OAK BROOK, Ill., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy announces its 2006-7 President, Gary W. Falk, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic.
Outgoing President Robert H. Hawes, MD, of the Medical University of South Carolina, turned over the ASGE Presidency to Dr. Falk in a ceremony on Wednesday, May 24. Falk's term will run through May 2007. A member since 1988, he has served on ASGE's Governing Board for eight years and has served on many ASGE committees throughout his tenure. A graduate of the University of Rochester in New York, Dr. Falk received Board Certification in gastroenterology in 1985. His professional areas of expertise include ongoing research in the diagnosis and treatment of Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer as well as cancer prevention research. Dr. Falk is also passionate about educating the public on the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disease.
"ASGE is dedicated to increasing access and improving the information available to the public about digestive diseases and providing a resource for patients to find answers to their questions. We want to demystify the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used in digestive diseases and help individuals feel more knowledgeable about their treatment options," said Falk.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is an area of special importance when it comes to increasing awareness and educating the public. "Ninety percent of colorectal cancer could be prevented if screening techniques are used by patients, starting at age 50," stated Falk. "We want to allay patient fears and provide accurate information to encourage patient screening." Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, resulting in the deaths of 58,000 Americans annually.
Dr. Falk is Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. Named to the list of Best Doctors in America (gastroenterology) six times, Falk has received numerous honors, awards and recognitions. He is a member of a number of professional organizations and serves on local, state, national and international task forces and committees.
For more information, please contact Barbara Connell at 630/570-5616 or visit http://www.asge.org .
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 9,000 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. More information about ASGE can be found on its Web site at http://www.asge.org . For patient education information, visit http://www.askasge.org .
Contact: Barbara Connell
630/573-5616 bconnell@asge.org
American Society for Gastrointestinal EndoscopyCONTACT: Barbara Connell of American Society for GastrointestinalEndoscopy, +1-630-573-5616, bconnell@asge.org
