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Posted By Columbus Medical Association - CMA,
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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This guest post was provided by Ohio Gastroenterology Group.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, together known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive system. These are life-long conditions requiring ongoing medical care and support. Over one million Americans are affected by the disease.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation limited to the colon. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus in a patchy pattern. Crohn’s disease involves deeper layers of the intestinal wall. Disease can typically begin between teens and 20’s and can occur at any age.
Common Symptoms
- People with IBD may experience:
- Chronic diarrhea (often bloody in ulcerative colitis)
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Urgent bowel movements
- Fatigue and weight loss
These conditions can also affect other parts of the body, causing joint pain, skin problems, and eye inflammation in 20-50% of patients.
IBD significantly affects quality of life, causing unpredictable symptoms that can interfere with work, school, and social activities.
Treatment
While there is currently no cure, modern treatments have dramatically improved outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining quality of life.
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications to advanced biologic therapies that target specific inflammatory pathways.
The Importance of Awareness
IBD is becoming increasingly common worldwide, particularly in newly industrialized countries. Greater community awareness helps reduce delays in diagnosis, supports those living with these conditions, and promotes understanding of the challenges they face in their daily lives. Getting patients the treatment they need and getting diagnosed earlier is crucial to improving their outcomes.
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Guest Post
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Posted By Columbus Medical Association - CMA,
Friday, December 5, 2025
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Internal medicine physician Dr. Anne Pariser longed for an opportunity to serve others after moving to Columbus from the Washington, DC area earlier this year. She had spent the more than 30 years volunteering at the Arlington Free Clinic in Virginia.
Dr. Pariser has always had a passion for people, which she fulfilled working at the in the Department of Health and Human Services, in both the National Institutes of Health and Federal Drug Administration. People were also at the core of her work more recently as a traveling physician for Veterans Affairs in New York and the Indian Health Service in Montana.
To keep the heart of volunteering in her new chapter in Columbus, Dr. Pariser sought opportunities while working part time at Southeast Health. She found her footing at the Physicians CareConnection (PCC), where she began serving in November. She said it has helped her feel more a part of the Columbus community, allowing her to meet the people who make this city special.
“The work PCC is doing for the people of Columbus is extremely important,” said Dr. Pariser. “PCC provides essential healthcare support within Columbus and provides invaluable benefits to patients and volunteers alike.”
Meeting strangers who become friends and having life-changing experiences are reasons she encourages others to volunteer as well.
PCC has an urgent need for healthcare volunteers in all capacities, especially primary care physicians. Find out more information and sign up to volunteer here.
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PCC
PCC Center for Optimal Health
Volunteer Stories
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Posted By Columbus Medical Association - CMA,
Friday, December 5, 2025
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The final Women in Medicine gathering of the year brought a rich exploration of Spain and Portugal through wine, food, and connections. More than 50 people attended the Women in Spanish Wine event on Monday, December 2, which was open to women physicians and their guests.
Sommelier Greg Stokes introduced the group to four incredible wines from women-owned wineries in Spain and Portugal. Guests also enjoyed Spanish tapas prepared by our very own Lisa Oyer. For those interested in learning more about the featured wines and wineries, you can review Greg’s presentation here.
Attendees brought clothing donations for Dress for Success and My Brother’s Closet to support central Ohioans with business clothing and career development resources.
The Women in Medicine community meets regularly to foster meaningful relationships, camaraderie, and support for women in our profession. Watch for announcements soon on what’s coming up in 2026!
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Women in Medicine
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Posted By Columbus Medical Association - CMA,
Friday, December 5, 2025
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If you have been seeking a way to contribute and lead – now is the time. There are new opportunities with the Columbus Medical Association and Ohio State Medical Association. Both organizations are seeking physicians with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas so that we can collectively learn, grow and evolve.
CMA Board of Directors
The CMA Board of Directors is looking for CMA members interested in serving on the Board and helping guide the direction of the organization. The CMA Board term is two years beginning June 1, 2026, and meets bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of the month.
Candidates are vetted by the Board and voted on by the membership. In making the selections, they consider equal representation of the total membership regarding medical specialty, hospital affiliation, diversity, and geographical location. You must be a CMA member.
- How to Apply: If you are interested, send your CV and qualifications to Lisa Oyer
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
OSMA House of Delegates Representing 7th District
OSMA is seeking candidates for their House of Delegates; Columbus sits in District 7. Delegates represent the members of their and make decisions for what is best for the entire membership. They participate in a district caucus meeting, which is prior to the OSMA Annual Meeting each year, to review resolutions submitted for consideration to the OSMA House of Delegates. Candidates must be a member of OSMA and meet their selection requirements. Learn more here.
OSMA’s Annual Meeting will take place from April 10-12, 2026 in Columbus.
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CMA Board
OSMA
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Posted By Columbus Medical Association - CMA,
Friday, December 5, 2025
Updated: Friday, December 5, 2025
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Thanks to the generosity of physicians and partners across Central Ohio, the CMA Foundation has invested more than $1.5 million this year to support initiatives that strengthen our community’s health, expand access to care, and uplift the next generation of physician leaders.
Since its creation in 1958, the Foundation has made strategic investments in physician-led and community initiatives. What began as a series of small, meaningful grants grew into a far greater opportunity for impact in 1993, with the sale of the Physicians Health Plan.
Today, that endowment has grown substantially through responsible stewardship and continued investment from the physician community. It now serves as the bedrock supporting the organizations and initiatives that are driving meaningful, positive change across Central Ohio.
If you are still considering your year-end giving, we hope you consider the CMA Foundation. Learn more and donate at cmafohio.org.
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CMA Foundation
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