Under the umbrella of the Joint Board for Postgraduate Medical Education, the Gastroenterology Club was existing for several years with regular monthly meeting of the Gastroenterologist in Riyadh city. The cooperation of the members from different hospitals and discussion of gastroenterological problems has been tremendously progressing. In addition to the club activities, the members were responsible for organizing workshops, courses and symposia in the field of gastroenterology. At some point in 1405, the club members felt there should be more cooperation and activities, not only in Riyadh but also on national level to promote progress and knowledge and to contribute to public health education in gastroenterology and hepatology. Such goals can only be achieved by inauguration of a Gastroenterology Association. As King Saud University is the only institution eligible to recognize an association, the club members agreed that the Gastroenterology Division of College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital applies for constituting as association carrying the name {Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA)}. The application was accepted by the Department of Medicine and the College Board in 1405. This was accepted three years later by the University Scientific Council on 11/8/1408 under letter No. 76457/47. Subsequently, the Gastroenterology Division invited Gastroenterologists from various institutions at different areas of the Kingdom to the first meeting at the College of Medicine, King Saud University on Thursday, 10/3/1409. In this meeting the bylaws of the SGA were discussed by the founders who approved it and an interim committee was formed.

 

The Founders:
1.   Dr. Faleh Al Faleh.
2.   Dr. Osama Shobokshi.
3.   Dr. Yussuf Al Gindan.
4.   Dr. Mohammad Al Moagel.
5.   Dr. Mohammad Al Karawi.
6.   Dr. Mohammad Al Mofarreh.
7.   Dr. Raji Al Otaibi.
8.   Dr. Mohammad Al Dabbagh.
9.   Dr. Rashed Al Rashed.
10. Dr. Ibrahim Al Mofleh.

The SGA Founders elected an interim committee comprising of the following members:
- Dr. Ibrahim Al Mofleh.
- Dr. Mohammad Al Mofarreh.
- Dr. Rashed Al Rashed.

The interim committee started immediately the administrative work by:

1. Establishing an office at the College of Medicine.

2. Efforts to furnish the office.

3. Writing letters to institutions and colleagues announcing the SGA formation and requesting for membership.

4. Contacting and writing to pharmaceutical companies asking for financial and scientific support.

5. Preparations for the 1st general assembly meeting which was held on Monday, 21 Rajab 1409 during the 3rd Saudi Symposium on Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

6. Announcements for the SGA and general assembly meeting during the 3rd Saudi Symposium on Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and registration was initiated for membership of the SGA, Since then the SGA has been active administratively and scientifically.