Origin Story:
Canadian Digestive Diseases Week

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Robert Bailey for sharing his recollections of the origin of CDDW.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, members of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) began engaging in important conversations about inclusivity, relevance, and the future direction of the Association. These discussions — and the concerns that prompted them — were formally documented in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology in 1992.

As a result, during his presidency from 1990-1991, Dr. Eldon Shaffer initiated discussions about creating a new annual meeting — one that would engage not only clinicians, but also clinical investigators and basic scientists.

This vision laid the groundwork for what would become Canadian Digestive Disease Week (CDDW).

In 1996, under the leadership of Dr. Grant Gall (President), Dr. Richard Fedorak (Secretary), and Dr. Robert Bailey (Treasurer) — affectionately known as the “Three Amigos” — CAG officially launched the first CDDW in Banff, Alberta. 

The goal was to move beyond the traditional Royal College meeting format and create an inclusive, pan-Canadian forum focused on clinical medicine, research, and collaboration, rotating locations from west to east.

The inaugural meeting came with considerable risk and anxiety. Just weeks before the event, only 26 registrants had signed up for 400 reserved hotel rooms. Fortunately, attendance surged, and the meeting was a resounding success, drawing gastroenterologists from across the country.

The intensity and teamwork behind the scenes — early-morning briefings, walkie-talkies in lieu of cell phones, and late-night reviews — set the tone for what would become a hallmark CDDW experience. A memorable social dinner and entertainment, organized by Janet Bailey, further cemented the meeting’s strong sense of community.

CDDW returned the following year in Québec City, then back to Banff, establishing a strong foundation that has carried the meeting forward for the next 30 years.

Building the Education Pillars of CDDW

The Evolution of the GRIT Course

In the 1970s and 1980s, gastroenterology education in Canada was overseen by a joint committee of the Royal College and the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG), with limited focus on continuing education. In 1984, a course titled Scientific Basis for Therapeutic Decisions in Gastrointestinal Disease was introduced and became an annual event held in conjunction with Royal College meetings.

As CAG’s interest in developing independent gastroenterology education grew, the Fellows’ Program was launched in 1992. The inaugural course, held in Lake Louise, Alberta, was organized by Drs. Gary Levy and Alan Thompson. Over time, this program evolved into the Gastroenterology Residents-in-Training (GRIT) course.

GRIT was subsequently incorporated into Canadian Digestive Disease Week (CDDW) and continues to be offered annually, serving as a cornerstone of trainee education within the national meeting.

The Evolution of the Scholars’ Program

In 2000, during Dr. Richard Fedorak’s presidency of CAG, discussions began around how to encourage medical students and internal medicine residents to consider careers in gastroenterology. Dr. Robert Bailey was asked to develop a course at CDDW aimed at engaging senior medical students, as well as residents in internal medicine and pediatrics, and introducing them to the field.

The inaugural course, Bright Lights, was an immediate success. Participants gained valuable insight into gastroenterology and, through their involvement in the meeting, had the opportunity to connect with faculty and experience the collegiality of the GI community. Building on this success, the course was renamed the Scholars’ Course the following year and has remained an integral part of CDDW ever since and is now known as the Scholars' Program.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Joint 2026 CDDW-CLM Conference in Toronto as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of CDDW!