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‘Put your own oxygen mask on first’
Takeaways from the leadership conference stress the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and remaining optimistic.
“Leadership 101: put your own oxygen mask on first @DarwinConwell #AGAleads #AGAForward @AmerGastroAssn”— Dr Michelle T. Long (@DrMTLong)
The inaugural Leadership Development Conference combined participants from three AGA programs for a weekend of networking, mentorship, and mapping out goals and initiatives.
Attendees included the 2020 class of AGA Future Leaders and mentors, Women’s Leadership Conference participants, and mentors and scholars of the new AGA FORWARD Program, an NIH-funded initiative that supports underrepresented minority physicians and scientists.
“Got to meet one of my tweeps heroes today! She’s even more awesome in real life!! #AGALeads #WomenInMedicine #WomenInGI @drfolamay @AmerGastroAssn” — Dr Aline Charabaty (@DCharabaty)
“Dr. Boland (Lynch syndrome) discussing career success in an ever changing scientific environment #AGALeads #AGAForward” — Eric J. Vargas M.D. (@EricJVargasMD)
“7 AGA Presidents, moderated by Dr. Anandasabapathy on Pathways to Leadership and Overcoming Challenges of the Era Presidential Panel @AmerGastroAssn Leadership conference program @SeragHashem @BCMDeptMedicine @KanwalFasiha @Aketwaroo @richashukla84” — Ruben Hernaez (@ruben_hernaez)
The event coincided with International Women’s Day, giving Women’s Leadership Conference attendees the chance to celebrate their journeys and grow into leadership roles with other #WomenInGI.
“#AGALeads #womenleadershipconference #womeninGI #InternationWomensDay with some amazing ladies in GI!! @AmerGastroAssn @AlisonGoldinMD @ibddocmaria @joanwchen” — ReezwanaCMD (@reezwanc)
“#AGAleads #WomeninGI women negotiating in a group are perceived favorably – Ellen Zimmerman, MD”
— Fazia Mir-Shaffi,MD (@Faiziya) March 9, 2019
“What I learned at @AmerGastroAssn #womeninGI Leadership course (after waiting a bit to see what stuck w me)
1. If you say yes to a request, you’re saying yes to doing it well.
2. Knowing your limitations will serve you better than being great at everything” — Laura Targownik (@UofM_GI_Head)
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD, shared some takeaways in the AGA Community forum (community.gastro.org) about challenges women in GI face — a breakout discussion from the Women’s Leadership Conference.
View more insight and takeaways from participants on Twitter using #AGALeads.
Takeaways from the leadership conference stress the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and remaining optimistic.
Takeaways from the leadership conference stress the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and remaining optimistic.
“Leadership 101: put your own oxygen mask on first @DarwinConwell #AGAleads #AGAForward @AmerGastroAssn”— Dr Michelle T. Long (@DrMTLong)
The inaugural Leadership Development Conference combined participants from three AGA programs for a weekend of networking, mentorship, and mapping out goals and initiatives.
Attendees included the 2020 class of AGA Future Leaders and mentors, Women’s Leadership Conference participants, and mentors and scholars of the new AGA FORWARD Program, an NIH-funded initiative that supports underrepresented minority physicians and scientists.
“Got to meet one of my tweeps heroes today! She’s even more awesome in real life!! #AGALeads #WomenInMedicine #WomenInGI @drfolamay @AmerGastroAssn” — Dr Aline Charabaty (@DCharabaty)
“Dr. Boland (Lynch syndrome) discussing career success in an ever changing scientific environment #AGALeads #AGAForward” — Eric J. Vargas M.D. (@EricJVargasMD)
“7 AGA Presidents, moderated by Dr. Anandasabapathy on Pathways to Leadership and Overcoming Challenges of the Era Presidential Panel @AmerGastroAssn Leadership conference program @SeragHashem @BCMDeptMedicine @KanwalFasiha @Aketwaroo @richashukla84” — Ruben Hernaez (@ruben_hernaez)
The event coincided with International Women’s Day, giving Women’s Leadership Conference attendees the chance to celebrate their journeys and grow into leadership roles with other #WomenInGI.
“#AGALeads #womenleadershipconference #womeninGI #InternationWomensDay with some amazing ladies in GI!! @AmerGastroAssn @AlisonGoldinMD @ibddocmaria @joanwchen” — ReezwanaCMD (@reezwanc)
“#AGAleads #WomeninGI women negotiating in a group are perceived favorably – Ellen Zimmerman, MD”
— Fazia Mir-Shaffi,MD (@Faiziya) March 9, 2019
“What I learned at @AmerGastroAssn #womeninGI Leadership course (after waiting a bit to see what stuck w me)
1. If you say yes to a request, you’re saying yes to doing it well.
2. Knowing your limitations will serve you better than being great at everything” — Laura Targownik (@UofM_GI_Head)
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD, shared some takeaways in the AGA Community forum (community.gastro.org) about challenges women in GI face — a breakout discussion from the Women’s Leadership Conference.
View more insight and takeaways from participants on Twitter using #AGALeads.
“Leadership 101: put your own oxygen mask on first @DarwinConwell #AGAleads #AGAForward @AmerGastroAssn”— Dr Michelle T. Long (@DrMTLong)
The inaugural Leadership Development Conference combined participants from three AGA programs for a weekend of networking, mentorship, and mapping out goals and initiatives.
Attendees included the 2020 class of AGA Future Leaders and mentors, Women’s Leadership Conference participants, and mentors and scholars of the new AGA FORWARD Program, an NIH-funded initiative that supports underrepresented minority physicians and scientists.
“Got to meet one of my tweeps heroes today! She’s even more awesome in real life!! #AGALeads #WomenInMedicine #WomenInGI @drfolamay @AmerGastroAssn” — Dr Aline Charabaty (@DCharabaty)
“Dr. Boland (Lynch syndrome) discussing career success in an ever changing scientific environment #AGALeads #AGAForward” — Eric J. Vargas M.D. (@EricJVargasMD)
“7 AGA Presidents, moderated by Dr. Anandasabapathy on Pathways to Leadership and Overcoming Challenges of the Era Presidential Panel @AmerGastroAssn Leadership conference program @SeragHashem @BCMDeptMedicine @KanwalFasiha @Aketwaroo @richashukla84” — Ruben Hernaez (@ruben_hernaez)
The event coincided with International Women’s Day, giving Women’s Leadership Conference attendees the chance to celebrate their journeys and grow into leadership roles with other #WomenInGI.
“#AGALeads #womenleadershipconference #womeninGI #InternationWomensDay with some amazing ladies in GI!! @AmerGastroAssn @AlisonGoldinMD @ibddocmaria @joanwchen” — ReezwanaCMD (@reezwanc)
“#AGAleads #WomeninGI women negotiating in a group are perceived favorably – Ellen Zimmerman, MD”
— Fazia Mir-Shaffi,MD (@Faiziya) March 9, 2019
“What I learned at @AmerGastroAssn #womeninGI Leadership course (after waiting a bit to see what stuck w me)
1. If you say yes to a request, you’re saying yes to doing it well.
2. Knowing your limitations will serve you better than being great at everything” — Laura Targownik (@UofM_GI_Head)
Aline Charabaty Pishvaian, MD, shared some takeaways in the AGA Community forum (community.gastro.org) about challenges women in GI face — a breakout discussion from the Women’s Leadership Conference.
View more insight and takeaways from participants on Twitter using #AGALeads.
AGA president advocates for increased access to care for digestive disease patients
AGA President David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, was on Capitol Hill advocating for legislation to ensure that digestive disease patients have timely access to lifesaving treatments and touted the importance of increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings. Specifically, Dr. Lieberman sought support for H.R. 1570/S. 668, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would fix the current Medicare screening colonoscopy coinsurance problem. Currently, when a Medicare beneficiary has a screening colonoscopy that turns therapeutic, the procedure is no longer considered a screening and the patient is on the hook for the “surprise” bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would fix this problem for beneficiaries.
Dr. Lieberman also participated in a congressional briefing sponsored by AGA, ACG, and ASGE on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and spoke of the geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers to CRC screening and how it impacts the rates of screening. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-MA, chair of the House Rules Committee, also spoke about the importance of CRC screenings and the number of lives that can be saved with screening. He also stressed that we have made strides in screening because of the research that is funded through the NIH which Congress needs to continue to support.
Protection for patients who are subject to step-therapy protocols was another area that Dr. Lieberman emphasized during his meetings with congressional staff. Step therapy is a utilization management tool where insurers force patients to fail one or more therapies before they will cover the initial therapy recommended by their physician. This policy is more and more common especially for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who rely on biologics for treatment. Dr. Lieberman stressed that forcing a patient to fail a medication that they know will be ineffective is in violation of the Hippocratic oath. Restoring the Patient’s Voice Act, legislation soon to be reintroduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-CA, and Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, would provide an expeditated appeals process and provide some common sense exceptions for patients when subjected to step therapy.
Dr. Lieberman stressed the importance of funding the NIH and requested Congress increase their budget by $2 billion in fiscal year 2020. Dr. Lieberman described the NIH as our country’s crown jewel since it invests in biomedical research that will ultimately find cures for countless conditions, increase our country’s economic competitiveness, and spur industries and invests in our country’s best and brightest scientists. We are hopeful that Congress will reject the Trump Administration’s recommendation of a 12% cut for NIH and instead continue to provide the necessary increases the agency needs to remain competitive.
AGA President David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, was on Capitol Hill advocating for legislation to ensure that digestive disease patients have timely access to lifesaving treatments and touted the importance of increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings. Specifically, Dr. Lieberman sought support for H.R. 1570/S. 668, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would fix the current Medicare screening colonoscopy coinsurance problem. Currently, when a Medicare beneficiary has a screening colonoscopy that turns therapeutic, the procedure is no longer considered a screening and the patient is on the hook for the “surprise” bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would fix this problem for beneficiaries.
Dr. Lieberman also participated in a congressional briefing sponsored by AGA, ACG, and ASGE on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and spoke of the geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers to CRC screening and how it impacts the rates of screening. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-MA, chair of the House Rules Committee, also spoke about the importance of CRC screenings and the number of lives that can be saved with screening. He also stressed that we have made strides in screening because of the research that is funded through the NIH which Congress needs to continue to support.
Protection for patients who are subject to step-therapy protocols was another area that Dr. Lieberman emphasized during his meetings with congressional staff. Step therapy is a utilization management tool where insurers force patients to fail one or more therapies before they will cover the initial therapy recommended by their physician. This policy is more and more common especially for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who rely on biologics for treatment. Dr. Lieberman stressed that forcing a patient to fail a medication that they know will be ineffective is in violation of the Hippocratic oath. Restoring the Patient’s Voice Act, legislation soon to be reintroduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-CA, and Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, would provide an expeditated appeals process and provide some common sense exceptions for patients when subjected to step therapy.
Dr. Lieberman stressed the importance of funding the NIH and requested Congress increase their budget by $2 billion in fiscal year 2020. Dr. Lieberman described the NIH as our country’s crown jewel since it invests in biomedical research that will ultimately find cures for countless conditions, increase our country’s economic competitiveness, and spur industries and invests in our country’s best and brightest scientists. We are hopeful that Congress will reject the Trump Administration’s recommendation of a 12% cut for NIH and instead continue to provide the necessary increases the agency needs to remain competitive.
AGA President David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, was on Capitol Hill advocating for legislation to ensure that digestive disease patients have timely access to lifesaving treatments and touted the importance of increasing access to colorectal cancer screenings. Specifically, Dr. Lieberman sought support for H.R. 1570/S. 668, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would fix the current Medicare screening colonoscopy coinsurance problem. Currently, when a Medicare beneficiary has a screening colonoscopy that turns therapeutic, the procedure is no longer considered a screening and the patient is on the hook for the “surprise” bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would fix this problem for beneficiaries.
Dr. Lieberman also participated in a congressional briefing sponsored by AGA, ACG, and ASGE on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and spoke of the geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers to CRC screening and how it impacts the rates of screening. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-MA, chair of the House Rules Committee, also spoke about the importance of CRC screenings and the number of lives that can be saved with screening. He also stressed that we have made strides in screening because of the research that is funded through the NIH which Congress needs to continue to support.
Protection for patients who are subject to step-therapy protocols was another area that Dr. Lieberman emphasized during his meetings with congressional staff. Step therapy is a utilization management tool where insurers force patients to fail one or more therapies before they will cover the initial therapy recommended by their physician. This policy is more and more common especially for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who rely on biologics for treatment. Dr. Lieberman stressed that forcing a patient to fail a medication that they know will be ineffective is in violation of the Hippocratic oath. Restoring the Patient’s Voice Act, legislation soon to be reintroduced by Reps. Raul Ruiz, D-CA, and Brad Wenstrup, R-OH, would provide an expeditated appeals process and provide some common sense exceptions for patients when subjected to step therapy.
Dr. Lieberman stressed the importance of funding the NIH and requested Congress increase their budget by $2 billion in fiscal year 2020. Dr. Lieberman described the NIH as our country’s crown jewel since it invests in biomedical research that will ultimately find cures for countless conditions, increase our country’s economic competitiveness, and spur industries and invests in our country’s best and brightest scientists. We are hopeful that Congress will reject the Trump Administration’s recommendation of a 12% cut for NIH and instead continue to provide the necessary increases the agency needs to remain competitive.
Are you ready to celebrate 50 years of DDW®?
With 2019 being the 50th anniversary of Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), this year’s meeting is one you won’t want to miss. AGA looks forward to seeing members May 18 to 21, 2019, in San Diego, California. Register and view additional information on the DDW website. You can learn more about AGA programming and events at DDW by visiting www.gastro.org/DDW.
With 2019 being the 50th anniversary of Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), this year’s meeting is one you won’t want to miss. AGA looks forward to seeing members May 18 to 21, 2019, in San Diego, California. Register and view additional information on the DDW website. You can learn more about AGA programming and events at DDW by visiting www.gastro.org/DDW.
With 2019 being the 50th anniversary of Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), this year’s meeting is one you won’t want to miss. AGA looks forward to seeing members May 18 to 21, 2019, in San Diego, California. Register and view additional information on the DDW website. You can learn more about AGA programming and events at DDW by visiting www.gastro.org/DDW.
Your recap of the 2019 Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit
On March 23 and 24, AGA and the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) gathered 350+ international clinicians and researchers to network and discuss the latest evidence on the interaction between diet, nutrition and the gut microbiome at the 2019 Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit.
Twenty-three novel abstracts were presented as posters at the meeting. The abstracts covered topics ranging from probiotics to diet to potential microbiome-driven treatments for GI disorders.
Below are some key takeaways (as shared on Twitter) from the meeting. Stay tuned for more news and resources from the 2019 Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit, including an official meeting report in Gastroenterology, on-demand presentation recordings, video clips, and more.
“Excess zinc supplementation can change the gut #microbiota and increase risk AND severity of #cdiff infection, says @joeyzacks #GMFH2019 @cdiffFoundation” — Dr. Caterina Oneto (@caterina_oneto)
“You need a #dietitian for low #FODMAP diet education to ensure the patient consumes a nutritionally adequate diet. @MagnusSimren #GMFH2019” — Kate Scarlata, RDN (@KateScarlata_RD)
“Patients with cirrhosis have increased bacteremia, blood LPS levels and intestinal permeability. This background has led to study the role of gut microbiota in liver disease #GMFH2019” — GutMicrobiota Health (@GMFHx)
“Much anticipated talk on #probiotics happening now at #GMFH2019 led by AGA’s probiotics experts @KashyapPurna & Geoffrey Preidis. This work will culminate in a new AGA guideline on using probiotics in clinical practice. Additional data will be presented at #DDW19” — AGA (@AmerGastroAssn)
“Eric Martens: while a low fibre diet may not drive inflammation in the short term, it may increase disease risk in the long term, due to changes in microbiota & mucus degrading bacteria! #GMFH2019” — Andrea Hardy RD (@AndreaHardyRD)
View additional Twitter coverage of the meeting: #GMFH2019.
On March 23 and 24, AGA and the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) gathered 350+ international clinicians and researchers to network and discuss the latest evidence on the interaction between diet, nutrition and the gut microbiome at the 2019 Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit.
Twenty-three novel abstracts were presented as posters at the meeting. The abstracts covered topics ranging from probiotics to diet to potential microbiome-driven treatments for GI disorders.
Below are some key takeaways (as shared on Twitter) from the meeting. Stay tuned for more news and resources from the 2019 Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit, including an official meeting report in Gastroenterology, on-demand presentation recordings, video clips, and more.
“Excess zinc supplementation can change the gut #microbiota and increase risk AND severity of #cdiff infection, says @joeyzacks #GMFH2019 @cdiffFoundation” — Dr. Caterina Oneto (@caterina_oneto)
“You need a #dietitian for low #FODMAP diet education to ensure the patient consumes a nutritionally adequate diet. @MagnusSimren #GMFH2019” — Kate Scarlata, RDN (@KateScarlata_RD)
“Patients with cirrhosis have increased bacteremia, blood LPS levels and intestinal permeability. This background has led to study the role of gut microbiota in liver disease #GMFH2019” — GutMicrobiota Health (@GMFHx)
“Much anticipated talk on #probiotics happening now at #GMFH2019 led by AGA’s probiotics experts @KashyapPurna & Geoffrey Preidis. This work will culminate in a new AGA guideline on using probiotics in clinical practice. Additional data will be presented at #DDW19” — AGA (@AmerGastroAssn)
“Eric Martens: while a low fibre diet may not drive inflammation in the short term, it may increase disease risk in the long term, due to changes in microbiota & mucus degrading bacteria! #GMFH2019” — Andrea Hardy RD (@AndreaHardyRD)
View additional Twitter coverage of the meeting: #GMFH2019.
On March 23 and 24, AGA and the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) gathered 350+ international clinicians and researchers to network and discuss the latest evidence on the interaction between diet, nutrition and the gut microbiome at the 2019 Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit.
Twenty-three novel abstracts were presented as posters at the meeting. The abstracts covered topics ranging from probiotics to diet to potential microbiome-driven treatments for GI disorders.
Below are some key takeaways (as shared on Twitter) from the meeting. Stay tuned for more news and resources from the 2019 Gut Microbiota for Health World Summit, including an official meeting report in Gastroenterology, on-demand presentation recordings, video clips, and more.
“Excess zinc supplementation can change the gut #microbiota and increase risk AND severity of #cdiff infection, says @joeyzacks #GMFH2019 @cdiffFoundation” — Dr. Caterina Oneto (@caterina_oneto)
“You need a #dietitian for low #FODMAP diet education to ensure the patient consumes a nutritionally adequate diet. @MagnusSimren #GMFH2019” — Kate Scarlata, RDN (@KateScarlata_RD)
“Patients with cirrhosis have increased bacteremia, blood LPS levels and intestinal permeability. This background has led to study the role of gut microbiota in liver disease #GMFH2019” — GutMicrobiota Health (@GMFHx)
“Much anticipated talk on #probiotics happening now at #GMFH2019 led by AGA’s probiotics experts @KashyapPurna & Geoffrey Preidis. This work will culminate in a new AGA guideline on using probiotics in clinical practice. Additional data will be presented at #DDW19” — AGA (@AmerGastroAssn)
“Eric Martens: while a low fibre diet may not drive inflammation in the short term, it may increase disease risk in the long term, due to changes in microbiota & mucus degrading bacteria! #GMFH2019” — Andrea Hardy RD (@AndreaHardyRD)
View additional Twitter coverage of the meeting: #GMFH2019.
Meet a rising star in fecal incontinence research
The AGA Research Foundation offers its flagship grant, the AGA Research Scholar Award, to the most promising early career investigators. Kyle Staller, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, is no exception. We’re thrilled to highlight Dr. Staller – a 2016 AGA Research Scholar Award winner — as our AGA Research Foundation researcher of the month.
The Staller lab’s AGA-funded project is specifically focused on the risk factors for fecal incontinence, which have not been well studied. One in 10 women over age 80 suffer from this debilitating condition. Dr. Staller looked at the lifestyles and dietary factors of female study participants in research databases to determine whether they were predisposed to developing fecal incontinence beyond the usual risk factors such as childbirth, which can cause injury to the pelvic floor, and diabetes. Dr. Staller believes that understanding and modifying risk factors could decrease the chance, or even prevent, women from developing this condition.
With his AGA Research Foundation grant, Dr. Staller found that consuming dietary fiber in higher quantities, and increasing moderate exercise up to a point, lowered the risk of developing fecal incontinence. “This tells us that not only is fiber healthy but also preventative to fecal incontinence,” he said.
Dr. Staller says that he became interested in this area of study after patients, who were getting excited about their impending retirement or enjoying their retirement years, developed this life-altering condition. His compassion for his patients inspired him to study the factors leading to fecal incontinence, which will likely become more prevalent as the U.S. population ages.
Dr. Staller is using the baseline data from his AGA Research Foundation grant to support his application for a 5-year NIH grant designed to help young investigators learn new research skills to further their careers.
Read more and get to know Dr. Staller by visiting https://www.gastro.org/news/meet-a-rising-star-in-fecal-incontinence-research.
Help AGA build a community of investigators through the AGA Research Foundation.
Your donation to the AGA Research Foundation can fund future success stories by keeping young scientists working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.
The AGA Research Foundation offers its flagship grant, the AGA Research Scholar Award, to the most promising early career investigators. Kyle Staller, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, is no exception. We’re thrilled to highlight Dr. Staller – a 2016 AGA Research Scholar Award winner — as our AGA Research Foundation researcher of the month.
The Staller lab’s AGA-funded project is specifically focused on the risk factors for fecal incontinence, which have not been well studied. One in 10 women over age 80 suffer from this debilitating condition. Dr. Staller looked at the lifestyles and dietary factors of female study participants in research databases to determine whether they were predisposed to developing fecal incontinence beyond the usual risk factors such as childbirth, which can cause injury to the pelvic floor, and diabetes. Dr. Staller believes that understanding and modifying risk factors could decrease the chance, or even prevent, women from developing this condition.
With his AGA Research Foundation grant, Dr. Staller found that consuming dietary fiber in higher quantities, and increasing moderate exercise up to a point, lowered the risk of developing fecal incontinence. “This tells us that not only is fiber healthy but also preventative to fecal incontinence,” he said.
Dr. Staller says that he became interested in this area of study after patients, who were getting excited about their impending retirement or enjoying their retirement years, developed this life-altering condition. His compassion for his patients inspired him to study the factors leading to fecal incontinence, which will likely become more prevalent as the U.S. population ages.
Dr. Staller is using the baseline data from his AGA Research Foundation grant to support his application for a 5-year NIH grant designed to help young investigators learn new research skills to further their careers.
Read more and get to know Dr. Staller by visiting https://www.gastro.org/news/meet-a-rising-star-in-fecal-incontinence-research.
Help AGA build a community of investigators through the AGA Research Foundation.
Your donation to the AGA Research Foundation can fund future success stories by keeping young scientists working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.
The AGA Research Foundation offers its flagship grant, the AGA Research Scholar Award, to the most promising early career investigators. Kyle Staller, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, is no exception. We’re thrilled to highlight Dr. Staller – a 2016 AGA Research Scholar Award winner — as our AGA Research Foundation researcher of the month.
The Staller lab’s AGA-funded project is specifically focused on the risk factors for fecal incontinence, which have not been well studied. One in 10 women over age 80 suffer from this debilitating condition. Dr. Staller looked at the lifestyles and dietary factors of female study participants in research databases to determine whether they were predisposed to developing fecal incontinence beyond the usual risk factors such as childbirth, which can cause injury to the pelvic floor, and diabetes. Dr. Staller believes that understanding and modifying risk factors could decrease the chance, or even prevent, women from developing this condition.
With his AGA Research Foundation grant, Dr. Staller found that consuming dietary fiber in higher quantities, and increasing moderate exercise up to a point, lowered the risk of developing fecal incontinence. “This tells us that not only is fiber healthy but also preventative to fecal incontinence,” he said.
Dr. Staller says that he became interested in this area of study after patients, who were getting excited about their impending retirement or enjoying their retirement years, developed this life-altering condition. His compassion for his patients inspired him to study the factors leading to fecal incontinence, which will likely become more prevalent as the U.S. population ages.
Dr. Staller is using the baseline data from his AGA Research Foundation grant to support his application for a 5-year NIH grant designed to help young investigators learn new research skills to further their careers.
Read more and get to know Dr. Staller by visiting https://www.gastro.org/news/meet-a-rising-star-in-fecal-incontinence-research.
Help AGA build a community of investigators through the AGA Research Foundation.
Your donation to the AGA Research Foundation can fund future success stories by keeping young scientists working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.
Top AGA Community patient cases
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Refractory lymphocytic colitis and diarrhea
An elderly female with lymphocytic colitis wasn’t responding to any treatment provided by her physician, who was trying to avoid a colectomy due to her advanced age. The GI community shared their support with recommendations for therapy options and next steps.
2. Atypical case of enteropathy
This physician found mild erosive gastritis, villous blunting and mucosal accumulation of eosinophils up to 55/hpf in an 18-year-old female with a history of nausea, vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss over the past year. She tested negative for celiac disease and a gluten-free diet only provided partial improvement. The conversation in the Community forum covered potential diagnoses to be considered and recommendations for therapy.
3. Eosinophilic esophagitis with aperistalsis
A 21-year-old male presented with progressive dysphagia due to eosinophilic esophagitis with a weight loss of 17 pounds in two months. A panendoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia and aperistalsis of the esophagus, with normal inferior and superior sphincter pressures. No changes were observed recently; he is being managed with prokinetics and remains asymptomatic.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Refractory lymphocytic colitis and diarrhea
An elderly female with lymphocytic colitis wasn’t responding to any treatment provided by her physician, who was trying to avoid a colectomy due to her advanced age. The GI community shared their support with recommendations for therapy options and next steps.
2. Atypical case of enteropathy
This physician found mild erosive gastritis, villous blunting and mucosal accumulation of eosinophils up to 55/hpf in an 18-year-old female with a history of nausea, vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss over the past year. She tested negative for celiac disease and a gluten-free diet only provided partial improvement. The conversation in the Community forum covered potential diagnoses to be considered and recommendations for therapy.
3. Eosinophilic esophagitis with aperistalsis
A 21-year-old male presented with progressive dysphagia due to eosinophilic esophagitis with a weight loss of 17 pounds in two months. A panendoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia and aperistalsis of the esophagus, with normal inferior and superior sphincter pressures. No changes were observed recently; he is being managed with prokinetics and remains asymptomatic.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Refractory lymphocytic colitis and diarrhea
An elderly female with lymphocytic colitis wasn’t responding to any treatment provided by her physician, who was trying to avoid a colectomy due to her advanced age. The GI community shared their support with recommendations for therapy options and next steps.
2. Atypical case of enteropathy
This physician found mild erosive gastritis, villous blunting and mucosal accumulation of eosinophils up to 55/hpf in an 18-year-old female with a history of nausea, vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss over the past year. She tested negative for celiac disease and a gluten-free diet only provided partial improvement. The conversation in the Community forum covered potential diagnoses to be considered and recommendations for therapy.
3. Eosinophilic esophagitis with aperistalsis
A 21-year-old male presented with progressive dysphagia due to eosinophilic esophagitis with a weight loss of 17 pounds in two months. A panendoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia and aperistalsis of the esophagus, with normal inferior and superior sphincter pressures. No changes were observed recently; he is being managed with prokinetics and remains asymptomatic.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Continuing board certification vision report includes many sound recommendations on MOC
Five key wins will help lay the foundation for new assessment pathway to maintaining board certification.
The Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission submitted its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors. The draft reflected many of the issues AGA has raised with ABIM over the years and our comments on the draft report.
Having this report in hand puts AGA in a position of strength as we begin working with ABIM and the other GI societies to explore the development of a new assessment pathway through which gastroenterologists and hepatologists can maintain board certification.
Here’s a link to the full report: https://visioninitiative.org/commission/final-report/
Key wins:
- Commission recommended the term “Maintenance of Certification” be abandoned.
- “Emphasis on continuing certification must be focused on the availability of curated information that helps diplomates deliver improved clinical care ... traditional infrequent high-stakes assessments no matter how psychometrically valid, is viewed as inappropriate as the future direction for continuing certification.”
- The Commission believes ABMS Boards need to engage with diplomates on an ongoing basis instead of every 2, 5, or 10 years.
- The ABMS Board must offer an alternative to burdensome highly secure, point-in-time examinations of knowledge.
- ABMS and ABMS Boards must facilitate and encourage independent research to build on the existing evidence base about the value of continuing certification.
MOC and AGA’s approach to reform are topics of much discussion on the AGA Community.
Five key wins will help lay the foundation for new assessment pathway to maintaining board certification.
The Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission submitted its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors. The draft reflected many of the issues AGA has raised with ABIM over the years and our comments on the draft report.
Having this report in hand puts AGA in a position of strength as we begin working with ABIM and the other GI societies to explore the development of a new assessment pathway through which gastroenterologists and hepatologists can maintain board certification.
Here’s a link to the full report: https://visioninitiative.org/commission/final-report/
Key wins:
- Commission recommended the term “Maintenance of Certification” be abandoned.
- “Emphasis on continuing certification must be focused on the availability of curated information that helps diplomates deliver improved clinical care ... traditional infrequent high-stakes assessments no matter how psychometrically valid, is viewed as inappropriate as the future direction for continuing certification.”
- The Commission believes ABMS Boards need to engage with diplomates on an ongoing basis instead of every 2, 5, or 10 years.
- The ABMS Board must offer an alternative to burdensome highly secure, point-in-time examinations of knowledge.
- ABMS and ABMS Boards must facilitate and encourage independent research to build on the existing evidence base about the value of continuing certification.
MOC and AGA’s approach to reform are topics of much discussion on the AGA Community.
Five key wins will help lay the foundation for new assessment pathway to maintaining board certification.
The Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission submitted its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors. The draft reflected many of the issues AGA has raised with ABIM over the years and our comments on the draft report.
Having this report in hand puts AGA in a position of strength as we begin working with ABIM and the other GI societies to explore the development of a new assessment pathway through which gastroenterologists and hepatologists can maintain board certification.
Here’s a link to the full report: https://visioninitiative.org/commission/final-report/
Key wins:
- Commission recommended the term “Maintenance of Certification” be abandoned.
- “Emphasis on continuing certification must be focused on the availability of curated information that helps diplomates deliver improved clinical care ... traditional infrequent high-stakes assessments no matter how psychometrically valid, is viewed as inappropriate as the future direction for continuing certification.”
- The Commission believes ABMS Boards need to engage with diplomates on an ongoing basis instead of every 2, 5, or 10 years.
- The ABMS Board must offer an alternative to burdensome highly secure, point-in-time examinations of knowledge.
- ABMS and ABMS Boards must facilitate and encourage independent research to build on the existing evidence base about the value of continuing certification.
MOC and AGA’s approach to reform are topics of much discussion on the AGA Community.
How to get involved in advocacy
Interested in advocacy but not sure how or whether you have time in your busy schedule? AGA has an array of options for how you can be active in advocacy. Some take as little as 5 minutes.
Letter writing. AGA uses GovPredict, an online advocacy platform that allows members to contact their member of Congress with just a few clicks. AGA develops messages on significant pieces of legislation, key efforts in Congress or on issues being advanced by federal agencies that have a great impact on gastroenterology. AGA’s ongoing letter writing campaigns can always be found on www.gastro.org/advocacy but be sure to keep an eye out for advocacy emails, AGA eDigest, and social media, so you do not miss your opportunity to take action on timely issues. AGA encourages its members to share letter writing campaigns with their colleagues, as well as posting them on social media.
Meetings with your member of Congress. In-person meetings are an excellent opportunity to share with your member of Congress, or their staff, how the issues that impact gastroenterology affect you, your patients, and your practice. AGA has a plethora of resources to help you set up a meeting with your member of Congress, including up-to-date issue briefs, tips and tricks for productive meetings, and webinars on how to host an on-site visit. AGA staff is always more than happy to help you arrange a meeting either in Washington, DC, or your home state. If you are interested in arranging a meeting with your member of Congress, please contact AGA Public Policy Coordinator, Jonathan Sollish, at [email protected] or 240-482-3228.
AGA PAC. AGA PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan political organization affiliated with and supported by AGA. The only political action committee supported by a national gastroenterology society, its mission is to give gastroenterologists a greater presence on Capitol Hill and a more effective voice in policy discussions. AGA PAC supports candidates who support our policy priorities, such as fair reimbursement, cutting regulatory red tape, supporting patient protections, and access to specialty care, and sustained federal funding of digestive disease research. If you are interested in learning more, contact AGA Government and Political Affairs Manager, Navneet Buttar, at [email protected] or 240-482-3221.
Congressional Advocates Program. This grassroots program is aimed at establishing a stronger foundation for our current and future advocacy initiatives by creating state teams to work on advocacy on the local, state, and national levels. Participation can include a wide variety of activities, ranging from creating educational posts on social media to meeting with members of Congress. Members of the Congressional Advocates Program are mentored and receive advocacy training by AGA leadership and staff. Participating members receive an AGA Congressional Advocate Program Certificate, a Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) badge ribbon, policy badge on the AGA Community, and recognition on AGA’s website. Applications for the next cycle will be released in 2019.
[email protected]
Interested in advocacy but not sure how or whether you have time in your busy schedule? AGA has an array of options for how you can be active in advocacy. Some take as little as 5 minutes.
Letter writing. AGA uses GovPredict, an online advocacy platform that allows members to contact their member of Congress with just a few clicks. AGA develops messages on significant pieces of legislation, key efforts in Congress or on issues being advanced by federal agencies that have a great impact on gastroenterology. AGA’s ongoing letter writing campaigns can always be found on www.gastro.org/advocacy but be sure to keep an eye out for advocacy emails, AGA eDigest, and social media, so you do not miss your opportunity to take action on timely issues. AGA encourages its members to share letter writing campaigns with their colleagues, as well as posting them on social media.
Meetings with your member of Congress. In-person meetings are an excellent opportunity to share with your member of Congress, or their staff, how the issues that impact gastroenterology affect you, your patients, and your practice. AGA has a plethora of resources to help you set up a meeting with your member of Congress, including up-to-date issue briefs, tips and tricks for productive meetings, and webinars on how to host an on-site visit. AGA staff is always more than happy to help you arrange a meeting either in Washington, DC, or your home state. If you are interested in arranging a meeting with your member of Congress, please contact AGA Public Policy Coordinator, Jonathan Sollish, at [email protected] or 240-482-3228.
AGA PAC. AGA PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan political organization affiliated with and supported by AGA. The only political action committee supported by a national gastroenterology society, its mission is to give gastroenterologists a greater presence on Capitol Hill and a more effective voice in policy discussions. AGA PAC supports candidates who support our policy priorities, such as fair reimbursement, cutting regulatory red tape, supporting patient protections, and access to specialty care, and sustained federal funding of digestive disease research. If you are interested in learning more, contact AGA Government and Political Affairs Manager, Navneet Buttar, at [email protected] or 240-482-3221.
Congressional Advocates Program. This grassroots program is aimed at establishing a stronger foundation for our current and future advocacy initiatives by creating state teams to work on advocacy on the local, state, and national levels. Participation can include a wide variety of activities, ranging from creating educational posts on social media to meeting with members of Congress. Members of the Congressional Advocates Program are mentored and receive advocacy training by AGA leadership and staff. Participating members receive an AGA Congressional Advocate Program Certificate, a Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) badge ribbon, policy badge on the AGA Community, and recognition on AGA’s website. Applications for the next cycle will be released in 2019.
[email protected]
Interested in advocacy but not sure how or whether you have time in your busy schedule? AGA has an array of options for how you can be active in advocacy. Some take as little as 5 minutes.
Letter writing. AGA uses GovPredict, an online advocacy platform that allows members to contact their member of Congress with just a few clicks. AGA develops messages on significant pieces of legislation, key efforts in Congress or on issues being advanced by federal agencies that have a great impact on gastroenterology. AGA’s ongoing letter writing campaigns can always be found on www.gastro.org/advocacy but be sure to keep an eye out for advocacy emails, AGA eDigest, and social media, so you do not miss your opportunity to take action on timely issues. AGA encourages its members to share letter writing campaigns with their colleagues, as well as posting them on social media.
Meetings with your member of Congress. In-person meetings are an excellent opportunity to share with your member of Congress, or their staff, how the issues that impact gastroenterology affect you, your patients, and your practice. AGA has a plethora of resources to help you set up a meeting with your member of Congress, including up-to-date issue briefs, tips and tricks for productive meetings, and webinars on how to host an on-site visit. AGA staff is always more than happy to help you arrange a meeting either in Washington, DC, or your home state. If you are interested in arranging a meeting with your member of Congress, please contact AGA Public Policy Coordinator, Jonathan Sollish, at [email protected] or 240-482-3228.
AGA PAC. AGA PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan political organization affiliated with and supported by AGA. The only political action committee supported by a national gastroenterology society, its mission is to give gastroenterologists a greater presence on Capitol Hill and a more effective voice in policy discussions. AGA PAC supports candidates who support our policy priorities, such as fair reimbursement, cutting regulatory red tape, supporting patient protections, and access to specialty care, and sustained federal funding of digestive disease research. If you are interested in learning more, contact AGA Government and Political Affairs Manager, Navneet Buttar, at [email protected] or 240-482-3221.
Congressional Advocates Program. This grassroots program is aimed at establishing a stronger foundation for our current and future advocacy initiatives by creating state teams to work on advocacy on the local, state, and national levels. Participation can include a wide variety of activities, ranging from creating educational posts on social media to meeting with members of Congress. Members of the Congressional Advocates Program are mentored and receive advocacy training by AGA leadership and staff. Participating members receive an AGA Congressional Advocate Program Certificate, a Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) badge ribbon, policy badge on the AGA Community, and recognition on AGA’s website. Applications for the next cycle will be released in 2019.
[email protected]
AGA welcomes new governing board members
Sheila E. Crowe, MD, AGAF, chair of the nominating committee, is pleased to announce that John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF, joins the presidential line up for AGA.
John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF
Dr. Inadomi is a national expert in comparative effectiveness research and colorectal cancer who has lent his expertise to AGA in several capacities over the years, most recently as the clinical research councillor to the board. Dr. Inadomi will serve as vice president, then president elect and will become AGA president after Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2021.
The AGA Nominating Committee also appointed the following slate of councillors, which is subject to membership vote.
Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF
Councillor-At-Large: Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, is former chair of the AGA Institute Council, which plans AGA’s programming for DDW, and a researcher and clinician focusing on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microbiome and colorectal cancer.
David A. Katzka, MD
Education and Training Councillor: David A. Katzka, MD, has been very active in AGA’s education and practice initiatives, including his recently completed service as the chair of the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee. Dr. Katzka received AGA’s distinguished clinician award in 2010. His research and clinical work focus on esophageal disorders.
Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF
Councillor-at-Large, Growth and Development: Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, takes on this newly created governing board position after successfully leading the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology. He is an interventional endoscopist at University of Pennsylvania.
Pending approval by the voting membership, all board members begin their terms after DDW 2019. The voting membership will be sent a ballot to approve the slate of officers on or before March 21, 2019, with a response date of no later than April 20, 2019.
Thank you to our nominating committee members, pictured here at a well-deserved dinner after their committee work was completed.
Sheila E. Crowe, MD, AGAF, chair of the nominating committee, is pleased to announce that John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF, joins the presidential line up for AGA.
John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF
Dr. Inadomi is a national expert in comparative effectiveness research and colorectal cancer who has lent his expertise to AGA in several capacities over the years, most recently as the clinical research councillor to the board. Dr. Inadomi will serve as vice president, then president elect and will become AGA president after Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2021.
The AGA Nominating Committee also appointed the following slate of councillors, which is subject to membership vote.
Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF
Councillor-At-Large: Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, is former chair of the AGA Institute Council, which plans AGA’s programming for DDW, and a researcher and clinician focusing on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microbiome and colorectal cancer.
David A. Katzka, MD
Education and Training Councillor: David A. Katzka, MD, has been very active in AGA’s education and practice initiatives, including his recently completed service as the chair of the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee. Dr. Katzka received AGA’s distinguished clinician award in 2010. His research and clinical work focus on esophageal disorders.
Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF
Councillor-at-Large, Growth and Development: Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, takes on this newly created governing board position after successfully leading the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology. He is an interventional endoscopist at University of Pennsylvania.
Pending approval by the voting membership, all board members begin their terms after DDW 2019. The voting membership will be sent a ballot to approve the slate of officers on or before March 21, 2019, with a response date of no later than April 20, 2019.
Thank you to our nominating committee members, pictured here at a well-deserved dinner after their committee work was completed.
Sheila E. Crowe, MD, AGAF, chair of the nominating committee, is pleased to announce that John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF, joins the presidential line up for AGA.
John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF
Dr. Inadomi is a national expert in comparative effectiveness research and colorectal cancer who has lent his expertise to AGA in several capacities over the years, most recently as the clinical research councillor to the board. Dr. Inadomi will serve as vice president, then president elect and will become AGA president after Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2021.
The AGA Nominating Committee also appointed the following slate of councillors, which is subject to membership vote.
Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF
Councillor-At-Large: Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, is former chair of the AGA Institute Council, which plans AGA’s programming for DDW, and a researcher and clinician focusing on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microbiome and colorectal cancer.
David A. Katzka, MD
Education and Training Councillor: David A. Katzka, MD, has been very active in AGA’s education and practice initiatives, including his recently completed service as the chair of the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee. Dr. Katzka received AGA’s distinguished clinician award in 2010. His research and clinical work focus on esophageal disorders.
Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF
Councillor-at-Large, Growth and Development: Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, takes on this newly created governing board position after successfully leading the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology. He is an interventional endoscopist at University of Pennsylvania.
Pending approval by the voting membership, all board members begin their terms after DDW 2019. The voting membership will be sent a ballot to approve the slate of officers on or before March 21, 2019, with a response date of no later than April 20, 2019.
Thank you to our nominating committee members, pictured here at a well-deserved dinner after their committee work was completed.
Top AGA Community patient cases
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community (https://community.gastro.org/discussions) to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Ileoclonic Crohn’s in VA patient
A 77-year-old patient with chronic kidney disease, dementia and congestive heart failure was seen to evaluate chronic diarrhea. His colonoscopy revealed active inflammation and a stricture at the anastomosis, which prevented the physician from bypassing with a pediatric colonoscope. The patient’s diarrhea improved once he was started on budesonide. The discussion in the AGA Community forum outlined next steps and the best course of treatment for this complicated patient.
2. H. pylori in a penicillin allergic patient
A patient diagnosed with H. pylori during an endoscopy has a history of a severe penicillin allergy and has used clarithromycin in the past year. Antibiotic resistance testing revealed genetic pattern suggesting resistance to clarithromycin, fluoroquinolones and metronidazole. Recommendations from GIs included combination therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids and antibiotics.
3. Reintroduction of azathioprine after moderate leukopenia
This 48-year-old patient has a history of ulcerative colitis pancolitis and developed antibodies to Humira monotherapy. Her GI is adjusting her azathioprine dose and repeating lab work to recover her white blood cell counts and is soliciting advice from the practice community on using methotrexate for combination therapy.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community (https://community.gastro.org/discussions) to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Ileoclonic Crohn’s in VA patient
A 77-year-old patient with chronic kidney disease, dementia and congestive heart failure was seen to evaluate chronic diarrhea. His colonoscopy revealed active inflammation and a stricture at the anastomosis, which prevented the physician from bypassing with a pediatric colonoscope. The patient’s diarrhea improved once he was started on budesonide. The discussion in the AGA Community forum outlined next steps and the best course of treatment for this complicated patient.
2. H. pylori in a penicillin allergic patient
A patient diagnosed with H. pylori during an endoscopy has a history of a severe penicillin allergy and has used clarithromycin in the past year. Antibiotic resistance testing revealed genetic pattern suggesting resistance to clarithromycin, fluoroquinolones and metronidazole. Recommendations from GIs included combination therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids and antibiotics.
3. Reintroduction of azathioprine after moderate leukopenia
This 48-year-old patient has a history of ulcerative colitis pancolitis and developed antibodies to Humira monotherapy. Her GI is adjusting her azathioprine dose and repeating lab work to recover her white blood cell counts and is soliciting advice from the practice community on using methotrexate for combination therapy.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.
Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community (https://community.gastro.org/discussions) to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses.
In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:
1. Ileoclonic Crohn’s in VA patient
A 77-year-old patient with chronic kidney disease, dementia and congestive heart failure was seen to evaluate chronic diarrhea. His colonoscopy revealed active inflammation and a stricture at the anastomosis, which prevented the physician from bypassing with a pediatric colonoscope. The patient’s diarrhea improved once he was started on budesonide. The discussion in the AGA Community forum outlined next steps and the best course of treatment for this complicated patient.
2. H. pylori in a penicillin allergic patient
A patient diagnosed with H. pylori during an endoscopy has a history of a severe penicillin allergy and has used clarithromycin in the past year. Antibiotic resistance testing revealed genetic pattern suggesting resistance to clarithromycin, fluoroquinolones and metronidazole. Recommendations from GIs included combination therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids and antibiotics.
3. Reintroduction of azathioprine after moderate leukopenia
This 48-year-old patient has a history of ulcerative colitis pancolitis and developed antibodies to Humira monotherapy. Her GI is adjusting her azathioprine dose and repeating lab work to recover her white blood cell counts and is soliciting advice from the practice community on using methotrexate for combination therapy.
More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.