I’ve been in Washington D.C. for a couple days attending Digestive Disease Week, the largest annual convention for gastroenterology and related fields. The DAVE Project (my full-time gig), in collaboration with the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, is hosting 22 video clips of cutting-edge medical procedures that were presented to a packed audience at the DDW Video Forum. Among the most innovative techniques shown is a new surgery technique that requires no incision at all, called natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery or NOTES. NOTES takes already minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery to the next step, surgery without a scar. (DAVE is not for the squeamish or lunch time.)
Outside the conference, I find D.C. truly striking for the juxtaposition of marble splendor and perverse poverty. While walking the city late last night, it seemed every marble fountain or statue is somebody’s residence. The beggars in this town are actually the second worst I’ve experienced after Cambodia (and many use the same method: calling or chasing after you when you leave a store). One has to wonder what Rudy Giuliani would do with them all if elected.
I was able to visit the stately Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery this evening. They have some interesting exhibits online. My favorite piece was the statue Death of Cleopatra. The Old Guard dies, but never surrenders.
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dan @
22 May 2007 0:21
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