Research Timeline

From its inception IFFGD has been a tireless and outspoken advocate in support of research for patients with digestive disorders. These efforts have included raising awareness about patient issues, organizing and supporting meetings and symposia, and being heard in Washington DC by those who provide funding for research. The organization has also successfully brought together the medical community to talk about current science issues.

Looking to the future, the goal is to increasingly support research and encourage not only existing young and established investigators, but to also address the larger spectrum of clinical and basic scientists involved in many different disciplines. This will allow work in a more comprehensive fashion to advance understanding of functional GI and motility disorders in adults and children.

1993

Beginning in 1993, IFFGD launched a research study to determine the prevalence of and characteristics associated with anal incontinence in the general community. Fecal/anal incontinence is often thought of as a rare disorder associated with aging. It is not. The results of this research initiative were published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), August 16, 1995, Volume 274.

1995

Beginning in 1995, IFFGD has been active in encouraging Congressional allocation of funding to the National Institutes of Health for research of gastrointestinal disorders, both through membership in the Digestive Disease National Coalition, and through direct testimony and recommendations.

2002

IFFGD conducted a quantitative research study among 350 adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in our patient database. The survey found that most of these individuals were living with chronic symptoms that impaired their quality of life and productivity with few effective treatments. Results were published by IFFGD in IBS in the Real World Survey: Summary Findings.

2003

IFFGD presented our first Research Awards to seven leading investigators in the field of gastroenterology. The awards are intended to encourage the participation of clinicians and scientists in multidisciplinary efforts aimed at advancing the understanding of gastrointestinal disorders in adults and in children.

2004

IFFGD conducted a study among 1,000 U.S. adults in a random telephone survey looking at prevalence and awareness of IBS. Thirteen percent of those surveyed had symptoms suggestive of IBS, yet less than 1 in 5 had been diagnosed. Among other findings, the IFFGD National IBS Survey shows that, while symptoms are negatively impacting quality of life, a lack of awareness about IBS may be getting in the way of diagnosis and treatment. Go »

2005

IFFGD's 2005 Research Awards were presented to six investigators from four countries at the 6th International Symposium on Functional GI Disorders held in April 2005.

2007

IFFGD 2007 Research Awards were presented  to six investigators at the 7th International Symposium on Functional GI Disorders held in April 2007.