About Us

Mission

The OSGNA is the regional chapter 45 of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. whose mission and purpose is as follows:

“The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc., is a professional organization of nurses and associates dedicated to the safe and effective practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing. SGNA carries out its mission by advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing through education, research, advocacy and collaboration, and by promoting the professional development of its members in an atmosphere of mutual support.”

2019 Board of Directors

President

Jessica Miller's Photo

Past President

Sheryl Fluegeman's Photo
  • Jessica Miller
  • Past President / Education Liaison

Treasurer

Cynthia Austin's Photo

Secretary

Anita Schuller's Photo

History

According to the SGA history as written by Linda Jacobs in 1974, the Society had called itself the Gastrointestinal Assistants Society. Jacobs said, "No matter how different our jobs were or how different our responsibilities, no one wanted to belong to G*A*S! Thus we became the Society of Gastrointestinal Assistants."

On July 23,1977 the first organizational meeting of gastrointestinal assistants in the Ohio region was held in Columbus. There were 14 persons present. Some were not aware that there was a National SGA. It was at this meeting that a motion was passed to form a regional group.

The date was November 5, 1977. The first educational seminar of OSGA was held in Dayton, Ohio. Forty-eight people attended. There was discussion as to the planning that went into the formation of the Regional Society. The Officers elected were:

OSGNA has had eleven presidents. Pictured are two past presidents. Shirley Leeson, our first president, and Rosemary Tigner, our fourth. They were attending the 38th OSGNA Annual Education Conference at King's Island Conference and Resort Center.

Medical Advisors

Our Medical Advisor for 2017 is Dr. Christopher South. Thank you for your dedication and service.

Dr. Christopher D. South, MD

Dr. South graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. His Internal Medicine Internship was completed at Duke University and his Internal Medicine Residency and Gastroenterology Fellowship were both completed at Ohio State.

Dr. South's Gastroenterology Fellowship included extensive training in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and will take his Gastroenterology Boards in October 2010.