Digestive Specialists
The MUSC Digestive Disease Center brings together the diverse specialties involved in evaluating and treating digestive diseases. We have made a strong commitment to providing informative resources to patients and their loved ones wishing to enhance their understanding of digestive diseases and/or procedures.
Support Groups
Crohn's & Colitis – Designed to provide a forum for those living with IBD, as well as their friends and family members.
Bariatric Surgery – Designed for both pre-op and post-op bariatric surgery patients, as well as family and friends.
The management of digestive diseases, which has improved enormously over the last two to three decades, has also become more complex as the number of treatments have proliferated making it essential for specialists of different expertise to work together to provide the most effective and efficient treatment. This collaboration works best when the specialists work together in a coordinated group such as the Digestive Disease Center.
Donald Castell, MD Receives Highest AGA Award
May 24, 2010 – The American Gastroenterological Association awarded Donald O. Castell, MD, AGAF, the 2010 Julius Friedenwald Medal, the AGA’s highest honor, which recognizes a physician for lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology. This award has been presented annually since 1941. Read the full article here.
Islet Autotransplantation Program Celebrates One Year Anniversary
April 8, 2010 – In March 2009, for the very first time, MUSC treated a pancreatitis patient with a total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation. After years of suffering from chronic pain and nausea, our first patient remains insulin free and on minimal pain medications today. Since that first patient, we have treated more than 30 others with this procedure. We have seen excellent results, with most of our patients tapering down on their long term pain medications. A third of our patients are insulin free and another quarter are on minimal amounts of daily insulin. [Read more.]
Gala Event Held in Support of Colon Cancer Awareness Month
March 16, 2010 – Earlier this month, the 4th Annual Unmasking Colon Cancer Ball took place in Charleston at the South Carolina Aquarium to launch the Colon Cancer Alliance’s national Dress in Blue campaign, raising awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening. Ball participants came through with donations that netted over $70,000. Such generosity will have a direct impact on colon cancer reduction efforts in South Carolina during what we all know are very difficult economic times. [Read more.]
DDICU Nurses Successfully Complete Certification Exam
March 5, 2010 – The DDC/DDSL would like to congratulate DDICU nurses Corinne Dolan and Regina Stransky for successfully completing the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification examination for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients. Achievement of a formal credential such as CCRN offers additional validation of a nurse’s advanced clinical knowledge and tangibly demonstrates a commitment to patients and families, employers and colleagues. [Read more.]
Bariatric Boot Camp – Maximize Weight Loss After Surgery
February 23, 2010 – On March 30, the MUSC Bariatric Surgery Dietitans will host a "Bariatric Boot Camp" aimed at teaching patients how to maximize weight loss after surgery. This half-day class, located in MUSC's Ashley River Tower, will review post-surgery anatomy with tips on how to maximize the mechanics of each bariatric procedure (gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, and sleeve gastrectomy). The dietitians will also go over food groups and use hands-on demonstrations to measure appropriate portions, taste-test best choices, and review cooking tips to keep fat content low. Their discussion will focus on grocery shopping and best products, and how patients can dine out while still sticking to their diet.
A $25 registration fee is required and due by March 23. For more details, please click here.
American Dietetic Association Renews Dietetic Internship Accreditation
February 23, 2010 – The MUSC Dietetic Internship recently completed a very successful site visit by the American Dietetic Association, a visit that occurs only every 10 years. MUSC was commended on the variety and diversity of learning experiences integrated into their curriculum. The ADA recognized the strength of preceptors and other involved staff, and they also noticed that the MUSC training program is highly structured and organized, yet it also allows for flexibility. MUSC's dedication to continuous improvement is visible, and the commitment to train interns via projects and opportunities that “give back” to MUSC and the community was evident. [Read more.]