The gastroenterology and hepatology division at Alameda Health System (AHS) was awarded the prestigious 2025 Service Award for Colorectal Cancer Outreach, Prevention and Year-Round Excellence (SCOPY) from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) for its innovative work improving colonoscopy preparation and outcomes for underserved communities.
“We are honored to receive this recognition because it reflects our commitment to giving patients the support they need to stay healthy,” said Christina Chou, MD, associate division chief, gastroenterology and hepatology and lead author of the project. “By providing education in the languages our patients understand, we enhance care quality and strengthen trust in the colon cancer screening process.”
The award highlights AHS’ submission, Improving Bowel Preparation Quality Through Language-Specific Video Education at a Safety-Net County Hospital, which stood out for its focus on meeting patients where they are and reducing barriers to high-quality care.
This approach is particularly important given persistent disparities in colorectal cancer. Black Americans are roughly 20% more likely to develop colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it compared to other groups, while fewer than half of Hispanic adults are up to date on recommended screenings, according to the National Institutes of Health. Clear, culturally responsive patient education is key to closing these gaps.
“Our goal was to make colonoscopy preparation clear and approachable for all patients,” said Benny Liu, MD, interim division chief, gastroenterology and hepatology. “When patients understand the process in their own language, they are more likely to complete preparation correctly and benefit from effective screening.”
The team developed a multilingual educational video available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Korean. Patients receive the video through text reminders or a QR code included on printed instructions, allowing them to access guidance in the format and language that works best.
“Since implementing the video, we’ve seen improved colonoscopy preparation, higher polyp detection rates, and greater patient satisfaction,” said Dr. Chou. “Patients report feeling more confident and less anxious about the procedure, demonstrating the impact of clear, accessible and culturally responsive education.”
Learn more about the SCOPY Award here.
Congratulations to the multidisciplinary team for their outstanding work in developing and leading this program including Alexandria Luong, MD, Highland Internal Medicine PGY1 (first author); Alyssa Caplan, MD, Sutter Health/CPMC GI Fellow; Thanh Nguyen, MD, Highland Internal Medicine PGY3; Toby Bradford, MD, Highland Hospital Medicine Faculty; Benny Liu, MD, Alameda Health System GI Faculty; Taft Bhuket, MD, Alameda Health System GI Faculty; and Christina Chou, MD, Alameda Health System GI Faculty (lead author).