A comprehensive source of digestive disease information for both professionals and patients has been launched on the Internet by MUSC's Digestive Disease Center (MUSC DDC).

Initiated by center director Peter B. Cotton, M.D., the site <http://www.ddc.musc.edu> is organized to ease the access of professionals and the public to information geared specifically to their needs.

The professional development section was created as a reference on developments in digestive disease for physicians and medical professionals. It contains resources for advancement in clinical care, research and teaching. Conferences and training opportunities are posted; cases and clinical image atlases may be reviewed; sections entitled “Learning from Lawsuits,: “How to Tips,” and “Key Reading” house valuable information. Also, news groups, Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) clubs provide forums for communication among professionals.

The public information section is a comprehensive resource of digestive disease information for lay persons. Overviews of digestive organs clearly describe anatomy and function, while lists and explanations of diseases, symptoms, tests and treatments educate patients and the public. There is information on support groups and an extensive glossary of digestive disease terms. Work on a Digestive Health section is currently under way.

The site recently was given the “Key Resource in Gastroenterology” Award by Links2Go. The MUSC DDC plans to continually update and enhance the site, posting the latest in research and technology. Links to other related, quality sites are being established.