In 2007 U.S. News & World Report once again ranked MUSC Medical Center as a top hospital in regards to its successes in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology along with the Digestive Disease Center.

Dr. Robert H. Hawes was named President of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).  With 8,000 members worldwide, ASGE is a preeminent professional organization and foremost resource for endoscopic education.

Dr. Donald O. Castell was invited to give the annual Kirsner Lecture at the University of Chicago.

Dr. Mark DeLegge was named Chairman of the Endoscopy Anesthesia Task Force for the American Gastroenterological Association.

Dr. Marcelo Vela received the 2005 REGAL Award which is sponsored by the University of Kansas Medical Center.  The REGAL (Research Excellence in GI and Liver) Awards Program seeks to identify junior faculty members who demonstrate the ability to conduct important research in the areas of upper GI, lower GI, endoscopy, outcome, or hepatobiliary research.  Dr. Vela received his award for his work on the effect of proton pump inhibitors on acid and nonacid reflux measured by Impedance-pH testing.