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>Are there any celiac centers on the West Coast that combine doctors
>and dietitions with celiac expertise together?

Dear Will,
        A new Celiac Center exists at the Norris Hospital at USC Medical
School. I guess because undiagnosed CD can lead to cancer, Norris (a cancer
hospital) has the doctors and nutritionists interested in CD and CD
research. After moving to LA, I got checked out there by Dr. Lori Kam, a
gastroenterologist who was familiar with all the quirky symptoms experienced
by someone with CD. The nutritionist there was still learning the fine
details of gluten-free living at the time, but may be up to speed by now.
        Currently, biopsy-diagnosed persons with CD are needed for a
magnesium supplement experiment. Magnesium seems to help the body
use calcium, important for the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis.
        The following phone numbers reach Dr. Kam and/or the Celiac Center:
213-226-7995 or 7994. Several types of specialists, including pediatrician
Betty Bernard, M.D., serve the Celiac Center clients, as necessary. If you
are squeemish about parking at USC, there is free valet parking for those
with appointments at the Norris building.
        Now that I'm a patient of Dr. Kam's, it seems I'm welcome to call
with questions (like: Is _____ normal?). I've learned that it isn't
important how conveniently located a celiac doc is, it's how much they know
about the disease.
        UCLA also has doctors who know CD. One attended Dr. Fasano's talk on
Saturday. Did anyone get his name?

Good luck,
Mary

Mary Courtney
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Los Angeles, California