Marcus Free, MD, a board-certified general surgeon, will lead a community seminar on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

“Abandoning Antacids” will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday,, at the Cass County Council on Aging office, 227 Front St., Dowagiac. Free will discuss a minimally invasive procedure covered by most insurance plans that is designed to help individuals eliminate GERD for good.  Refreshments will be provided.

GERD affects nearly 60 million Americans. Without treatment, GERD not only can cause chronic heartburn, but also potentially lead to esophageal cancer.  While many people can control heartburn symptoms with lifestyle changes, diet and medications, other individuals continue to suffer.

A board-certified general surgeon, Free received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, where he also completed his residency in general surgery.  Prior to joining Borgess Lee Medical Group, he operated a general and advanced laparoscopic surgery practice in Sandusky, Mich.

Dr. Free has experience performing a broad range of procedures, including advanced laparoscopy of the esophagus and colon, hernia repair, thoracic, vascular, abdominal and pediatric trauma surgery, endocrine surgery, and endoscopy.  He is an associate fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and Michigan State Medical Society.

There is no cost to attend the seminar.  For more information and to reserve a seat, call (269) 226-8135 or (800) 828-8135.