ABOUT THE DIGESTIVE DISORDERS CLINIC 
 
Welcome to THE NPTN DIGESTIVE DISORDERS CLINIC. In this area, 
you will find a wealth of medical information. The purpose of this
area is provide material for personal and community education.  
Although it may be tempting to use this medium for individual  
issues, do not rely on computer-based data to diagnose or  
treat medical conditions.  The only safe way to take care of a  
medical problem is by direct consultation with a doctor.  
 
This area is staffed by gastroenterologists, specialists in stomach and  
digestive disorders, who will provide medical information and answer  
questions. All questions will be posted anonymously, so that  
no one can tell who wrote the question.  This allows the  
questioner to ask about things that might be very personal  
without concerns about embarrassment. 
 
The NPTN CLINICS are staffed by volunteer experts in various  
locations throughout the world.  Because these individuals  
have other full-time responsibilities, it may take several  
days for questions to be answered and posted. 
 
The material in this area is the sole property of the authors  
and or contributors as indicated by either their full name,  
partial name, and or e-mail address.  The material is  
copyrighted as of the date of its submission by the author and  
or contributor to this special interest group ("SIG") area.   
Use (except for personal, one time use) of the material  
without the prior permission of the author or contributor is a  
violation of copyright law.  Violators will be prosecuted and  
will have their access to this system terminated immediately.   
Use of this SIG demonstrates one's consent to the foregoing.   
All questions regarding copyright policy may be directed to  
the SIG moderator or to Peter F. Harter (pfh@nptn.org) for  
prompt consideration.  In addition, it is important for all  
users to report the misconduct of another user with respect to  
copyright and all other rules and laws governing and or  
touching upon the operation of this SIG and or the system as a  
whole.  Thank you for your cooperation in these matters. 
 
Specific questions concerning any area within THE NPTN CLINIC  
can be directed to the individual Clinic sysops or to the NPTN  
Medical Director, Richard E. Gans, M. D. (reg@nptn.org)