In the latter part of 1949, a group of Southern California physicians interested in gastroenterology felt that there was a need for the formation of a local society focused on this specialty. 

At that time, there were four national groups devoted to gastroenterology: The American Gastroenterological Association, The American Gastroscopic Society, The American College of Gastroenterology, and The A.M.A. Section in Gastroenterology and Proctology. Since these organizations often held their annual meetings in an Eastern or Midwestern city, it was often difficult for physicians from California to attend these meetings regularly. The founding physicians also hoped that a locally organized gastroenterological society would be able to induce the foremost investigators in this field, from all over the nation, to meet in Southern California and enable the western gastroenterologists to keep abreast of current discoveries and developments in their chosen field. 

The founding physicians of the SCSG also hoped that the establishment of a local gastroenterological society would establish a means of communication between the various institutions and investigators located in Southern California. 

Finally, the establishment of the SCSG would create an opportunity for younger physicians interested in the field of gastroenterology to participate in programs and activities sponsored by the society. 

On January 25, 1950, William C. Boeck, MD; Grant H. Lanphere, MD; Max P. Lipman, MD; Rudolf Schindler, MD and Harold L. Thompson, MD met at the home of Dr. Boeck to discuss the organization of such a society. Dr. Boeck was chosen as temporary Chairman, and Dr. Lanphere as Secretary Pro-Tem. Subsequent meetings throughout 1950 resulted in the formation of the Southern California Society of Gastroenterology. 

The first formal meeting of the SCSG was held on July 26, 1950, at the headquarters of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, with 34 physicians in attendance. Since that time, the membership has steadily grown and now numbers almost 300 members. One of the traditional strengths of the SCSG has been the active participation of a number of disciplines with special interest in gastrointestinal diseases, including surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, basic scientists as well as gastroenterologists. Another tradition of the SCSG has been the strong representation from the faculties of the medical schools and institutions of Southern California. The SCSG has also been enhanced by the regular participation of fellows and residents from the various training programs in the area. 

An enumeration of the scientific and academic accomplishments of the membership of the SCSG would be to write a "Who's Who" in gastroenterology today. These men and women have created one of the finest training centers in gastroenterology located in Southern California. Physicians and healthcare professionals now come from all over the country and abroad to be trained in Southern California. The SCSG has indirectly helped with this outstanding progress. 

The changing approach to medicine and education over the years has been reflected in the changing format of the SCSG. The annual SCSG GI Symposium and Liver Symposium meetings have become well established premier GI focused conferences in the western United States. The success of the SCSG lies in its willingness to change and the active participation of its membership. Further innovations will doubtless occur as the SCSG approaches its fourth decade. 

adapted from Max P. Lipman, M.D.