In the early 1970’s, Dr. Fred Silverstein from the University of Washington, recognized the importance of GI Associates and encouraged nurses to being networking. In 1974, Pam Washington from the University, organized meetings, which were rotated among Seattle hospitals, for discussion of clinical topics in gastroenterology.
The first national SGA (Society of Gastroenterology Associates) meeting was held in San Francisco in 1974 and four from Seattle attended: Doris Bergman, Helen Rockom, Burt Lowenstrein, and Bette Schulenberger. It was their enthusiasm along with the leadership of Pam Washington, which began to spark interest in the specialty of gastroenterology for nurses and associates in the Northwest.
On May 17, 1982, the Pacific Northwest was granted its charter from SGA at the national meeting in Chicago. Over the years, interest has continued and now members in our region come from Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Alaska
