GUTSKI Winter Park 2002 The first independent conference of the Comparative Gastroenterology Society was held at the Woodspur Lodge in Winter Park Colorado from February 23rd to 26th. With 50 attendees, 18 scientific abstracts, three evenings of lively debate, and living and skiing at altitudes of 9,000 to12,000ft those who anticipated a relaxing ski vacation were in for a shock! The generous sponsorship provided by Nestle-Purina, Endoscopy Support Services, Karl- Storz, VCA-Antech and Idexx ensured that we were able to provide an excellent scientific and social program in this choice location.

The morning scientific sessions ran from 7am until 9.15 am and were complimented by evening sessions from 4.30 to 6.30pm. The abstracts were presented on a computer-projector system, that performed flawlessly, and served as a springboard for discussions throughout the meeting, including chairlifts and hot-tubs! Debates on the diagnosis, staging and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, diagnosing pancreatitis and treating liver disease were lively and constructive, yet relaxed, and re-affirmed that we have much to gain by working together.

The skiing at Winter Park was excellent. There were bumps for the bump-happy, powder for the powder hounds, trees for the maniacs, and lots of cruiser runs to re-equilibrate on. The only downside was the cold spell that hit on Tuesday with temperatures plummeting to -60 with wind-chill! For the competitively inclined the first GUTSKI NASTAR race produced six gold and three silver medals. Individual times placed CGS members in the top 20 skiers in each of the 40-44, 45-49, 50-54 and 55-60 age groups for all NASTAR racers at Winter Park this season- quite an achievement for a bunch of GI Joes! Non-skiers enjoyed snow-shoeing, snow-hiking, snowmobiling (never lend Sue Bunch your car!), bird watching and a very competitive board game, whose name escapes me.

After a hard day on and off the slopes the friendly staff, excellent food, family dining, hot-tub, sauna, and resident masseuse at the Woodspur Lodge helped to ease the pain. Evening entertainment was provided by the younger members of the group and included magic tricks by the irrepressible Ryan Twedt and dance routines by the Kate Armstrong, Alisa Leib and Zoe Michel.

As the end of the meeting approached many attendees commented that GUTSKI 2002 was the best GI meeting they had attended. Such positive comments make it easy to gain momentum for a CGS meeting in a warm weather venue in 2003 (GUTSEA), and GUTSKI II in 2004. Sea you there!!!!

-Kenny Simpson