News from AGA

The AGA Community forum has spurred engagement and collaborations on many different professional levels since its launch in early May. Recently trending topics included viral hepatitis, fecal immunochemical testing, reimbursement, practice guidelines, women in GI, and fecal transplants.

It’s easy to incorporate your new networking tool in your day-to-day practice using the AGA Community mobile app. The app gives you around-the-clock handheld access to AGA members and the discussion topics and resources that matter to you.

Learn more by downloading the app, available in AGA App Central or search your mobile app store for AGA Community. You can also join the conversations through your web browser, http://community.gastro.org.

The AGA Community forum has spurred engagement and collaborations on many different professional levels since its launch in early May. Recently trending topics included viral hepatitis, fecal immunochemical testing, reimbursement, practice guidelines, women in GI, and fecal transplants.

It’s easy to incorporate your new networking tool in your day-to-day practice using the AGA Community mobile app. The app gives you around-the-clock handheld access to AGA members and the discussion topics and resources that matter to you.

Learn more by downloading the app, available in AGA App Central or search your mobile app store for AGA Community. You can also join the conversations through your web browser, http://community.gastro.org.

The AGA Community forum has spurred engagement and collaborations on many different professional levels since its launch in early May. Recently trending topics included viral hepatitis, fecal immunochemical testing, reimbursement, practice guidelines, women in GI, and fecal transplants.

It’s easy to incorporate your new networking tool in your day-to-day practice using the AGA Community mobile app. The app gives you around-the-clock handheld access to AGA members and the discussion topics and resources that matter to you.

Learn more by downloading the app, available in AGA App Central or search your mobile app store for AGA Community. You can also join the conversations through your web browser, http://community.gastro.org.

Your year-round, members-only online networking platform opened to all AGA members last month, right in time for Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2016. AGA Community has opened the floor for conversations that build connections and collaborations.

In its first month, AGA Community had 42 new discussion threads, 326 public replies, 77 private replies, and 42 “recommends” (which are equivalent to a “like” on Facebook).

Here are the top discussions happening in the forum, many of which contain topical content from DDW:

• Recertification Board Exam

• Interested in Obesity Management?

• Ask the Expert: Legal Implications of Clinical Practice Guidelines

• Propofol for Colonoscopy

• When Would You Perform the Next Colonoscopy?

Have something to say? Join in or start your own discussion on topics that matter to you. Visit http://community.gastro.org/and sign in to start your AGA Community experience.

Your year-round, members-only online networking platform opened to all AGA members last month, right in time for Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2016. AGA Community has opened the floor for conversations that build connections and collaborations.

In its first month, AGA Community had 42 new discussion threads, 326 public replies, 77 private replies, and 42 “recommends” (which are equivalent to a “like” on Facebook).

Here are the top discussions happening in the forum, many of which contain topical content from DDW:

• Recertification Board Exam

• Interested in Obesity Management?

• Ask the Expert: Legal Implications of Clinical Practice Guidelines

• Propofol for Colonoscopy

• When Would You Perform the Next Colonoscopy?

Have something to say? Join in or start your own discussion on topics that matter to you. Visit http://community.gastro.org/and sign in to start your AGA Community experience.

Your year-round, members-only online networking platform opened to all AGA members last month, right in time for Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2016. AGA Community has opened the floor for conversations that build connections and collaborations.

In its first month, AGA Community had 42 new discussion threads, 326 public replies, 77 private replies, and 42 “recommends” (which are equivalent to a “like” on Facebook).

Here are the top discussions happening in the forum, many of which contain topical content from DDW:

• Recertification Board Exam

• Interested in Obesity Management?

• Ask the Expert: Legal Implications of Clinical Practice Guidelines

• Propofol for Colonoscopy

• When Would You Perform the Next Colonoscopy?

Have something to say? Join in or start your own discussion on topics that matter to you. Visit http://community.gastro.org/and sign in to start your AGA Community experience.

CMS released the long-awaited proposed rule implementing the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in late April. The most important thing you can do now is to become more familiar with the programs under MACRA and begin to prepare for the changes it will mean for your practice.

We’ve summarized a few interesting stats on the potential impact to GIs.

CMS will roll out the comprehensive Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPs) and incentivize the use of alternative payment models (APMs). Services provided beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, will directly impact reimbursement provided in 2019, the first year in which the MIPS program and APMs are effective.

CMS expects that 1,849 gastroenterologists will be excluded from MIPS. These GIs will be excluded because they participate in alternative payment models or see fewer than 100 Medicare Part B–eligible patients and bill less than $10,000 to Medicare.

CMS projects the majority of GIs (61.5%) who participate in MIPS will receive a bonus. Positive payment adjustments are projected to be about $34 million for GIs. Unfortunately, this increase would be partially offset by negative payment adjustments for 38.3% of GIs. Nearly 60% of colorectal surgeons are also expected to receive a positive adjustment.

The larger the practice, the more financial upside. According to CMS data, the likelihood of receiving an upward performance adjustment increases as the practice size increases. Among practices with two to nine eligible MIPS clinicians, only 29.8% are expected to receive a positive adjustment. This number increases to 81.3% for practices with 100 or more. Solo practitioners will be hit hardest by MIPS, with 87% likely facing a negative adjustment totaling a loss of $300 million for solo practices across all specialties.

We have an opportunity this summer to comment on the rule and advocate for changes. Read more about the MACRA proposed rule at gastro.org

CMS released the long-awaited proposed rule implementing the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in late April. The most important thing you can do now is to become more familiar with the programs under MACRA and begin to prepare for the changes it will mean for your practice.

We’ve summarized a few interesting stats on the potential impact to GIs.

CMS will roll out the comprehensive Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPs) and incentivize the use of alternative payment models (APMs). Services provided beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, will directly impact reimbursement provided in 2019, the first year in which the MIPS program and APMs are effective.

CMS expects that 1,849 gastroenterologists will be excluded from MIPS. These GIs will be excluded because they participate in alternative payment models or see fewer than 100 Medicare Part B–eligible patients and bill less than $10,000 to Medicare.

CMS projects the majority of GIs (61.5%) who participate in MIPS will receive a bonus. Positive payment adjustments are projected to be about $34 million for GIs. Unfortunately, this increase would be partially offset by negative payment adjustments for 38.3% of GIs. Nearly 60% of colorectal surgeons are also expected to receive a positive adjustment.

The larger the practice, the more financial upside. According to CMS data, the likelihood of receiving an upward performance adjustment increases as the practice size increases. Among practices with two to nine eligible MIPS clinicians, only 29.8% are expected to receive a positive adjustment. This number increases to 81.3% for practices with 100 or more. Solo practitioners will be hit hardest by MIPS, with 87% likely facing a negative adjustment totaling a loss of $300 million for solo practices across all specialties.

We have an opportunity this summer to comment on the rule and advocate for changes. Read more about the MACRA proposed rule at gastro.org

CMS released the long-awaited proposed rule implementing the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in late April. The most important thing you can do now is to become more familiar with the programs under MACRA and begin to prepare for the changes it will mean for your practice.

We’ve summarized a few interesting stats on the potential impact to GIs.

CMS will roll out the comprehensive Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPs) and incentivize the use of alternative payment models (APMs). Services provided beginning on Jan. 1, 2017, will directly impact reimbursement provided in 2019, the first year in which the MIPS program and APMs are effective.

CMS expects that 1,849 gastroenterologists will be excluded from MIPS. These GIs will be excluded because they participate in alternative payment models or see fewer than 100 Medicare Part B–eligible patients and bill less than $10,000 to Medicare.

CMS projects the majority of GIs (61.5%) who participate in MIPS will receive a bonus. Positive payment adjustments are projected to be about $34 million for GIs. Unfortunately, this increase would be partially offset by negative payment adjustments for 38.3% of GIs. Nearly 60% of colorectal surgeons are also expected to receive a positive adjustment.

The larger the practice, the more financial upside. According to CMS data, the likelihood of receiving an upward performance adjustment increases as the practice size increases. Among practices with two to nine eligible MIPS clinicians, only 29.8% are expected to receive a positive adjustment. This number increases to 81.3% for practices with 100 or more. Solo practitioners will be hit hardest by MIPS, with 87% likely facing a negative adjustment totaling a loss of $300 million for solo practices across all specialties.

We have an opportunity this summer to comment on the rule and advocate for changes. Read more about the MACRA proposed rule at gastro.org

ABIM announced plans on May 5 to offer physicians the option of taking shorter assessments on their personal or office computers more frequently than every 10 years, but no more than annually.

This announcement is welcome, and follows an aggressive campaign by AGA and other GI organizations advocating for elimination of the high-stakes, closed-book, timed exam. We support moving to a system of active learning and will continue to push ABIM to include our principles related to individualized learning and meaningful assessments.

Before the new assessment option is implemented, there will be a public comment period about the potential changes. AGA will be actively engaged in that conversation. This is a step in the right direction, but questions remain as to whether the changes are enough or whether the assessment will be individualized to the professional activities of subspecialists. Our work continues.

For the latest updates on MOC, visit the MOC page on the AGA website or join the discussion on the AGA Community.

ABIM announced plans on May 5 to offer physicians the option of taking shorter assessments on their personal or office computers more frequently than every 10 years, but no more than annually.

This announcement is welcome, and follows an aggressive campaign by AGA and other GI organizations advocating for elimination of the high-stakes, closed-book, timed exam. We support moving to a system of active learning and will continue to push ABIM to include our principles related to individualized learning and meaningful assessments.

Before the new assessment option is implemented, there will be a public comment period about the potential changes. AGA will be actively engaged in that conversation. This is a step in the right direction, but questions remain as to whether the changes are enough or whether the assessment will be individualized to the professional activities of subspecialists. Our work continues.

For the latest updates on MOC, visit the MOC page on the AGA website or join the discussion on the AGA Community.

ABIM announced plans on May 5 to offer physicians the option of taking shorter assessments on their personal or office computers more frequently than every 10 years, but no more than annually.

This announcement is welcome, and follows an aggressive campaign by AGA and other GI organizations advocating for elimination of the high-stakes, closed-book, timed exam. We support moving to a system of active learning and will continue to push ABIM to include our principles related to individualized learning and meaningful assessments.

Before the new assessment option is implemented, there will be a public comment period about the potential changes. AGA will be actively engaged in that conversation. This is a step in the right direction, but questions remain as to whether the changes are enough or whether the assessment will be individualized to the professional activities of subspecialists. Our work continues.

For the latest updates on MOC, visit the MOC page on the AGA website or join the discussion on the AGA Community.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the AGA Research Foundation is cultivating the future of the GI community through research grants to young investigators. The work and discoveries of AGA-funded recipients will open doors to new treatments and exciting new areas of knowledge.

With your support, we are building a community of investigators whose work serves the greater community and benefits all our patients. Here are just a few of the researchers the AGA Research Foundation is funding.

AGA Institute

Silvia Giugliano, Ph.D.

University of Colorado, Denver

2016 AGA Research Scholar Award Recipient

“I am extremely honored to receive this award and would like to sincerely thank the AGA Research Foundation. The training period provided by this award is ideally designed to support me in developing my knowledge of hepatic biology and immunology and will allow me to develop the skills and resources necessary to complete my transition into an independent scientist.” – Her goal is to develop an independent research career focused on the role that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells play in different models of hepatic disease.

Brian J. DeBosch, M.D., Ph.D.

Washington University

2016 AGA–Gilead Sciences Research Scholar Award in Liver Disease Recipient

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the AGA Research Foundation, Gilead Sciences, and those individuals and sponsors who have made this award possible. This support comes at a key juncture in my career development, bridging the critical gap between fellowship and postdoctoral research training to full independence.” – He will use this research funding to build a research program focused on hepatic determinants of metabolic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Alexander W. Worix

Southern Illinois University

2016 AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship

“I have never in my life been so grateful for an opportunity like this. It is important for a future physician to understand how the field of medicine is changing and developing constantly. This fellowship will take my basic understanding from previous research and take it to a new and more elevated level.” – He will use this award to perform gastroenterological research at his alma mater, The University of Michigan.

Donate today to help us fulfill our vision of fostering the future of young investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology. Make a tax-deductible donation at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the AGA Research Foundation is cultivating the future of the GI community through research grants to young investigators. The work and discoveries of AGA-funded recipients will open doors to new treatments and exciting new areas of knowledge.

With your support, we are building a community of investigators whose work serves the greater community and benefits all our patients. Here are just a few of the researchers the AGA Research Foundation is funding.

AGA Institute

Silvia Giugliano, Ph.D.

University of Colorado, Denver

2016 AGA Research Scholar Award Recipient

“I am extremely honored to receive this award and would like to sincerely thank the AGA Research Foundation. The training period provided by this award is ideally designed to support me in developing my knowledge of hepatic biology and immunology and will allow me to develop the skills and resources necessary to complete my transition into an independent scientist.” – Her goal is to develop an independent research career focused on the role that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells play in different models of hepatic disease.

Brian J. DeBosch, M.D., Ph.D.

Washington University

2016 AGA–Gilead Sciences Research Scholar Award in Liver Disease Recipient

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the AGA Research Foundation, Gilead Sciences, and those individuals and sponsors who have made this award possible. This support comes at a key juncture in my career development, bridging the critical gap between fellowship and postdoctoral research training to full independence.” – He will use this research funding to build a research program focused on hepatic determinants of metabolic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Alexander W. Worix

Southern Illinois University

2016 AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship

“I have never in my life been so grateful for an opportunity like this. It is important for a future physician to understand how the field of medicine is changing and developing constantly. This fellowship will take my basic understanding from previous research and take it to a new and more elevated level.” – He will use this award to perform gastroenterological research at his alma mater, The University of Michigan.

Donate today to help us fulfill our vision of fostering the future of young investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology. Make a tax-deductible donation at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the AGA Research Foundation is cultivating the future of the GI community through research grants to young investigators. The work and discoveries of AGA-funded recipients will open doors to new treatments and exciting new areas of knowledge.

With your support, we are building a community of investigators whose work serves the greater community and benefits all our patients. Here are just a few of the researchers the AGA Research Foundation is funding.

AGA Institute

Silvia Giugliano, Ph.D.

University of Colorado, Denver

2016 AGA Research Scholar Award Recipient

“I am extremely honored to receive this award and would like to sincerely thank the AGA Research Foundation. The training period provided by this award is ideally designed to support me in developing my knowledge of hepatic biology and immunology and will allow me to develop the skills and resources necessary to complete my transition into an independent scientist.” – Her goal is to develop an independent research career focused on the role that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells play in different models of hepatic disease.

Brian J. DeBosch, M.D., Ph.D.

Washington University

2016 AGA–Gilead Sciences Research Scholar Award in Liver Disease Recipient

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the AGA Research Foundation, Gilead Sciences, and those individuals and sponsors who have made this award possible. This support comes at a key juncture in my career development, bridging the critical gap between fellowship and postdoctoral research training to full independence.” – He will use this research funding to build a research program focused on hepatic determinants of metabolic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Alexander W. Worix

Southern Illinois University

2016 AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship

“I have never in my life been so grateful for an opportunity like this. It is important for a future physician to understand how the field of medicine is changing and developing constantly. This fellowship will take my basic understanding from previous research and take it to a new and more elevated level.” – He will use this award to perform gastroenterological research at his alma mater, The University of Michigan.

Donate today to help us fulfill our vision of fostering the future of young investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology. Make a tax-deductible donation at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

As part of our ongoing advocacy that the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) reform maintenance of certification (MOC), AGA sent a letter to ABIM in April seeking to understand its plan for re-engineering MOC to reflect the changing nature of medical practice.

This followed ABIM’s launch of a study in March to “examine ways ABIM diplomates might have access to online resources during a portion of the MOC assessment.” ABIM President and CEO Dr. Richard Baron promised a timetable and plan, based on what they have heard from the physician community.

AGA and other societies asked for clarification of this plan through a series of questions in the letter including:

1. What is the overall vision or philosophy ABIM is looking to embrace regarding MOC?

2. What additional changes to MOC is ABIM considering?

3. Will ABIM consult the internal medicine community prior to announcement – let alone implementation – of further changes? If so, when and how?

4. What is ABIM’s timeline for implementing the co-created, re-engineered MOC? Could ABIM share its current form and provide updates as adjustments occur? For example, part of the 2020 Task Force assessment was to reconsider the secure exam. For many diplomates, the 10-year exam is due soon. Should they wait to see if a different method of “exam”/assessment will be rolled out?

5. What does ABIM view as the respective roles of the ABIM Board of Directors, ABIM Council, ABIM specialty boards and ABIM staff in this process?

The full letter, which you can read on gastro.org, was signed by AGA, American College of Rheumatology, American Society of Nephrology, Endocrine Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Society of Hospital Medicine, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, ACG, American Geriatrics Society, Renal Physicians Association, ASGE, and American Society of Clinical Oncology.

As part of our ongoing advocacy that the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) reform maintenance of certification (MOC), AGA sent a letter to ABIM in April seeking to understand its plan for re-engineering MOC to reflect the changing nature of medical practice.

This followed ABIM’s launch of a study in March to “examine ways ABIM diplomates might have access to online resources during a portion of the MOC assessment.” ABIM President and CEO Dr. Richard Baron promised a timetable and plan, based on what they have heard from the physician community.

AGA and other societies asked for clarification of this plan through a series of questions in the letter including:

1. What is the overall vision or philosophy ABIM is looking to embrace regarding MOC?

2. What additional changes to MOC is ABIM considering?

3. Will ABIM consult the internal medicine community prior to announcement – let alone implementation – of further changes? If so, when and how?

4. What is ABIM’s timeline for implementing the co-created, re-engineered MOC? Could ABIM share its current form and provide updates as adjustments occur? For example, part of the 2020 Task Force assessment was to reconsider the secure exam. For many diplomates, the 10-year exam is due soon. Should they wait to see if a different method of “exam”/assessment will be rolled out?

5. What does ABIM view as the respective roles of the ABIM Board of Directors, ABIM Council, ABIM specialty boards and ABIM staff in this process?

The full letter, which you can read on gastro.org, was signed by AGA, American College of Rheumatology, American Society of Nephrology, Endocrine Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Society of Hospital Medicine, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, ACG, American Geriatrics Society, Renal Physicians Association, ASGE, and American Society of Clinical Oncology.

As part of our ongoing advocacy that the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) reform maintenance of certification (MOC), AGA sent a letter to ABIM in April seeking to understand its plan for re-engineering MOC to reflect the changing nature of medical practice.

This followed ABIM’s launch of a study in March to “examine ways ABIM diplomates might have access to online resources during a portion of the MOC assessment.” ABIM President and CEO Dr. Richard Baron promised a timetable and plan, based on what they have heard from the physician community.

AGA and other societies asked for clarification of this plan through a series of questions in the letter including:

1. What is the overall vision or philosophy ABIM is looking to embrace regarding MOC?

2. What additional changes to MOC is ABIM considering?

3. Will ABIM consult the internal medicine community prior to announcement – let alone implementation – of further changes? If so, when and how?

4. What is ABIM’s timeline for implementing the co-created, re-engineered MOC? Could ABIM share its current form and provide updates as adjustments occur? For example, part of the 2020 Task Force assessment was to reconsider the secure exam. For many diplomates, the 10-year exam is due soon. Should they wait to see if a different method of “exam”/assessment will be rolled out?

5. What does ABIM view as the respective roles of the ABIM Board of Directors, ABIM Council, ABIM specialty boards and ABIM staff in this process?

The full letter, which you can read on gastro.org, was signed by AGA, American College of Rheumatology, American Society of Nephrology, Endocrine Society, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Society of Hospital Medicine, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, ACG, American Geriatrics Society, Renal Physicians Association, ASGE, and American Society of Clinical Oncology.

If you’re planning to attend Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), make sure to take advantage of all AGA has to offer, including the 2016 AGA Postgraduate Course: Cognitive and Technical Skills for the Gastroenterologist.

This year’s course will host more than 60 expert presenters – the best in the world – including five AGA Governing Board members.

You won’t want to miss these talks:

• Michael Camilleri, M.D., AGAF

“Overlooked, Overused, and Emerging Therapies for Common Gastrointestinal Disorders”

• Sheila Crowe, M.D., AGAF

“Bloating, Functional Bowel Disease and Food Sensitivity: Non-Celiac Gluten-Sensitivity, the Low-FODMAP Diet and Beyond”

• Gregory Gores, M.D., AGAF

“Managing the Possibly Malignant Biliary Stricture”

• John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF

“Colon Cancer Screening”

• Rajeev Jain, M.D., AGAF

“A Primer on Performance Measures and Bundled Payment: Volume to Value”

The course takes place May 21 and 22, 2016. Learn more at http://www.gastro.org/pgc.

Also, make sure to check out the AGA Institute Council Highlights at DDW 2016 booklet and online tool to find out about section programming, committee-sponsored and joint society sessions, as well as a plethora of basic science offerings.

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego.

If you’re planning to attend Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), make sure to take advantage of all AGA has to offer, including the 2016 AGA Postgraduate Course: Cognitive and Technical Skills for the Gastroenterologist.

This year’s course will host more than 60 expert presenters – the best in the world – including five AGA Governing Board members.

You won’t want to miss these talks:

• Michael Camilleri, M.D., AGAF

“Overlooked, Overused, and Emerging Therapies for Common Gastrointestinal Disorders”

• Sheila Crowe, M.D., AGAF

“Bloating, Functional Bowel Disease and Food Sensitivity: Non-Celiac Gluten-Sensitivity, the Low-FODMAP Diet and Beyond”

• Gregory Gores, M.D., AGAF

“Managing the Possibly Malignant Biliary Stricture”

• John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF

“Colon Cancer Screening”

• Rajeev Jain, M.D., AGAF

“A Primer on Performance Measures and Bundled Payment: Volume to Value”

The course takes place May 21 and 22, 2016. Learn more at http://www.gastro.org/pgc.

Also, make sure to check out the AGA Institute Council Highlights at DDW 2016 booklet and online tool to find out about section programming, committee-sponsored and joint society sessions, as well as a plethora of basic science offerings.

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego.

If you’re planning to attend Digestive Disease Week® (DDW), make sure to take advantage of all AGA has to offer, including the 2016 AGA Postgraduate Course: Cognitive and Technical Skills for the Gastroenterologist.

This year’s course will host more than 60 expert presenters – the best in the world – including five AGA Governing Board members.

You won’t want to miss these talks:

• Michael Camilleri, M.D., AGAF

“Overlooked, Overused, and Emerging Therapies for Common Gastrointestinal Disorders”

• Sheila Crowe, M.D., AGAF

“Bloating, Functional Bowel Disease and Food Sensitivity: Non-Celiac Gluten-Sensitivity, the Low-FODMAP Diet and Beyond”

• Gregory Gores, M.D., AGAF

“Managing the Possibly Malignant Biliary Stricture”

• John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF

“Colon Cancer Screening”

• Rajeev Jain, M.D., AGAF

“A Primer on Performance Measures and Bundled Payment: Volume to Value”

The course takes place May 21 and 22, 2016. Learn more at http://www.gastro.org/pgc.

Also, make sure to check out the AGA Institute Council Highlights at DDW 2016 booklet and online tool to find out about section programming, committee-sponsored and joint society sessions, as well as a plethora of basic science offerings.

We look forward to seeing you in San Diego.

In early March, AGA attended the usually closed-door American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) GI Specialty Board meeting. Dr. Suzanne Rose, AGA Institute education and training councillor, along with Lori Marks, Ph.D., AGA vice president for education and training, were there to advocate that ABIM reform maintenance of certification (MOC). Although we are viewing the invitation to attend this meeting as a positive step, we wish we had better news to report. It seems that ABIM has no definitive approach to change the high-stakes examination and that their current efforts are focused on maintaining business as usual.

ABIM acknowledged AGA’s call for ending the every-10-year, closed-book exam. ABIM’s own Assessment 2020 report even suggested consideration of alternative assessment strategies. Despite these appeals, and more from the medical community to end the exam, ABIM pointed to their research proving its validity. AGA leadership is both disappointed and frustrated by ABIM’s intransigence on this point. They are clinging to an exam that flies in the face of adult-learning theory and that is not relevant to practice. Closed-book assessments do not represent the current realities of medicine in the digital age.

Please see AGA’s alternate pathway to recertification, The Gastroenterologist: Accountable Professionalism in Practice or G-APP,which fosters active learning. We support the principles of lifelong learning as evidenced by ongoing CME activities, rather than lifelong testing.

We commit to you that we will keep up the pressure and push on multiple fronts for ABIM to reform MOC, and specifically, to end the MOC exam. We will keep you informed as we move forward.

In early March, AGA attended the usually closed-door American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) GI Specialty Board meeting. Dr. Suzanne Rose, AGA Institute education and training councillor, along with Lori Marks, Ph.D., AGA vice president for education and training, were there to advocate that ABIM reform maintenance of certification (MOC). Although we are viewing the invitation to attend this meeting as a positive step, we wish we had better news to report. It seems that ABIM has no definitive approach to change the high-stakes examination and that their current efforts are focused on maintaining business as usual.

ABIM acknowledged AGA’s call for ending the every-10-year, closed-book exam. ABIM’s own Assessment 2020 report even suggested consideration of alternative assessment strategies. Despite these appeals, and more from the medical community to end the exam, ABIM pointed to their research proving its validity. AGA leadership is both disappointed and frustrated by ABIM’s intransigence on this point. They are clinging to an exam that flies in the face of adult-learning theory and that is not relevant to practice. Closed-book assessments do not represent the current realities of medicine in the digital age.

Please see AGA’s alternate pathway to recertification, The Gastroenterologist: Accountable Professionalism in Practice or G-APP,which fosters active learning. We support the principles of lifelong learning as evidenced by ongoing CME activities, rather than lifelong testing.

We commit to you that we will keep up the pressure and push on multiple fronts for ABIM to reform MOC, and specifically, to end the MOC exam. We will keep you informed as we move forward.

In early March, AGA attended the usually closed-door American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) GI Specialty Board meeting. Dr. Suzanne Rose, AGA Institute education and training councillor, along with Lori Marks, Ph.D., AGA vice president for education and training, were there to advocate that ABIM reform maintenance of certification (MOC). Although we are viewing the invitation to attend this meeting as a positive step, we wish we had better news to report. It seems that ABIM has no definitive approach to change the high-stakes examination and that their current efforts are focused on maintaining business as usual.

ABIM acknowledged AGA’s call for ending the every-10-year, closed-book exam. ABIM’s own Assessment 2020 report even suggested consideration of alternative assessment strategies. Despite these appeals, and more from the medical community to end the exam, ABIM pointed to their research proving its validity. AGA leadership is both disappointed and frustrated by ABIM’s intransigence on this point. They are clinging to an exam that flies in the face of adult-learning theory and that is not relevant to practice. Closed-book assessments do not represent the current realities of medicine in the digital age.

Please see AGA’s alternate pathway to recertification, The Gastroenterologist: Accountable Professionalism in Practice or G-APP,which fosters active learning. We support the principles of lifelong learning as evidenced by ongoing CME activities, rather than lifelong testing.

We commit to you that we will keep up the pressure and push on multiple fronts for ABIM to reform MOC, and specifically, to end the MOC exam. We will keep you informed as we move forward.

The 2016 AGA Postgraduate Course: Cognitive and Technical Skills for the Gastroenterologist is set to teach the newest advances in cancer, colonoscopy, and care on May 22, 2016, during Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW). John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF, session moderator and AGA clinical research councilor, will address a series of innovations alongside other world-renowned faculty. As gastroenterologists and scientists, you lead the charge in advancing colon care.

Session topics include:

• Advances in Understanding Pathogenesis of Common GI Cancers for the Practicing Gastroenterologist – Implications for Therapy: Richard Boland, M.D., AGAF.

• Colon Cancer Screening: John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF.

• Hereditary and Familial Colorectal Cancer: Lynch, Familial Polyposis and Beyond: Uri Ladabaum, M.D.

• Mastering the Difficult Colonoscopy and Polypectomy – Tricks of the Trade: Douglas Rex, M.D., AGAF, FASGE.

• Quality Using Bundled Care: Rajeev Jain, M.D., AGAF.

Visit pgcourse.gastro.org/pgcourse/home to learn more and register.

The 2016 AGA Postgraduate Course: Cognitive and Technical Skills for the Gastroenterologist is set to teach the newest advances in cancer, colonoscopy, and care on May 22, 2016, during Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW). John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF, session moderator and AGA clinical research councilor, will address a series of innovations alongside other world-renowned faculty. As gastroenterologists and scientists, you lead the charge in advancing colon care.

Session topics include:

• Advances in Understanding Pathogenesis of Common GI Cancers for the Practicing Gastroenterologist – Implications for Therapy: Richard Boland, M.D., AGAF.

• Colon Cancer Screening: John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF.

• Hereditary and Familial Colorectal Cancer: Lynch, Familial Polyposis and Beyond: Uri Ladabaum, M.D.

• Mastering the Difficult Colonoscopy and Polypectomy – Tricks of the Trade: Douglas Rex, M.D., AGAF, FASGE.

• Quality Using Bundled Care: Rajeev Jain, M.D., AGAF.

Visit pgcourse.gastro.org/pgcourse/home to learn more and register.

The 2016 AGA Postgraduate Course: Cognitive and Technical Skills for the Gastroenterologist is set to teach the newest advances in cancer, colonoscopy, and care on May 22, 2016, during Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW). John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF, session moderator and AGA clinical research councilor, will address a series of innovations alongside other world-renowned faculty. As gastroenterologists and scientists, you lead the charge in advancing colon care.

Session topics include:

• Advances in Understanding Pathogenesis of Common GI Cancers for the Practicing Gastroenterologist – Implications for Therapy: Richard Boland, M.D., AGAF.

• Colon Cancer Screening: John Inadomi, M.D., AGAF.

• Hereditary and Familial Colorectal Cancer: Lynch, Familial Polyposis and Beyond: Uri Ladabaum, M.D.

• Mastering the Difficult Colonoscopy and Polypectomy – Tricks of the Trade: Douglas Rex, M.D., AGAF, FASGE.

• Quality Using Bundled Care: Rajeev Jain, M.D., AGAF.

Visit pgcourse.gastro.org/pgcourse/home to learn more and register.

Connect and engage with your fellow researchers and clinicians at the 2016 James W. Freston Conference: Intestinal Metaplasia in the Esophagus and Stomach – Origins, Differences, Similarities and Significance. The conference will take place Aug. 19-21 in Chicago, Ill.

By attending, you’ll be able to explore novel ideas that may lead to enhanced therapies and management strategies for the prevention of intestinal metaplasia. Faculty will guide you through an interactive program that provides greater insight on the clinical and histological issues of intestinal metaplasia, and the role of inflammation in the development of intestinal metaplasia.

A consensus will take place at the end of the conference, which will attempt to develop standard terminology, identify potential preventive strategies, and suggest future directions for research.

Don’t miss this unique and intimate forum, bringing together more than 100 attendees from around the world. For program and registration details, visit the conference Web page.

Connect and engage with your fellow researchers and clinicians at the 2016 James W. Freston Conference: Intestinal Metaplasia in the Esophagus and Stomach – Origins, Differences, Similarities and Significance. The conference will take place Aug. 19-21 in Chicago, Ill.

By attending, you’ll be able to explore novel ideas that may lead to enhanced therapies and management strategies for the prevention of intestinal metaplasia. Faculty will guide you through an interactive program that provides greater insight on the clinical and histological issues of intestinal metaplasia, and the role of inflammation in the development of intestinal metaplasia.

A consensus will take place at the end of the conference, which will attempt to develop standard terminology, identify potential preventive strategies, and suggest future directions for research.

Don’t miss this unique and intimate forum, bringing together more than 100 attendees from around the world. For program and registration details, visit the conference Web page.

Connect and engage with your fellow researchers and clinicians at the 2016 James W. Freston Conference: Intestinal Metaplasia in the Esophagus and Stomach – Origins, Differences, Similarities and Significance. The conference will take place Aug. 19-21 in Chicago, Ill.

By attending, you’ll be able to explore novel ideas that may lead to enhanced therapies and management strategies for the prevention of intestinal metaplasia. Faculty will guide you through an interactive program that provides greater insight on the clinical and histological issues of intestinal metaplasia, and the role of inflammation in the development of intestinal metaplasia.

A consensus will take place at the end of the conference, which will attempt to develop standard terminology, identify potential preventive strategies, and suggest future directions for research.

Don’t miss this unique and intimate forum, bringing together more than 100 attendees from around the world. For program and registration details, visit the conference Web page.