I would like to respond to the article “GI endoscopy in rural communities: Experience of a rural family physician in British Columbia” (BCMJ 2009;50[6]:300-303 [10]).

I am a family physician and the author of the cited 1997 articles describing my initial experience in esophagoduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. Since then I have successfully performed many thousands more procedures as well as newer procedures such as pill endoscopy and ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring capsule (Bravo) placement. Though I practise in Georgia, I was trained in Edmonton, Alberta.

I would just say that I applaud the practice of endoscopy by well-trained family physicians in Canada and hope that Canadian doctors continue to encourage this kind of practice.

—Richard Pierzchajlo, MD 
Tifton, Georgia