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Last month, I had the privilege of joining more than one hundred physician colleagues in Washington, DC, for AGA Advocacy Day. While standing amidst the majesty of the Capital, I found myself deeply appreciative for those who dedicate their time and energy to public service. Many of these dedicated federal workers choose to be in DC because of a sincere belief in their mission.
Among these mission-driven public servants are federal employees who work in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a member of this group, I come to work energized by the mission to care for those who have served in our military. In my clinical practice, I am reminded regularly of the sacrifices of veterans and their families. This month, and especially on Veterans Day, I hope we will take a moment to express gratitude to veterans for their service to our country.
Many young gastroenterologists may not know that it was the landmark VA Cooperative Study #380, led by Dr. David Lieberman (Portland VA) that helped push Medicare to cover reimbursement for screening colonoscopy. Today, one of the most important ongoing studies in our field – VA Cooperative Study #577 – continues the VA tradition of high-impact health services research. Launched in 2012, the study has enrolled 50,000 veterans to compare FIT and colonoscopy. It is led by Dr. Jason Dominitz (Seattle VA) and Dr. Doug Robertson (White River Junction VA).
Beyond research, VA gastroenterologists play a critical role in training the next generation of clinicians. Over 700 gastroenterologists count the VA as a clinical home, making it the largest GI group practice in the country. Many of us — myself included — were trained or mentored by VA physicians whose dedication to service and science has shaped our careers and the field at large.
This month’s issue of GI & Hepatology News has stories about other important contributions to our field. The stories and perspective pieces on Artificial Intelligence are particularly poignant given the announcement last month on the awarding of the Nobel Prize in economics to researchers who study “creative destruction,” the way in which one technological innovation renders others obsolete. Perhaps this award offers another reason to reemphasize and embrace the “art” of medicine.
The views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.
Ziad Gellad, MD, MPH, AGAF
Associate Editor
Last month, I had the privilege of joining more than one hundred physician colleagues in Washington, DC, for AGA Advocacy Day. While standing amidst the majesty of the Capital, I found myself deeply appreciative for those who dedicate their time and energy to public service. Many of these dedicated federal workers choose to be in DC because of a sincere belief in their mission.
Among these mission-driven public servants are federal employees who work in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a member of this group, I come to work energized by the mission to care for those who have served in our military. In my clinical practice, I am reminded regularly of the sacrifices of veterans and their families. This month, and especially on Veterans Day, I hope we will take a moment to express gratitude to veterans for their service to our country.
Many young gastroenterologists may not know that it was the landmark VA Cooperative Study #380, led by Dr. David Lieberman (Portland VA) that helped push Medicare to cover reimbursement for screening colonoscopy. Today, one of the most important ongoing studies in our field – VA Cooperative Study #577 – continues the VA tradition of high-impact health services research. Launched in 2012, the study has enrolled 50,000 veterans to compare FIT and colonoscopy. It is led by Dr. Jason Dominitz (Seattle VA) and Dr. Doug Robertson (White River Junction VA).
Beyond research, VA gastroenterologists play a critical role in training the next generation of clinicians. Over 700 gastroenterologists count the VA as a clinical home, making it the largest GI group practice in the country. Many of us — myself included — were trained or mentored by VA physicians whose dedication to service and science has shaped our careers and the field at large.
This month’s issue of GI & Hepatology News has stories about other important contributions to our field. The stories and perspective pieces on Artificial Intelligence are particularly poignant given the announcement last month on the awarding of the Nobel Prize in economics to researchers who study “creative destruction,” the way in which one technological innovation renders others obsolete. Perhaps this award offers another reason to reemphasize and embrace the “art” of medicine.
The views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.
Ziad Gellad, MD, MPH, AGAF
Associate Editor
Last month, I had the privilege of joining more than one hundred physician colleagues in Washington, DC, for AGA Advocacy Day. While standing amidst the majesty of the Capital, I found myself deeply appreciative for those who dedicate their time and energy to public service. Many of these dedicated federal workers choose to be in DC because of a sincere belief in their mission.
Among these mission-driven public servants are federal employees who work in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a member of this group, I come to work energized by the mission to care for those who have served in our military. In my clinical practice, I am reminded regularly of the sacrifices of veterans and their families. This month, and especially on Veterans Day, I hope we will take a moment to express gratitude to veterans for their service to our country.
Many young gastroenterologists may not know that it was the landmark VA Cooperative Study #380, led by Dr. David Lieberman (Portland VA) that helped push Medicare to cover reimbursement for screening colonoscopy. Today, one of the most important ongoing studies in our field – VA Cooperative Study #577 – continues the VA tradition of high-impact health services research. Launched in 2012, the study has enrolled 50,000 veterans to compare FIT and colonoscopy. It is led by Dr. Jason Dominitz (Seattle VA) and Dr. Doug Robertson (White River Junction VA).
Beyond research, VA gastroenterologists play a critical role in training the next generation of clinicians. Over 700 gastroenterologists count the VA as a clinical home, making it the largest GI group practice in the country. Many of us — myself included — were trained or mentored by VA physicians whose dedication to service and science has shaped our careers and the field at large.
This month’s issue of GI & Hepatology News has stories about other important contributions to our field. The stories and perspective pieces on Artificial Intelligence are particularly poignant given the announcement last month on the awarding of the Nobel Prize in economics to researchers who study “creative destruction,” the way in which one technological innovation renders others obsolete. Perhaps this award offers another reason to reemphasize and embrace the “art” of medicine.
The views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.
Ziad Gellad, MD, MPH, AGAF
Associate Editor