"To add a little humor to the sometimes unfunny sub-specialty of gastroenterology," the doctors at Three Rivers Endoscopy Center in Moon Township, Pa., have been creating clever holiday greetings for their patients for the past 8 years.
This year's e-card is a spoof on boy wizard Harry Potter. "Let us be your polyp seekers," it reads.
"Each year the theme is a surprise, but the message is the same: Preserve your good health by taking advantage of prevention," says Robert Fusco, MD, the endo center's president.
Here's a look at previous years' cards:
"The Men in Back." In 2004, the card lampooned the popular movie Men in Black.
"May Our Force Be With You." In 2005 it was Star Wars, with the docs posing as "GI Jedis."
"Treasure Your Booty." In 2006, the Pirates of the Caribbean took command over the "Polyps of the Colonoscopy."
"The Family." In 2007, the doctors made like Sopranos mobsters with "a holiday offer you shouldn't refuse." Namely, "Let us whack your polyps."
"Polyp or No Polyp." In 2008, inspired by the popular game show Deal or No Deal, the clinicians urged, "Don't risk it."
"Is That Uranus?" In 2009, the crew of Star Trek implored patients to "Live long and prosper" by scheduling a colonoscopy.
"Grease." In 2010, as the gang from Rydell High, they advised patients to "Grease up for your colonoscopy."
Dan O'Connor