The Society of Gastrointestinal Assistants
In the beginning SGA was closely aligned with the Physician Groups of DDW and SGA meetings were held in conjunction with their conference. In just three short years the SGA grew to over 600 members, half of whom attended the SGA National Meeting in Toronto in 1977. The course program director was our own Sue Sweny-Diguette of Mount Auburn Hospital. Sue went on to be elected National President of SGA in 1979. Marna Harmon Schirmer of Danbury CT is the founder and first life member of SGA.

The Society of Gastrointestinal Assistants was incorporated in the state of Wisconsin on March 19, 1979. The SGA Journal Volume 1, Number 1 reported in July 1977 that the regionalization of SGA had been formalized. New England Region of The Society of Gastrointestinal Assistants was one of the first nine Regional Societies granted a national charter in 1976.

It is with our appreciation and gratitude that we acknowledge our original organizers:

Marilyn Boynton Margaret Faison Linda Laurento Davis Sybil Goulkin Marie Peters Sue Sweny-Diguette Margaret Travalyn

Massachusettes General Hospital New England Medical Center Massachusettes General Hospital Beth Israel Hospital Faulkner Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Lahey Clinic

Today NESGNA has almost 400 members and has expanded educational opportunities for GI nurses in the New England area.The region has a strong commitment to our National Organization and was the first region to sponsor a Certification Preparation Course. Almost half of our members have achieved certification. NESGNA also sponsors special interest group meetings for networking opportunities and has collaborated with the University of Massachusettes in planning and implementing their Fall Seminar for Nurses.

Our Region is only strong because of its members. You are the NESGNA! Your participation in the organization is what makes it work. Your commitment to excellence in practice through education is a vision passed to us from our founders. Please continue to help us grow to better serve the GI Nurses of New England.