We are proud to announce that the inaugural Emily Couric Lecture was held at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology on October 25, 2006 in Las Vegas, NV. Douglas K. Rex, MD, FACG, Professor of Medicine at Indiana University, delivered the lecture entitled, “What is Needed to Transform Colonoscopy into a Truly Protective Strategy Against Colorectal Cancer?”

The Emily Couric Lecture was developed by the Virginia Gastroenterological Society and is co-sponsored by the Old Dominion Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates to honor Virginia State Senator Emily Couric. Senator Couric was the sponsor of the nation’s first state law in 2000 mandating insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening. She drafted this legislation following the loss of her sister Katie’s husband, Jay Monahan, to colon cancer at the age of 48. Emily’s career was highlighted by her commitment to education and to the health of Virginia’s citizens. Sadly, she lost her own life to pancreatic cancer in 2001.

To launch the lectureship, Emily’s sons, Jeff Wadlow and Dr. Ray Wadlow, presented a moving remembrance of her life and accomplishments.

The Emily Couric Lecture will be held each year at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology and will focus upon topics related to gastrointestinal cancer.