals, and basic and clinical investigators.
Both products can be purchased from the Rome Foundation’s online store. Enter the discount code AGAMEMBER to save 20 percent on your order.
AGA Practice Management Course to be Held in January
The AGA Practice Management Course: New Strategies for Changing Times will be held on Jan. 19 and 20, 2012, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, FL. Held in conjunction with the AGA Clinical Congress, the course provides both physicians and practice managers/administrators with essential information on how to build a successful practice in a demanding health-care environment. Physicians can earn up to 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Led by a faculty of experienced physicians and practice management experts, the program will address today’s most pressing topics, including:
- Implementing financial and cost accounting best practices.
- Understanding and negotiating better managed care contracts.
- Identifying new practice opportunities, including centers of excellence, new clinical service lines, and establishing a women’s GI care center.
- Selecting the right electronic medical record.
- Assessing the challenges and opportunities with accountable care organizations (ACOs).
As the congress sessions get underway on Friday morning for physicians, practice managers/administrators will participate in roundtable discussions where they will discuss common challenges facing GI practices, and work to develop potential solutions. The course will conclude with a special session on the impact of health-care reform and ACOs in the GI practice.
Physicians who also register for the congress will receive a $100 discount on this course.
Learn more and register.
Navigate Academic Environment with Specialized Workshop
Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Academic Skills Workshop, to be held March 9 and 10 at the InterContinental Chicago hotel, IL. Applications must be received no later than Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.
Co-sponsored by the AGA Institute and AASLD, this workshop focuses on providing junior faculty and trainees with beneficial tools and knowledge to help them shape a career in the highly competitive field of medical academia. During the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty through mentor-mentee pairings.
Highlighted topics include:
- Academic Medicine: Pathways, Tracts and Expectations — learn about available opportunities and strategies for success.
- Your First Academic Job — information on how to position yourself for success and choosing/changing mentors.
- Writing and Presentation Skills — tips and strategies for writing grants and preparing, editing and submitting manuscripts. Receive step-by-step guidance on how to meet the expectations of the study section.
- Funding Your Research: What’s Available — meet with NIH funding representatives to discuss proposed research projects and receive information about the grant application process.
All interested candidates must apply to attend the workshop and be a member of either AGA or AASLD. Nonmembers must submit an AGA or AASLD membership application with their workshop application to be eligible. Young scientists, trainees, MDs, PhDs or MD/PhDs with outstanding potential for a career in independent basic or transitional science, clinical investigational research or training, and education related to academic gastroenterology and hepatology will be selected.
Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Registration fees do not apply and travel grants will be provided to selected candidates.
Visit www.gastro.org/asw to learn more and apply. E-mail questions and concerns to Maura Davis, CME program manager, at MDavis@gastro.org.
| 2012 MD/PhD Student Workshop |
|---|
Do you know an MD/PhD student who is interested in gastroenterology or hepatology? Tell them about the Attracting MD/PhD Students into Gastroenterology Workshop. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Remembering Emmet B. Keeffe, MD
April 12, 1942–Aug. 8, 2011
Emmet, a third generation San Franciscan, attended St. Ignatius High School, University of San Francisco (USF) and Creighton Medical School. He died peacefully, after a sudden illness, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Melenie; children, Emmet III (Deborah), Brian (Kristin) and Meghan (Simon); eight grandsons, Emmet IV, Mason, Miles, Ellis, Finley, Gilbert, Oscar and Louis; and sisters, Lorelle Goold and Sharon Keeffe. Emmet was a kind and gentle man — an extraordinary husband, father and friend who cared deeply about all of the people in his life. He was also a world-renowned hepatologist and will be dearly missed by his friends, colleagues, residents, fellows, students and patients at Oregon Health & Science University; the University of California, San Francisco; California Pacific Medical Center; and Stanford.
A private burial will be held and a celebration of his life will take place in San Francisco at St. Ignatius Church, Sept. 16, 2011, 10 a.m., immediately followed by a reception at USF’s Fromm Hall located directly behind the church (parking will be available in the lower level of the Koret Center). In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Emmet B. Keeffe Scholarship Fund at USF, the AGA Research Foundation Emmet B. Keeffe Liver Fellowship Fund or a charity of your choice.
Share your memories of Dr. Keeffe on this discussion board. AGA will pass along comments to the Keeffe family. You will need your gastro.org username and password to log in to the AGA discussion board.
Help Prevent Medicare Fraud
If you help people with Medicare, watch for the CMS “Help Prevent Fraud” campaign on TV and in newspapers in your area, especially if you live near Los Angeles, Miami or New York.
The campaign tells people how they can protect themselves against fraud by checking their billing statements and reporting suspicious charges. People should also report other suspicious activities, like being asked over the phone for their Medicare/Social Security number or banking information. Medicare will never call for this information.
People can report suspicious activities by calling 800-633-4227.
You can help by making sure people with Medicare have the information they need to identify and report fraud. Check out the CMS fraud prevention toolkit for materials to help.
In Case You Missed It: AGA's Favorite Tweets
Some of our favorite and popular news items of interest featured via Twitter last week include:
- Via @nprnews: What's In A Drug Name? Sometimes, Enough To Cause Mix-Ups | n.pr/oI8vzy.
- RT @mathena123: Black Scientists Less Likely to Win N.I.H. Research Grants, Study Finds: nyti.ms/pjxtM9.
- 145 comments on this story abt record drug shortages making it harder for patients to get surgery, chemo. Ur thoughts? usat.ly/nErai9 via@LizSzabo.
- Trending this morning -- Revealing their medical errors: Why three doctors went public bit.ly/mPKOib via @amednews.
Have any news that you would like us to share with our AGA members? Please send them to communications@gastro.org or share them on our social media channels:
- Become an AGA fan on Facebook.
- Join our LinkedIn group.
- Follow us on Twitter @AmerGastroAssn.
- Check out our videos on YouTube.
How Strong Is Your Clinical Knowledge?
Test your clinical knowledge by participating in the Clinical Question of the Month, a fun, interactive contest that challenges GI clinicians and other medical professionals to call upon their current knowledge of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.
Starting in September, a clinical self-assessment question will be posted on the AGA, Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (CGH) Facebook pages. Answering correctly will qualify you to be entered into a drawing for a valuable prize. Fame and glory await the lucky winner whose name is randomly selected. With the winner’s permission, he/she will be highlighted on the Facebook pages mentioned above as well as the AGA website.
To participate, just “like” the AGA, Gastroenterology or CGH Facebook page. Once you “like” one of the pages, your news feed will display updates specific to that page. If you do not have a Facebook account, you will need to create one. Creating an account is simple and easy. Visit www.facebook.com to create an account.
The contest will run from September 2011 to September 2012 and feature 12 questions in total. The first question will be posted on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
For more information on game rules and prizes, visit www.gastro.org/cqom. Good luck!
PRACTICE
Registration for PQRS, E-Prescribing Call Is Now Open
On Aug. 29 from 1:30–3 p.m. ET, CMS will host a national provider call during which experts will provide an overview of the 2010 incentive payments and feedback reports for the Physician Quality Reporting System and electronic prescribing incentive program. A Q-and-A session will follow the presentation.
Medical coders, physician office staff, provider billing staff, health-records staff, vendors and all Medicare fee-for-service providers are encouraged to participate.
Please visit http://www.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/082911 to register for this informative session. Registration will close at 1:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 26, or when available space has been filled.
JOURNALS & PUBLICATIONS
Call for Papers on Clinical Trials: Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is committed to advancing clinical practice in the field of digestive disease. Recognizing that clinical trials generally have the greatest impact of all studies on clinical practice, Editor Anil K. Rustgi, MD, and his associate editors strongly encourage authors to submit their manuscripts on clinical trials (diagnostic validation, therapeutic efficacy) of drugs, biological materials and devices in digestive, liver and pancreatic diseases, including studies at Phases I, II and especially III, to Gastroenterology for consideration. The journal is also interested in publishing trials in endoscopic and imaging modalities.
There are several important reasons to submit clinical trial research for publication in Gastroenterology:
- With an impact factor of 12.9, Gastroenterology is the premier journal in the field.
- Gastroenterology is the journal that will directly reach the largest portion of physicians who care for and make treatment decisions for patients with GI or liver disease.
- Authors who submit their manuscripts to Gastroenterology typically will receive decisions within three weeks or fewer.
- Accepted manuscripts will be published online and indexed on PubMed within 10 days of acceptance.
To submit your manuscript to Gastroenterology, go to www.editorialmanager.com/gastro.
For important information on how to report clinical trials, go to www.gastrojournal.org/authorinfo. To review the current and past issues of the journal, go to www.gastrojournal.org.
0 out of 0 users found this page helpful.
Was this page helpful?
Only current members of the American Gastroenterological Association may post comments to this page.
Login To CommentClassifieds
Place GI Position Listings and Activity Announcements
For as little as $82.50, you can place a classified ad of 100 words or less in AGA's weekly e-mail newsletter, AGA eDigest, or AGA's bi-monthly magazine, AGA Perspectives. If you place ads in both AGA Perspectives and AGA eDigest, you will receive a 10 percent discount. Advertising in either includes a free online classified listing. Learn more.
Central Pennsylvania
Excellent opportunity for BC/BE gastroenterologist. Well-established, seven-physician practice with state-of-the-art ASC, fully operational EMR and soon-to-open new office with growth potential. Outstanding salary, benefits and incentive compensation plan. Learn more about our practice at www.gicare.com. Fax curriculum vitae to 717-761-0465, attention: Lisa Scicchitano or e-mail lscicchitano@gicare.com.
Colorado
GASTROENTEROLOGIST: Denver Health Medical Center, nationally recognized as the premier safety net provider in the country, is actively recruiting faculty with clinical interests in luminal gastroenterology who will be using the strengths of our integrated delivery and information systems to provide, understand, evaluate and improve the delivery of digestive health care to all who live in the Denver metro area. Our program is fully integrated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine GI division, including appropriate academic rank and a combined fellowship. Please contact Joel Levine, MD, GI chief at Joel.Levine@dhha.org for further information.
GASTROENTEROLOGISTS/CLINICAL HEAD OF GI: The division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Colorado Denver is seeking talented and energetic clinical academicians. The university serves as a tertiary referral center for the Rocky Mountain region, and the division has outstanding programs in endoscopy, transplantation, early detection and chemoprevention of colon cancer, and other clinical research. Applications are sought from individuals with strong clinical academic and leadership skills. Salary is based on the academic level of entry and individual qualifications and responsibilities. The Denver area provides a beautiful outdoor-oriented environment to complement the opportunities provided through the university. CVs and applications will be processed via www.jobsatcu.com, position number 811902.
North Dakota
Procedure-Oriented Practice
Sanford Health Fargo has immediate openings for BC/BE gastroenterologists in a procedure-oriented practice. Call 1:8. 100 percent hospitalist coverage; hospital consults only. Procedures performed include: ERCP, EUS and capsule endoscopy. ERCP and EUS skills are desirable, but not necessary. Opportunity to teach medical students and IM residents. Level II 583-bed trauma center with electronic medical records and PACS. Sanford Health Fargo consists of 585+ physicians located in Fargo and 32 regional primary care clinics.
Fargo, ND, with a metro population of 190,000, is a diverse, stimulating and family-oriented city with all the amenities that make for a satisfying and fulfilling life. We offer exceptional K-12 and higher education systems, world-class health care, affordable housing, low cost of living, and myriad cultural and entertainment opportunities.
Jean Keller, physician recruiter
Sanford Physician Placement
Phone: 701-280-4853
E-mail: jean.keller@sanfordhealth.org
www.sanfordhealth.org
Virginia
Hospital-employed group practice seeking gastroenterologist with ERCP skills. This is an established four-person group located at the campus of Augusta Health. This entity is part of a larger 50-physician multi-specialty group affiliated with Augusta Health, Inc. This is a dynamic physician-driven organization serving the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and a large surrounding area consisting of a population of approximately 200,000. August Health is a sole community provider and holds the majority market share position for many services. Very competitive salary and benefits. No J-1 available. Contact: Arlene Macellaro, director, physician recruitment/practice development, 540-332-4462.
