John Day

“This award is a reflection of being impactfully influenced by the ASGE Learning Center at my first DDW in New Orleans in 1998. I have been consistently supported by my company Erbe, and Christian Erbe in particular, throughout my career, as well as too many physicians to name who believed in me and the power of education. Yet two of these physicians should be highlighted, including Dr. Peter Draganov, who had me lecture seven years in a row at his ESD course in Florida, and Dr. Stavros Stavropoulos, who took me under his wing early in his POEM practice in 2010 and allowed me to spread his knowledge in support of others.”

There is one single accomplishment from which most all my professional successes have flowed, and that is the power of education and the subsequent empowerment of those around me. 

It is not enough to be a clever marketeer, a smart businessman or a super salesman – not when patient lives and outcomes are paramount.

What is demanded of us is a willingness to share our wisdom and position our technology and talents in a way that is credible, consistent and collaborative.

This path within my own company and as a long-time industry member of ASGE has not been perfect, but it has always been an overriding goal and I am grateful for that “goal” turning into purpose. 

Helping shape and pioneer teaching and training in what has become known as “Third Space” procedures, beginning in 2009, hopefully reflects the above sentiment.