ACG 2010 San Antonio

The 2010 ACG Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course was held October 15-20 in San Antonio and the Hands-On Course was a success! Special thanks go to Martie Spath and Dr. David Greenwald for the time and efforts to provide a wonderful learning opportunity.The sponsors for the hands-on course should also be recognized for the collaborative effort put forth by all. Participation was excellent and the feedback from the attendees was well received.

There was also live audio/video feed that was broadcast throughout the Conference Center. We look forward to working with the ACG in the future and at their 2011 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. on October 28-November 2!

Character in Medicine

This week we lost a great doctor, leader, mentor and friend in Gastroenterology, Dr. Yang Chen. His journey with cancer ended Friday, October 15th. It was only three years ago that Dr. Chen disappeared from the Saturday portion of his annual endoscopy hands-on course. It was then that he found out that he had stage 4 lung cancer. His fight to survive began that day.


Another journey also began that day. You see, that amazing scientist and physician found a mission in his cancer. He took it upon himself to speak to other scientists and health care professionals about Faith. Yes, Faith. Not something that is discussed among physicians and scientists very often. But if he could reach even one fellow professional, then his battle with cancer would mean something. His journey with cancer has inspired so many of us to remember why we are here, and to realize that we are not just colleagues, but a family of professionals who can make a real difference in each other’s lives and our walk in Faith. His “Doctor’s Journey with Cancer” website offers key insights into this man of great character. He was a blessing and he is in no doubt, a better place and cancer free.

http://www.adoctorsjourneywithcancer.net/HealthUpdate.aspx

The Physician-Inventor

There was a time when a physician with a penchant towards inventing could create something in the garage or basement and have a product to use for patient care in a short period of time.  Alternatively, one of the major device manufacturers, such as Cook or Boston Scientific, would take a special “phone order” to modify an existing product to meet a physician’s unique needs.  Late-night sketches on a cocktail napkin with the "next best endoscopic obesity device" were rampant.  It was a common occurrence for a physician to have an audience before a group of “new technology” committees at a major manufacturer to see if the “experts” believed the idea was sound.  Those days ….. sigh …. have disappeared.

Today, the physician-inventor needs to be a lot savvier and understand the nuances, roadblocks and tenacity of the medical device development process.  This is rarely a situation where the physician can “go it alone.”  A partner is required.

In order for a potential product to stand out, a number of important considerations need to be evaluated including:
1.     Market analysis
2.     Prototype development and cost
3.     Working prototype development and cost
4.     Regulatory requirements and limitations
5.     Cost and complexity to manufacture and cost to distribute
6.     Profit potential

In fact, in many arenas, the physician-inventor is required to carry the financial and regulatory burden through human trials before a device company will even begin to evaluate the technology.

DeLegge Medical is a unique organization whose mission is to assist in overcoming these obstacles.  This may be as simple as a market analysis or a small design modification for functionality, or as complex as creating a start-up company.  As physicians, we love to invent and our patients need our ideas.  A well thought out design plan is worth its weight in gold.

First Annual ACG Hands on Course

Fall is here! So is the first-ever ACG Hands-On Course.

We are so excited to be participating in the First Annual ACG Hands on Course.

Here is a link for more information:
http://www.acg.gi.org/acgmeetings/pdfs/2010_Hands-on_Workshop_brochure.pdf

New! Hands-on Workshop Center

Located in the Exhibit Hall, attend one or more of the 13 sessions to be offered and gain hands-on experience in Principles and Techniques of Expandable Stents, Mucosal Ablation, Bleeding Therapy, Advanced Imaging, and more. The Hands-on Workshop Center is free to all ACG 2010 attendees.

Get hands-on experience with equipment/devices from these following companies:

Apollo Endosurgery • Avantis • BARRx • Boston Scientific • CONMED • Cook Medical • CRH • CSA Medical • EndoChoice • ERBE • Fujinon • Ethicon EndoSurgery • Given Imaging • Olympus • PENTAX • Redfield • SandhillScientific • US Endoscopy

Robin King-Murray from here at DeLegge Medical will be working with the ACG to make this first-ever course a success!