At Mayo Clinic, a standardized protocol combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation with aggressive surgical resection has doubled median survival and improved five-year survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Evolving technologies have led to more-aggressive endoscopic approaches to gastrointestinal polyp and early cancer resection.

Lifestyle changes are the first line treatment for children with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). But many patients and families find the changes difficult to sustain, giving impetus to the search for drug therapies. Agents targeting MLK3 seem especially promising.

A new, orally delivered form of fecal microbiota transplant has proved nearly 100 percent effective at preventing recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in preliminary clinical trials.

Abbreviated imaging during gastric emptying scintigraphy can lead to overdiagnosis of gastroparesis. Any evaluation of functional dyspepsia should include four hours of imaging and simultaneous testing of intestinal and colonic transit.

See all Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinical Trials at Mayo Clinic

Sept. 17-20, 2015, in Chicago
This review is designed for candidates preparing for certification and maintenance of certification exams. Taught by Mayo Clinic staff, it covers topics such as pathology, radiology, endoscopy and nutrition and features interactive case presentations and a board exam-type question review.

Oct. 3, 2015, in Phoenix
This course provides the latest information on the diagnosis and management of common disorders such as achalasia, pelvic floor dysfunction, C. difficile colitis, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis C and fatty liver disease.

Oct. 23-24, 2015, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Offered in conjunction with TGEN and Honor Health, this conference provides a multidisciplinary overview of the molecular biology of pancreatic cancer and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

See all Gastroenterology Continuous Professional Development courses

Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor for Barrett's Esophagus
Risk factors for Barrett's esophagus (BE) include older age, male sex, and alcohol and tobacco use. A growing body of evidence adds obesity to the list. Cadman L. Leggett, M.D., discusses the association between metabolic syndrome and BE.

Visit the Medical Professional Video Center to view specialty and Grand Rounds presentations

Congratulations to several Mayo Clinic colleagues for achieving prominent leadership positions in national societies next year:

• Michael Camilleri, M.D., of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, will serve as president of the American Gastroenterological Association from 2015-2016.
• Kenneth R. DeVault, M.D., of Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, will become president of the American College of Gastroenterology in October.
• Douglas O. Faigel, M.D., of Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, is incoming president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
• In January 2016, Keith D. Lindor, M.D., executive vice provost and dean of the College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University and a consultant at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, will become president of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Gastroenterology and Hepatology physicians and medical staff are very proud of these accomplishments and thankful for the contributions colleagues have made to education, research and patient care at Mayo Clinic.

• Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
  866-629-6362 (toll-free)
• Jacksonville, Florida
  800-634-1417 (toll-free)
• Rochester, Minnesota
  800-533-1564 (toll-free)
• Online Referrals

• Career Opportunities
• Clinical Trials at Mayo Clinic
• Mayo School of Continuous Professional Development