Dear TSGE Members, 

  

I hope this message finds you well. 

  

It has been an incredible honor to serve as President of the Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy (TSGE) during such a momentous year. Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure our upcoming Annual Course, taking place September 12-14th in Houston, will be the best program we have ever created. 

  

This year is especially significant as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of TSGE. To mark this historic milestone, we are excited to host a special Jubilee Celebration during the course - a memorable event to recognize the society's rich history and the members who have helped build and sustain it over the years. In addition to the Jubilee, we are thrilled to introduce a completely revamped Hands-on Endoscopy Course featuring outstanding faculty and cutting-edge technologies, along with a post-course dinner to continue our connections and learning. We will also offer a continued half-day Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Course, supporting the essential role of APPs within our specialty and ensuring valuable education and collaboration for our broader care teams. 

  

We are also proud to announce the inaugural class of Fellows of the TSGE (FTSGE). This new designation will honor members who have significant contributions to the field of gastroenterology in the state of Texas. Applications for FTSGE are now open, and the deadline to apply is May 31, 2025. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating this distinguished group during our Annual Course. 

  

Beyond our educational and celebratory initiatives, TSGE has been hard at work on the legislative front. We are actively advocating to protect our specialty and the patients we serve - battling inappropriate scope of practice expansion bills, working to maintain patient access to tier-one biologic therapies, and opposing the unsolicited dissemination of Cologuard kits by insurance companies. Your support and engagement in these efforts are critical to preserving the future of gastroenterology in Texas. 

  

I truly believe this year's Annual Course will be a can't-miss event, and I look forward to celebrating TSGE's incredible 50-year legacy - and it's exciting future - with all of you. 

  

Warm regards, 

Prashant Kedia, MD, FACG, FASGE

President, Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy