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Front, L-R: Khizar Ahsan, MD; Silvia Castillo-Sy, MD; Jose Rodriguez, MD; and Valeska Balderas, MD. Back, L-R: Victor Gutierrez, Joel Ramos, Luis Pena, and Belinda Casarez.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized Mission Regional Medical Center as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality and safety in endoscopy.

The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that follow the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscopy reprocessing and CDC infection control guidelines and have completed specialized training on principles in quality and safety in endoscopy.

“We are honored to be recognized by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” said Javier Iruegas, CEO of Mission Regional Medical Center. “The program course on improving quality and safety provided us with best-practice models to continue to give our patients the safest and most effective care possible.”

Upon completion of the program, units receive an ASGE “Certificate of Recognition” for promoting quality in endoscopy.

“This recognition shows we are doing a great job for the community in providing endoscopy services,” said Gastroenterologist Jose Rodriguez, MD, FACP. “This is an important step forward and a great achievement. We will continue to work hard to bring state-of-the-art services to our community.”

“ASGE is delighted to be recognizing Mission Regional Medical Center, whose staff work hard every day to provide high-quality care to their patients in a safe environment,” said Bret T. Petersen, MD, FASGE, chairman, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. “There continues to be an outstanding response to this program. We are proud to acknowledge Mission Regional Medical Center through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality.”

“It is a remarkable feeling. You work hard every day and to be recognized for the work that you enjoy doing is indeed a special honor. One that will be a point of pride for me as a health care provider for years to come,” said Anthony Lopez, a Registered Nurse, nationally certified in gastroenterology (CGRN) and Clinical Coordinator of the Endoscopy Unit at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Endoscopy Saves Lives

Gastroenterology represents a branch of medicine dealing with the study of disorders affecting the stomach, intestines, and associated organs. Endoscopes are tools used to exam those parts of the body. Endoscopy includes the examination of the upper gastrointestinal track (for the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), the colonoscope (for the colon), and the bronchoscope (for the bronchial tubes). Endoscopes can reach formerly inaccessible sites, while causing much less discomfort. Attachments can take tissue samples, excise polyps and small tumors, and remove foreign objects.

ASGE and Quality

ASGE is the profession’s leader in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy through its safety guidelines and the training of its members so that patients receive the best and safest care possible. The Society constantly reinforces the importance of quality among its members through member communications, such as emails and newsletters, and its CME courses, including “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit.”