On Feb. 26, 2014, the gastroenterology societies joined together to highlight the potential of colonoscopy to save lives as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month with a briefing on Capitol Hill.
The briefing – Progress and Challenges in Reducing Colorectal Cancer – utilized scientific data to showcase the potential life-saving value of colonoscopy and the unique skills and qualifications of gastroenterologists. This event kicked off the initiative – The Value of Colonoscopy: Saving Lives Through Expert Care – a unique partnership of AGA, ACG, and ASGE.
Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-N.J.) discussed the personal impact colorectal cancer has had on his family. Dr. Howard K. Koh, assistant secretary for health for Health and Human Services, presented on the public health impact of colorectal cancer alongside a group of distinguished gastroenterologists, including:
• Gregory G. Ginsberg, M.D., FACG, FASGE, AGAF, professor of medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; executive director of endoscopic services, Penn Medicine, gastroenterology division, Philadelphia.
• David A. Greenwald, M.D., FACG, FASGE, AGAF, professor of clinical medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY.
• Mark B. Pochapin, M.D., FACG, FASGE, Sholtz-Leeds professor of gastroenterology, professor of medicine, and director of the Division of Gastroenterology at NYU Langone Medical Center, New York.
The societies were honored that two esteemed members of Congress, Rep. Payne and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), were able to join us at the event to share their personal commitment to reducing the impact of colorectal cancer.
Read more about the event at: valueofcolonoscopy.org/hillbriefing.
