His lecture, titled “LINX- A Revolutionary New Treatment for Severe GERD,” will take place Aug. 19, 2015, at the USA Faculty Club on USA’s main campus. Lunch will be served at 11:15 a.m. and the presentation begins at 11:45 a.m. Dr. Richards’ lecture will include information on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a new solution for those who suffer from GERD, called LINX.
GERD, commonly referred to as acid reflux or heartburn, is a disease that is caused by a weak muscle in the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This weak muscle allows acid and bile to splash up from the stomach into the esophagus, often causing injury to the lining of the esophagus and causing symptoms like heartburn or chest pain.
LINX is the only device approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of GERD and has proven to eliminate dependence on medication and improve quality of life. The new device consists of a small, flexible band of magnets that is surgically placed around the esophagus just above the stomach to help prevent reflux. The strength of the magnets helps to keep the valve between the stomach and esophagus closed to prevent reflux. When you swallow, the magnets separate temporarily to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
Dr. Richards earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. He completed his internship at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., and his surgery residency at the University of Maryland. Following his residency, Dr. Richards completed a surgical fellowship in portal hypertension and endoscopy at Emory University in Atlanta. In addition, he also completed a research fellowship in gastrointestinal motility at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville.
The Med School Café lecture and lunch are provided free of charge, but reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations, call Kim Partridge at (251) 460-7770 or e-mail kepartridge@health.southalabama.edu.
Med School Café is a free community lecture series sponsored by the USA Physicians Group. Each month, faculty from the USA College of Medicine share their expertise on a specific medical condition, providing insight on the latest treatment available.
Dr Richards Med School Cafe Promo from USA Health System on Vimeo.
