Expert trains on latest in colonoscopy
As part of using the latest updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at UCSF Fresno brought nationally renowned Dr. Douglas K. Rex to speak at the “Valley Gut Club” on June 19 at the UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research.
Dr. Rex is the chancellor's professor and professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and director of endoscopy at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis.
“The whole purpose is to re-emphasize the significance of screening colonoscopy to our community and treating physicians,” said Dr. Muhammad Sheikh, chief of gastroenterology at UCSF Fresno and Community Regional Medical Center. “In the United States, colorectal cancer ranks second to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death, and it is third both in frequency and cause of cancer death among Americans.”
Dr. Rex’s major research interests have been in colorectal disease and, in particular, colorectal cancer screening and the technical performance of colonoscopy. He co-authored the colorectal cancer screening recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology and those of the Gastroenterology Consortium. He is the past president of American College of Gastroenterology.
The continuing education program helped prepare physicians and medical staff to:
- Identify individuals who are at average and increased risk for developing colorectal cancer.
- Make guideline-based recommendations for appropriate screening strategies and intervals based on patient risk profiles. Understand the rationale for including CT colonography in the new guidelines.
- Address the barriers and facilitators of physician recommendation of colorectal cancer screening.
- Incorporate evidence-based strategies and systems into practice to overcome the barriers and systematically screen every eligible individual for colorectal cancer.
This story was reported by MedWatch Today staff. The staff can be reached at MedWatchToday@communitymedical.org.