ASGE Opens its New State-of-the-Art GI Training Facility and World Headquarters

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Oct. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has opened its new Institute for Training and Technology (IT&T) in Downers Grove, Illinois. The $20 million 42,000 square foot state-of-the-art gastrointestinal endoscopy training facility and ASGE world headquarters uses cutting-edge technologies to foster the development, training and adoption of new techniques in order to enhance physician skills and advance patient care. ASGE recently held an opening event to introduce the facility to members, donors and the local community.

"Here we are, having weathered tough economic storms, standing on this ground, sheltered by a beautiful, high-tech, world-class facility that solidifies our vision that ASGE should lead the way and light the way to a better future. I'd like to thank our generous corporate and individual donors," said Kenneth K. Wang, MD, FASGE, president, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, speaking at an open house for the new facility held on October 4. "After 72 years, ASGE finally has its own home. Most importantly, we are grateful to, and proud of, the 12,000 plus ASGE members who make ASGE what it is today – the leader in endoscopic care. May our success continue and lead toward more enriched and interactive education, more advanced endoscopic training and, ultimately, the best possible care for our patients and those of other medical specialties."

Speaking at the October 4 open house with Dr. Wang were ASGE Past Presidents Thomas M. Deas Jr., MD, MMM, FASGE, Gregory G. Ginsberg, MD, FASGE, and M. Brian Fennerty, MD, FASGE; Kenneth R. McQuaid, MD, FASGE, ASGE Secretary; Christopher J. Gostout, MD, FASGE and John L. Petrini, MD, FASGE, ASGE IT&T Campaign co-chairs; the Mayor of the Village of Downers Grove, Martin T. Tully and State Representative Ron Sandack (IL-81), a former mayor of Downers Grove.

"Congratulations and welcome to Downers Grove. ASGE is in very good company, having joined several other leading healthcare organizations situated here in our town. We thank you for choosing Downers Grove as your global home for endoscopy training and advancement," said Mayor Martin T. Tully.

Also in attendance at the open house were many member and corporate donors to the ASGE IT&T Capital Campaign, a fundraising project through the ASGE Foundation that raised nearly $6.7 million to support construction of the new facility; other representatives from the Village of Downers Grove; and ASGE board and committee members and staff.

About the IT&T

ASGE is a professional medical society representing the physicians who perform endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy. ASGE had been providing learning opportunities at its previous Institute for Training and Technology in Oak Brook, Ill. This new facility is situated on a 3.5-acre plot in Chicago's Downers Grove suburb and serves as the global home of endoscopy, offering a full range of medical training and continuing medical education (CME). The new facility uses next-generation technologies and will foster the development, training and adoption of new techniques in order to improve physician performance and advance patient care. The center has attracted visitors to Downers Grove from around the world.

The facility is designed to meet the training and meeting needs of medical professionals, health technology manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. The IT&T functions as both a live and virtual learning environment, with state-of-the-art connections within its walls (connectivity between the Auditorium, meeting rooms and the Bioskills Lab) and throughout the world. Real-time, two-way broadcast capability via Internet 2 or satellite offers the flexibility to conduct interactive trainings or presentations nationally or internationally.

Features of the new facility include:

• State-of-the-art 2,800-square-foot laboratory facilities that house up to 16 hands-on training stations using endoscopy towers, simulators, fluoroscopy machines or other training and medical equipment
• 100+ seat auditorium with audience-response system
• The capability to broadcast and receive live transmissions globally
• Rentable lab, auditorium, banquet and conference rooms

To view photos of the new facility, see the IT&T webpage at http://www.asge.org/ittrentals/Explore.html

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy.  ASGE, with more than 12,000 members worldwide, 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.  Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

About Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.

Media Contact: Anne Brownsey
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SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy