[25th anniversary of the Gastroenterology Society of East Germany. III. Organization of the sub-specialty gastroenterology].

Abstract

The designation of "gastroenterology" was coined in 1896 by Hemmeter. In this article, the foundation of the first gastroenterological societies in the USA, in Japan, and in Poland is reported; the foundation of international societies of this specialty is mentioned too. The establishment of gastroenterological journals in Japan and in France is pointed out. Finally, the arrangement of the governmental acknowledgement of the sub-specialization in gastroenterology in the German Democratic Republic is described.