In the latter part of 1949 a group of Southern California physicians interested in the subspecialty of gastroenterology felt that there was a need for the formation of a local society centered around this specialty.
At that time there were four national groups devoted to Gastroenterology: 1) The American Gastroenterological Association, 2) The American Gastroscopic Society, 3) The American College of Gastroenterology, and 4) The A.M.A. Section in Gastroenterology and Proctology. Since these organizations met annually in one of the Eastern or Midwestern cities, Californians, because of the distances and time involved, could not attend these meetings regularly. Also, it was hoped that a locally organized gastroenterological society would be able to induce the foremost investigators in this field from all over the world to meet in this area and enable the Western gastroenterologists to keep abreast of current discoveries and developments in their chosen field.
Another reason proposed for establishing a local society of gastroenterology was that at the time there were a number of local gastroenterological programs in both basic and clinical research in the field. Unfortunately, there was little or no communication between the various institutions and investigators. A Society of gastroenterology could serve as a local clearing house for what was occurring in the community.
Finally, such an organization would create an opportunity for younger physicians interested in this field to participate in programs and activities of the society. Southern California at that time was beginning to offer residencies and fellowships in gastroenterology at the various medical schools and hospitals. The young men and women would be encouraged to participate.
On January 25, 1950, Doctors William C. Boeck, Grant H. Lanphere, Max P. Lipman, Rudolf Schindler and Harold L. Thompson met at the home of Dr. Boeck to discuss the organization of such a Society. Dr. Boeck was chosen temporary chairman, and Grant Lanphere secretary pro-tem. Subsequent meetings on March 9, April l6 and June 8, l950, at the home of Dr. Boeck resulted in the formation of the Southern California Society of Gastroenterology.
The first formal meeting of the Society was held on July 26, 1950, at the headquarters of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, with 34 physicians in attendance. Since that time, the membership has steadily grown and now numbers almost 300 members. One of the traditional strengths of the Society has been the active participation of a number of disciplines with special interest in gastrointestinal disease, including surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and basic scientists, as well as gastroenterologists. Another tradition of the Society has been the strong representation from the faculties of all medical schools in the Southern California area and our meetings have been enhanced by the regular participation of fellows and residents from the various training programs.
An enumeration of the scientific and academic accomplishments of the membership would be to write a "Who's Who" in gastroenterology today. These men and women have created in Southern California one of the finest training centers in gastroenterology. Physicians now come from all over this country and abroad to be trained here. The Society has indrectly helped with this outstanding progress.
The changing approach to medicine and education over the years has been reflected in the changing format of the Society. In addition to the traditional lecture format, "Curbstone consultations" were inaugurated in 1969, and the Society's joint meeting with the Southern California Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has been continued on an annual basis. The annual November Liver Review meeting has become well established with a three day weekend format and a nationally recognized faculty. The success of this Society lies in its willingness to change and in the active participation of its membership. Further innovations will doubtless occur as we approach the Society's fourth decade.
adapted from Max P. Lipman, M.D.
