MISSION AND PURPOSE

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, founded in 1972, is the only society in North America and the largest in the world, dedicated to serving the pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition community. NASPGN was established to advance the understanding of the normal development and physiology of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver in infants, children, and adolescents, and to foster the dissemination of this knowledge through scientific meetings, public education, and collaboration with other organizations concerned with pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition.

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Objectives
Membership
NASPGN Programs
Professional Education
Research
Scientific and Professional Publications
Public Policy Initiatives
Organization and Structure
APGNN

What's New?

Professional Links - links to other professional organizations of interest to NASPGN members

Professional Affairs - check for new job listings

Annual Meeting-Denver 1999: watch this space which is currently under development.

OBJECTIVES

NASPGN’s Objectives include but are not limited to:

• Improving the digestive health and nutrition of children worldwide and particularly in North America.
• Fostering dialogue and research on pertinent issues that impact the pediatric gastroenterology patient and their family.
• Providing opportunities for clinicians and researchers to gain knowledge of the scientific advances in the field of pediatric gastroenterology.
• Disseminating the wealth of scientific information that exists in order to improve clinical outcomes and advance the practice of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the society is comprised of Pediatric Gastroenterologists, Research Scientists, and Physician Nutritionists with a major and sustained interest in the area of Pediatric Gastroenterology and/or Hepatology. There are over 600 members representing practice-based and research institutions throughout North America. Full membership is extended to qualified physicians, surgeons and scientists who are residents of North America. Associate (Trainee), Corresponding, and Emeritus Membership is also available.  

NASPGN PROGRAMS

NASPGN has succeeded because members interested in basic research, clinical investigation, patient care, and public policy work together to improve the digestive health of children. This diverse, yet cohesive, group along with volunteers, staff, and alliances with other interested organizations, responds to the needs of the pediatric gastroenterology community by providing the following programs and services.  Orange County, Ca Gastroenterology

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

NASPGN provides a variety of programs to meet the overall educational goals of the organization and its members. A primary vehicle for meeting the society’s educational goals is the Annual Scientific Meeting that represents the multidisciplinary interests of the members via peer-reviewed, abstract-driven sessions. A Postgraduate Course is organized annually to update participants on the most important advances in the field. In addition, NASPGN collaborates with other organizations in the design and implementation of annual sub-specialty sessions organized as satellite symposia during meetings of related societies (i.e., AASLD, AGA, and DDW) and organizes a course for fellows in the field.

NASPGN 13th Annual Meeting and Postgraduate Course

The Annual Meeting and Postgraduate Course will be held this year from October 21st-24th at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, Denver, Colorado.

This is a joint meeting of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (NASPGN), the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (LASPGN) and the Asian Pan Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (APPSGAN). The Mission of this first World Congress is to bring together, for the first time, physicians, scientists and all interested health professionals from around the world to share clinical advances and scientific and technologic developments in the fields of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition will host the first World Congress in Boston, Massachusetts from August 5^th-9^th, 2000.

For more information, see The World Congress 2000 site.

RESEARCH

To enhance the body of knowledge that ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes, NASPGN encourages and supports the research endeavors of basic scientists and clinical investigators seeking solutions and cost-effective, pragmatic approaches to problems faced by children with GI diseases. In addition, each year NASPGN provides research funding for two young investigators in North America through the New Investigator Grant Program. NASPGN also recognizes individuals who have made unique contributions to the pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition community through the bestowment of the Fellowship Research Award and the Young Basic Science and Young Clinical Investigator Awards. 

SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS

In an effort to keep the larger gastroenterology and pediatrics community abreast of advances in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, NASPGN, in partnership with ESPGHAN, publishes the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (Lippincott-Raven Press, New York, NY). The Society also posts electronic educational publications through this web site. Additionally, through the NASPGN Internet Pediatric GI Bulletin Board, pediatric gastroenterologists gain added knowledge through informal dialogue with colleagues and benefit from the collective experience of a network of professionals. The official newsletter NASPGN News provides members with updates on society activities and other noteworthy events of interest to NASPGN members. 

PUBLIC POLICY INITIATIVES

To strengthen the impact of our public policy efforts, NASPGN has been invited to join the Federation of Societies of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (FSGH). As a member of this federation, NASPGN will be involved in initiating and influencing public policy at both the grassroots and national level. 

ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE

NASPGN is governed by a nine-member Executive Council selected by the membership for their expertise and leadership in the science and practice of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. As a conventional function, the Executive Council determines policy; ensures that the organization has the necessary resources available to fulfill its mission; gives direction to the acquisition and disposition of resources; provides effective stewardship of resources; and strengthens the relevancy of NASPGN, serving as ambassadors of the organization and participating in community networks. Three standing committees and four ad hoc committees currently support the work of the organization. These committees function to facilitate programs, implement new initiatives and explore ways in which the society can better meet the needs of professionals and patients, thereby enhancing patient care.

APGNN

The Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Nurses, APGNN, is the only national professional organization for nurses interested in this area of specialty practice.