Dr. Jay Popp, MD, MACG, a former president of the American College of Gastroenterology, invites you on a unique overseas cultural and professional exchange opportunity.

People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs is coordinating a delegation of gastroenterologists who will travel to Russia from July 12-20, 2012.

This delegation will seek to increase collaboration with Russian professionals and organizations on topics of mutual interest in the gastroenterology arena. This will be combined with cultural activities highlighting the sights and sounds of the country. Delegates will enjoy insider views of the gastroenterology systems in Russia and experience the culture in ways that most travelers never do, from exploring Red Square and the famous Hermitage to observing professional counterparts in their element.

Program details and an application form are available by calling 877.787.2000 or emailing citizens@peopletopeople.com. A direct link to the planned itinerary can be found online at: www.peopletopeople.com/jaypopp.  SCGA members and anyone involved in gastroenterology is encouraged to apply as a delegate.  Click here for more details on this unique opportunity.

Please consider joining this exciting exchange!

The next annual Dress in Blue Day will be held on Friday, March 2, 2012.  The purpose of the day is to promote awareness about colorectal cancer and encourage people to get screened.  Individuals, businesses and community groups are all encouraged to participate by asking friends, family, co-workers and other members of their organization to wear blue.  By getting people to talk about colon cancer and learning about ways to prevent this #2 cause of cancer death in the US, you could save a life. 

More information about Dress in Blue Day 2012 can be found at www.ccalliance.org/dressinblueday/index.html.

The 2012 Unmasking Colon Cancer Gala will be held in the Upstate of South Carolina. Dr. Gordon and Melissa France and Dr. Richard and Jean Greer are serving as the Chairs of the 2011 Gala Planning Committee. Details about the date and location for 2012 will be announced soon and will be posted here as soon as they are availble.

Dr. Raj and Bhavna Vasudeva, in collaboration with the Center for Colon Cancer Research at USC, are planning a charity golf tournament on Saturday, April 28, 2012 in Columbia. Additional details will be sent to the SCGA members and posted here as soon as they are available!

The 17th Annual Medical University of South Carolina’s Advanced Endoscopy Update will be held on May 24-25, 2012. This meeting will again be held at Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this exciting educational event.  Click here for a copy of the meeting brochure.

The 12th Annual SCGA Member Meeting will be held on May 25, 2012. It will again be scheduled for the conclusion of the MUSC Digestive Disease Center’s Annual Advanced Endoscopy Update at the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms. Specific details of the meeting will be posted here as they are available.