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AGA members give back through research support
Out of 16,000 AGA members, a special group has stepped forward to enable gastroenterology and hepatology to meet the challenges of tomorrow. They are among those who help ensure that talented young investigators do not walk away from GI research frustrated by a lack of support. They are people who have benefitted greatly from this specialty and who want to give something back. They are the 113 members of the AGA Legacy Society.
Legacy Society members are donors to the AGA Research Foundation who support young GI investigators as they establish independent research careers. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $25,000 (payable over 5 years) or $50,000 in a planned gift, such as a bequest.
Since 1984, the AGA and its foundation have provided over $40 million in grants to 770 scientists. This funding comes at critical decision points in young investigators’ lives, at a time when they can give up on research careers because funding is scarce. Instead, research funding from the AGA Research Foundation allows them the opportunity to continue to harness their intellectual power to diagnose, treat, and cure digestive disease. In a recent survey, more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years have continued on to exceptional research careers.
"The AGA Research Foundation is focused on all research, including basic, clinical, and translational – this means their research is the underpinning of future patient care," stated AGA Legacy Society member, Dr. Lawrence S. Kim, AGAF. "If we do not keep funding this type of research, there will be nothing for us to practice with in the future."
Legacy Society members and their donations will increase the amount of funding available for talented young investigators to embark upon life-long careers in gastroenterology and hepatology.
"Whether as a clinician or in academics, each of us owes a debt of gratitude for what research has contributed to our patient care," said Legacy Society member Dr. Martin Brotman, AGAF. "Each of us has an obligation to actively seek opportunities to express our appreciation. The AGA Research Foundation is offering such an opportunity for us to give back to sustain the excellent research that has been so important to us."
Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level before DDW will receive an invitation to the annual Benefactors’ Dinner in Chicago. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development at [email protected]or via phone (301) 222-4005. More information on the AGA Legacy Society, including the current roster and acceptance form is available on the foundation’s web site at www.gastro.org/legacysociety.
A celebration of research support
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The University Club of Chicago will be the location of the 2014 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors Dinner during DDW. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in a setting overlooking Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and the Chicago city skyline. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
Out of 16,000 AGA members, a special group has stepped forward to enable gastroenterology and hepatology to meet the challenges of tomorrow. They are among those who help ensure that talented young investigators do not walk away from GI research frustrated by a lack of support. They are people who have benefitted greatly from this specialty and who want to give something back. They are the 113 members of the AGA Legacy Society.
Legacy Society members are donors to the AGA Research Foundation who support young GI investigators as they establish independent research careers. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $25,000 (payable over 5 years) or $50,000 in a planned gift, such as a bequest.
Since 1984, the AGA and its foundation have provided over $40 million in grants to 770 scientists. This funding comes at critical decision points in young investigators’ lives, at a time when they can give up on research careers because funding is scarce. Instead, research funding from the AGA Research Foundation allows them the opportunity to continue to harness their intellectual power to diagnose, treat, and cure digestive disease. In a recent survey, more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years have continued on to exceptional research careers.
"The AGA Research Foundation is focused on all research, including basic, clinical, and translational – this means their research is the underpinning of future patient care," stated AGA Legacy Society member, Dr. Lawrence S. Kim, AGAF. "If we do not keep funding this type of research, there will be nothing for us to practice with in the future."
Legacy Society members and their donations will increase the amount of funding available for talented young investigators to embark upon life-long careers in gastroenterology and hepatology.
"Whether as a clinician or in academics, each of us owes a debt of gratitude for what research has contributed to our patient care," said Legacy Society member Dr. Martin Brotman, AGAF. "Each of us has an obligation to actively seek opportunities to express our appreciation. The AGA Research Foundation is offering such an opportunity for us to give back to sustain the excellent research that has been so important to us."
Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level before DDW will receive an invitation to the annual Benefactors’ Dinner in Chicago. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development at [email protected]or via phone (301) 222-4005. More information on the AGA Legacy Society, including the current roster and acceptance form is available on the foundation’s web site at www.gastro.org/legacysociety.
A celebration of research support
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The University Club of Chicago will be the location of the 2014 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors Dinner during DDW. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in a setting overlooking Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and the Chicago city skyline. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
Out of 16,000 AGA members, a special group has stepped forward to enable gastroenterology and hepatology to meet the challenges of tomorrow. They are among those who help ensure that talented young investigators do not walk away from GI research frustrated by a lack of support. They are people who have benefitted greatly from this specialty and who want to give something back. They are the 113 members of the AGA Legacy Society.
Legacy Society members are donors to the AGA Research Foundation who support young GI investigators as they establish independent research careers. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $25,000 (payable over 5 years) or $50,000 in a planned gift, such as a bequest.
Since 1984, the AGA and its foundation have provided over $40 million in grants to 770 scientists. This funding comes at critical decision points in young investigators’ lives, at a time when they can give up on research careers because funding is scarce. Instead, research funding from the AGA Research Foundation allows them the opportunity to continue to harness their intellectual power to diagnose, treat, and cure digestive disease. In a recent survey, more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years have continued on to exceptional research careers.
"The AGA Research Foundation is focused on all research, including basic, clinical, and translational – this means their research is the underpinning of future patient care," stated AGA Legacy Society member, Dr. Lawrence S. Kim, AGAF. "If we do not keep funding this type of research, there will be nothing for us to practice with in the future."
Legacy Society members and their donations will increase the amount of funding available for talented young investigators to embark upon life-long careers in gastroenterology and hepatology.
"Whether as a clinician or in academics, each of us owes a debt of gratitude for what research has contributed to our patient care," said Legacy Society member Dr. Martin Brotman, AGAF. "Each of us has an obligation to actively seek opportunities to express our appreciation. The AGA Research Foundation is offering such an opportunity for us to give back to sustain the excellent research that has been so important to us."
Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level before DDW will receive an invitation to the annual Benefactors’ Dinner in Chicago. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development at [email protected]or via phone (301) 222-4005. More information on the AGA Legacy Society, including the current roster and acceptance form is available on the foundation’s web site at www.gastro.org/legacysociety.
A celebration of research support
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The University Club of Chicago will be the location of the 2014 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors Dinner during DDW. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in a setting overlooking Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and the Chicago city skyline. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
Pearls from the AGA Clinical Congress
AGA recently concluded our annual Clinical Congress of Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Clinical Practice Skills in a Changing World in Miami, Fla.
Course Director Gary Falk, M.D., shares the top clinical take-away points from the meeting:
• For esophageal eosinophilia, exclude proton pump inhibitor (PPI) responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) first.
• Think medications in addition to opiates in patients with suspected gastroparesis:
Oral hypoglycemics, tramadol.
Tacrolimus in organ transplant patients.
• Remember IgG anti-DGP moving forward in equivocal celiac disease testing.
• Evidence accumulating for fecal transplant in C. difficile infection.
• Be proactive in IBD management – ongoing disease activity problematic for recurrence:
Mucosal healing is important.
Risk stratify for prevention of postoperative recurrence.
TNF response correlates to trough levels.
• Beware right-sided colon lesions:
Mucus cap.
Decreased vascular markings.
Utilize image enhancement:
• Chromoendoscopy.
• Narrow-band imaging.
• Resect and discard may be coming:
NICE criteria for adenomas versus hyperplastic polyps:
• Color.
• Vessels.
• Pit pattern.
• Management of pancreatic cystic lesions best done by consulting 2012 guidelines.
• Acute pancreatitis may be triaged for severity by systematic inflammatory response syndrome:
Early infections typically extrapancreatic.
Think step-up therapy for pancreatic necrosis.
• New HCV clinical trials have remarkable results with greater than 90 percent sustained virologic response.
• NAFLD is not NASH:
Weight loss and exercise reduces steatosis.
AGA recently concluded our annual Clinical Congress of Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Clinical Practice Skills in a Changing World in Miami, Fla.
Course Director Gary Falk, M.D., shares the top clinical take-away points from the meeting:
• For esophageal eosinophilia, exclude proton pump inhibitor (PPI) responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) first.
• Think medications in addition to opiates in patients with suspected gastroparesis:
Oral hypoglycemics, tramadol.
Tacrolimus in organ transplant patients.
• Remember IgG anti-DGP moving forward in equivocal celiac disease testing.
• Evidence accumulating for fecal transplant in C. difficile infection.
• Be proactive in IBD management – ongoing disease activity problematic for recurrence:
Mucosal healing is important.
Risk stratify for prevention of postoperative recurrence.
TNF response correlates to trough levels.
• Beware right-sided colon lesions:
Mucus cap.
Decreased vascular markings.
Utilize image enhancement:
• Chromoendoscopy.
• Narrow-band imaging.
• Resect and discard may be coming:
NICE criteria for adenomas versus hyperplastic polyps:
• Color.
• Vessels.
• Pit pattern.
• Management of pancreatic cystic lesions best done by consulting 2012 guidelines.
• Acute pancreatitis may be triaged for severity by systematic inflammatory response syndrome:
Early infections typically extrapancreatic.
Think step-up therapy for pancreatic necrosis.
• New HCV clinical trials have remarkable results with greater than 90 percent sustained virologic response.
• NAFLD is not NASH:
Weight loss and exercise reduces steatosis.
AGA recently concluded our annual Clinical Congress of Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Clinical Practice Skills in a Changing World in Miami, Fla.
Course Director Gary Falk, M.D., shares the top clinical take-away points from the meeting:
• For esophageal eosinophilia, exclude proton pump inhibitor (PPI) responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE) first.
• Think medications in addition to opiates in patients with suspected gastroparesis:
Oral hypoglycemics, tramadol.
Tacrolimus in organ transplant patients.
• Remember IgG anti-DGP moving forward in equivocal celiac disease testing.
• Evidence accumulating for fecal transplant in C. difficile infection.
• Be proactive in IBD management – ongoing disease activity problematic for recurrence:
Mucosal healing is important.
Risk stratify for prevention of postoperative recurrence.
TNF response correlates to trough levels.
• Beware right-sided colon lesions:
Mucus cap.
Decreased vascular markings.
Utilize image enhancement:
• Chromoendoscopy.
• Narrow-band imaging.
• Resect and discard may be coming:
NICE criteria for adenomas versus hyperplastic polyps:
• Color.
• Vessels.
• Pit pattern.
• Management of pancreatic cystic lesions best done by consulting 2012 guidelines.
• Acute pancreatitis may be triaged for severity by systematic inflammatory response syndrome:
Early infections typically extrapancreatic.
Think step-up therapy for pancreatic necrosis.
• New HCV clinical trials have remarkable results with greater than 90 percent sustained virologic response.
• NAFLD is not NASH:
Weight loss and exercise reduces steatosis.
GI societies fighting Medicare cuts
The GI societies solicited your help submitting comments to the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule and you came through for us. While we are still counting the letters submitted by gastroenterologists, we want to thank those of you who took the time to submit comments for the official record.
On Jan. 27, the GI societies submitted joint comment letters for the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the 2014 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Payment System final rules. We provided an in-depth, code-by-code analysis of why we believe the methodologies used to determine the 2014 Medicare PFS reimbursement rates for certain upper GI endoscopy codes were flawed and unwarranted. In addition, for the OPPS/ASC letter, we provided comment on the ambulatory payment classification assignment for GI codes and the new endoscopy surveillance measures in the ASC quality reporting program.
The GI societies are committed to fighting these reimbursement cuts on your behalf. As such, we will continue to meet with CMS officials to discuss our review of CMS’s decisions, as outlined in the tri-society comment letters.
The GI societies solicited your help submitting comments to the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule and you came through for us. While we are still counting the letters submitted by gastroenterologists, we want to thank those of you who took the time to submit comments for the official record.
On Jan. 27, the GI societies submitted joint comment letters for the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the 2014 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Payment System final rules. We provided an in-depth, code-by-code analysis of why we believe the methodologies used to determine the 2014 Medicare PFS reimbursement rates for certain upper GI endoscopy codes were flawed and unwarranted. In addition, for the OPPS/ASC letter, we provided comment on the ambulatory payment classification assignment for GI codes and the new endoscopy surveillance measures in the ASC quality reporting program.
The GI societies are committed to fighting these reimbursement cuts on your behalf. As such, we will continue to meet with CMS officials to discuss our review of CMS’s decisions, as outlined in the tri-society comment letters.
The GI societies solicited your help submitting comments to the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule and you came through for us. While we are still counting the letters submitted by gastroenterologists, we want to thank those of you who took the time to submit comments for the official record.
On Jan. 27, the GI societies submitted joint comment letters for the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the 2014 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Payment System final rules. We provided an in-depth, code-by-code analysis of why we believe the methodologies used to determine the 2014 Medicare PFS reimbursement rates for certain upper GI endoscopy codes were flawed and unwarranted. In addition, for the OPPS/ASC letter, we provided comment on the ambulatory payment classification assignment for GI codes and the new endoscopy surveillance measures in the ASC quality reporting program.
The GI societies are committed to fighting these reimbursement cuts on your behalf. As such, we will continue to meet with CMS officials to discuss our review of CMS’s decisions, as outlined in the tri-society comment letters.
AGA is committed to advancing GI research
The AGA Research Foundation is more important than it has ever been in supporting the careers of young investigators, for two reasons. First, the federal government is no longer a reliable partner to provide the funds for research that we have depended on up to now. Second, the timing is so important. We are at the threshold of key research advances that will cure digestive diseases. We have the manpower, we have trained the people, now we need to have the security that they can stay in research and advance these cures. The AGA Research Foundation offers that security through its research awards program.
In a new video for the foundation, six gastroenterologists join together to discuss how GI research will advance our field and improve the lives of the patients of tomorrow.
The video features:
• Claudia D. Andl, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
• Kim E. Barrett, Ph.D., AGAF, University of California, San Diego
• Lin Chang, M.D., David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles
• Looi Ee, MBBS, FRACP, Royal Children’s Hospital, Queensland, Australia
• Kara Gross Margolis, M.D., Columbia University, New York
• Yvonne Romero, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
To watch the video, visit www.gastro.org/foundation.
The AGA Research Foundation is more important than it has ever been in supporting the careers of young investigators, for two reasons. First, the federal government is no longer a reliable partner to provide the funds for research that we have depended on up to now. Second, the timing is so important. We are at the threshold of key research advances that will cure digestive diseases. We have the manpower, we have trained the people, now we need to have the security that they can stay in research and advance these cures. The AGA Research Foundation offers that security through its research awards program.
In a new video for the foundation, six gastroenterologists join together to discuss how GI research will advance our field and improve the lives of the patients of tomorrow.
The video features:
• Claudia D. Andl, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
• Kim E. Barrett, Ph.D., AGAF, University of California, San Diego
• Lin Chang, M.D., David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles
• Looi Ee, MBBS, FRACP, Royal Children’s Hospital, Queensland, Australia
• Kara Gross Margolis, M.D., Columbia University, New York
• Yvonne Romero, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
To watch the video, visit www.gastro.org/foundation.
The AGA Research Foundation is more important than it has ever been in supporting the careers of young investigators, for two reasons. First, the federal government is no longer a reliable partner to provide the funds for research that we have depended on up to now. Second, the timing is so important. We are at the threshold of key research advances that will cure digestive diseases. We have the manpower, we have trained the people, now we need to have the security that they can stay in research and advance these cures. The AGA Research Foundation offers that security through its research awards program.
In a new video for the foundation, six gastroenterologists join together to discuss how GI research will advance our field and improve the lives of the patients of tomorrow.
The video features:
• Claudia D. Andl, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
• Kim E. Barrett, Ph.D., AGAF, University of California, San Diego
• Lin Chang, M.D., David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles
• Looi Ee, MBBS, FRACP, Royal Children’s Hospital, Queensland, Australia
• Kara Gross Margolis, M.D., Columbia University, New York
• Yvonne Romero, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
To watch the video, visit www.gastro.org/foundation.
IBS brochure helps educate, spread awareness
Help educate your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patient and spread awareness with AGA’s free brochure "IBS: A Patient’s Guide to Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome." According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, IBS is estimated to affect between 3% and 20% of the American population, making it one of the most common GI disorders diagnosed by physicians.
The brochure is designed to give IBS sufferers – and the general public – facts about IBS, a better understanding of the disorder, and a starting point for discussions with their physician.
The 10-page brochure covers a variety of topic areas, including:
• Living with IBS.
• Causes of IBS.
• Symptoms and diagnosis.
• IBS triggers.
• Treatment.
Also included in the brochure are a symptom tracker chart and a notes and patterns section. Physicians can order the brochure from the AGA free of charge. Brochures come prepackaged in sets of 25. Learn more and place an order at gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome.
This brochure is supported by educational grants from Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Help educate your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patient and spread awareness with AGA’s free brochure "IBS: A Patient’s Guide to Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome." According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, IBS is estimated to affect between 3% and 20% of the American population, making it one of the most common GI disorders diagnosed by physicians.
The brochure is designed to give IBS sufferers – and the general public – facts about IBS, a better understanding of the disorder, and a starting point for discussions with their physician.
The 10-page brochure covers a variety of topic areas, including:
• Living with IBS.
• Causes of IBS.
• Symptoms and diagnosis.
• IBS triggers.
• Treatment.
Also included in the brochure are a symptom tracker chart and a notes and patterns section. Physicians can order the brochure from the AGA free of charge. Brochures come prepackaged in sets of 25. Learn more and place an order at gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome.
This brochure is supported by educational grants from Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Help educate your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patient and spread awareness with AGA’s free brochure "IBS: A Patient’s Guide to Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome." According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, IBS is estimated to affect between 3% and 20% of the American population, making it one of the most common GI disorders diagnosed by physicians.
The brochure is designed to give IBS sufferers – and the general public – facts about IBS, a better understanding of the disorder, and a starting point for discussions with their physician.
The 10-page brochure covers a variety of topic areas, including:
• Living with IBS.
• Causes of IBS.
• Symptoms and diagnosis.
• IBS triggers.
• Treatment.
Also included in the brochure are a symptom tracker chart and a notes and patterns section. Physicians can order the brochure from the AGA free of charge. Brochures come prepackaged in sets of 25. Learn more and place an order at gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome.
This brochure is supported by educational grants from Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Trainee Track at DDW® 2014 designed for young GIs
AGA has developed special sessions at DDW® 2014 to meet the unique needs of physicians who are new to the field. Participants will learn about all aspects of starting a career in clinical practice or research, have the opportunity to network with mentors and peers, and review board material.
With the exception of the AGA Spring Postgraduate Course, all of the sessions are free, but you must register for DDW to attend. Registration is open now for AGA members and is free for trainees through March 26.
AGA Spring Postgraduate Course: Best Practices at the Bedside: Critical Thinking for Common Conditions – Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4
Learn from the foremost experts on GI and hepatology and exercise your mind on the latest information in practical use for the clinician at the bedside of the patient. Trainees may register at a reduced registration fee.
Mentor and Advisor Program: Reception for Trainees/Young GIs: An Evening with AGA Mentors – Saturday, May 3
Meet your peers and more established colleagues who serve as mentors, while enjoying refreshments.
Board Review Session – Monday, May 5
This session, designed around content from DDSEP®7, serves as a primer for third-year fellows preparing for the board exam as well as a review course for others wanting to test their knowledge. Discount coupons for DDSEP®7 will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Career and Professional Related Issues – Monday, May 5
Get advice on common career issues such as choosing a practice type and location, developing your CV, interviewing, negotiating contracts, and work-life balance.
Preparing Yourself for Life After Fellowship – Monday, May 5
Attendees will be provided with information on measures that ensure successful transition from fellowship to a career in gastroenterology. A designated portion of the session will illustrate the importance of career opportunities within fellowship training as well as the benefits (short and long term) gained from mentor-mentee relationships.
The Next Accreditation System (NAS) and Milestones: Advice for Fellows and Faculty – Monday, May 5
Attendees will be provided with pertinent information on milestones and how they relate to GI fellowship training, as well as new requirements associated with the Next Accreditation System (NAS). A summary of changes regarding the NAS and how it relates directly to fellows and faculty will be presented.
Visit gastro.org/gi-fellowship/traineetrack for additional details about Trainee Track sessions.
AGA has developed special sessions at DDW® 2014 to meet the unique needs of physicians who are new to the field. Participants will learn about all aspects of starting a career in clinical practice or research, have the opportunity to network with mentors and peers, and review board material.
With the exception of the AGA Spring Postgraduate Course, all of the sessions are free, but you must register for DDW to attend. Registration is open now for AGA members and is free for trainees through March 26.
AGA Spring Postgraduate Course: Best Practices at the Bedside: Critical Thinking for Common Conditions – Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4
Learn from the foremost experts on GI and hepatology and exercise your mind on the latest information in practical use for the clinician at the bedside of the patient. Trainees may register at a reduced registration fee.
Mentor and Advisor Program: Reception for Trainees/Young GIs: An Evening with AGA Mentors – Saturday, May 3
Meet your peers and more established colleagues who serve as mentors, while enjoying refreshments.
Board Review Session – Monday, May 5
This session, designed around content from DDSEP®7, serves as a primer for third-year fellows preparing for the board exam as well as a review course for others wanting to test their knowledge. Discount coupons for DDSEP®7 will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Career and Professional Related Issues – Monday, May 5
Get advice on common career issues such as choosing a practice type and location, developing your CV, interviewing, negotiating contracts, and work-life balance.
Preparing Yourself for Life After Fellowship – Monday, May 5
Attendees will be provided with information on measures that ensure successful transition from fellowship to a career in gastroenterology. A designated portion of the session will illustrate the importance of career opportunities within fellowship training as well as the benefits (short and long term) gained from mentor-mentee relationships.
The Next Accreditation System (NAS) and Milestones: Advice for Fellows and Faculty – Monday, May 5
Attendees will be provided with pertinent information on milestones and how they relate to GI fellowship training, as well as new requirements associated with the Next Accreditation System (NAS). A summary of changes regarding the NAS and how it relates directly to fellows and faculty will be presented.
Visit gastro.org/gi-fellowship/traineetrack for additional details about Trainee Track sessions.
AGA has developed special sessions at DDW® 2014 to meet the unique needs of physicians who are new to the field. Participants will learn about all aspects of starting a career in clinical practice or research, have the opportunity to network with mentors and peers, and review board material.
With the exception of the AGA Spring Postgraduate Course, all of the sessions are free, but you must register for DDW to attend. Registration is open now for AGA members and is free for trainees through March 26.
AGA Spring Postgraduate Course: Best Practices at the Bedside: Critical Thinking for Common Conditions – Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4
Learn from the foremost experts on GI and hepatology and exercise your mind on the latest information in practical use for the clinician at the bedside of the patient. Trainees may register at a reduced registration fee.
Mentor and Advisor Program: Reception for Trainees/Young GIs: An Evening with AGA Mentors – Saturday, May 3
Meet your peers and more established colleagues who serve as mentors, while enjoying refreshments.
Board Review Session – Monday, May 5
This session, designed around content from DDSEP®7, serves as a primer for third-year fellows preparing for the board exam as well as a review course for others wanting to test their knowledge. Discount coupons for DDSEP®7 will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Career and Professional Related Issues – Monday, May 5
Get advice on common career issues such as choosing a practice type and location, developing your CV, interviewing, negotiating contracts, and work-life balance.
Preparing Yourself for Life After Fellowship – Monday, May 5
Attendees will be provided with information on measures that ensure successful transition from fellowship to a career in gastroenterology. A designated portion of the session will illustrate the importance of career opportunities within fellowship training as well as the benefits (short and long term) gained from mentor-mentee relationships.
The Next Accreditation System (NAS) and Milestones: Advice for Fellows and Faculty – Monday, May 5
Attendees will be provided with pertinent information on milestones and how they relate to GI fellowship training, as well as new requirements associated with the Next Accreditation System (NAS). A summary of changes regarding the NAS and how it relates directly to fellows and faculty will be presented.
Visit gastro.org/gi-fellowship/traineetrack for additional details about Trainee Track sessions.
Memorial and honorary gifts: a special tribute
Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit.
• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A bequest gift of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.
• Named funds. A named fund, which can be named to honor or memorialize a loved one, can be established with a minimum gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a fund. Donors receive a tax deduction at the time a fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund.
Because the principal remains intact, the fund will support our mission in perpetuity. The larger the fund, the more impact it has on the program it is designed to benefit.
Your next step
An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at http://www.gastro.org/contribute20 or contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski at 301-222-4005 or [email protected].
Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit.
• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A bequest gift of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.
• Named funds. A named fund, which can be named to honor or memorialize a loved one, can be established with a minimum gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a fund. Donors receive a tax deduction at the time a fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund.
Because the principal remains intact, the fund will support our mission in perpetuity. The larger the fund, the more impact it has on the program it is designed to benefit.
Your next step
An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at http://www.gastro.org/contribute20 or contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski at 301-222-4005 or [email protected].
Did you know you can honor a family member, friend, or colleague whose life has been touched by GI research through a gift to the AGA Research Foundation? Your gift will honor a loved one or yourself and support the AGA Research Awards Program, while giving you a tax benefit.
• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
A gift today. An outright gift will help fund the AGA Research Awards Program. Your gift will assist in furthering basic digestive disease research which can ultimately advance research into all digestive diseases. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax. A cash gift of $25,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society, which recognizes the foundation’s most generous individual donors.
• A gift through your will or living trust. You can include a bequest in your will or living trust stating that a specific asset, certain dollar amount, or more commonly a percentage of your estate will pass to the AGA Research Foundation at your death in honor of your loved one. A bequest gift of $50,000 or more qualifies for membership in the AGA Legacy Society.
• Named funds. A named fund, which can be named to honor or memorialize a loved one, can be established with a minimum gift of $100,000 over the course of 5 years or through an estate gift. Gifts of cash, appreciated securities, life insurance, or property are gift vehicles that may be used to establish a fund. Donors receive a tax deduction at the time a fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund.
Because the principal remains intact, the fund will support our mission in perpetuity. The larger the fund, the more impact it has on the program it is designed to benefit.
Your next step
An honorary gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone’s vision for the future. To learn more about ways to recognize your honoree, visit our website at http://www.gastro.org/contribute20 or contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski at 301-222-4005 or [email protected].
CMS cuts 2014 Medicare reimbursement rates
Just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, CMS released the Medicare pay rates for 2014. As reported by the AGA, ACG, and ASGE, these contain significant cuts for gastroenterology. AGA will fight these cuts, which the GI community cannot accept for a number of reasons. It’s important that patients maintain access to critical procedures.
The issues are clear. The CMS misvalued code initiative mandates review of procedure codes. Through the AMA Relative Value Update Committee (RUC), and in compliance with the CMS mandate for the GI codes, the GI societies are surveying codes to determine the current time and effort spent on a procedure. AMA, through the RUC, makes recommendations to CMS, which then determines the reimbursement rates. As you likely know, this process is being criticized by the media and Capitol Hill.
For the proposed 2014 reimbursement rates, CMS made cuts beyond the AMA RUC-recommended changes. These will be felt primarily in the endoscopy family of codes.
AGA members and leadership are questioning the rationale for the cuts as the methodology is unclear. The rule is open for public comment until Jan. 27, 2014. We are exploring all options to appeal and mitigate these reductions. Our initiative needs your support. Capitol Hill and CMS need to hear from gastroenterologists in the trenches that the cuts are untenable and may reduce access to care. We are evaluating the optimal timing for our campaign to have success. Stay tuned for more information.
Please direct questions to Elizabeth Wolf, director of regulatory affairs, at 240-482-3223 or [email protected].
Just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, CMS released the Medicare pay rates for 2014. As reported by the AGA, ACG, and ASGE, these contain significant cuts for gastroenterology. AGA will fight these cuts, which the GI community cannot accept for a number of reasons. It’s important that patients maintain access to critical procedures.
The issues are clear. The CMS misvalued code initiative mandates review of procedure codes. Through the AMA Relative Value Update Committee (RUC), and in compliance with the CMS mandate for the GI codes, the GI societies are surveying codes to determine the current time and effort spent on a procedure. AMA, through the RUC, makes recommendations to CMS, which then determines the reimbursement rates. As you likely know, this process is being criticized by the media and Capitol Hill.
For the proposed 2014 reimbursement rates, CMS made cuts beyond the AMA RUC-recommended changes. These will be felt primarily in the endoscopy family of codes.
AGA members and leadership are questioning the rationale for the cuts as the methodology is unclear. The rule is open for public comment until Jan. 27, 2014. We are exploring all options to appeal and mitigate these reductions. Our initiative needs your support. Capitol Hill and CMS need to hear from gastroenterologists in the trenches that the cuts are untenable and may reduce access to care. We are evaluating the optimal timing for our campaign to have success. Stay tuned for more information.
Please direct questions to Elizabeth Wolf, director of regulatory affairs, at 240-482-3223 or [email protected].
Just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, CMS released the Medicare pay rates for 2014. As reported by the AGA, ACG, and ASGE, these contain significant cuts for gastroenterology. AGA will fight these cuts, which the GI community cannot accept for a number of reasons. It’s important that patients maintain access to critical procedures.
The issues are clear. The CMS misvalued code initiative mandates review of procedure codes. Through the AMA Relative Value Update Committee (RUC), and in compliance with the CMS mandate for the GI codes, the GI societies are surveying codes to determine the current time and effort spent on a procedure. AMA, through the RUC, makes recommendations to CMS, which then determines the reimbursement rates. As you likely know, this process is being criticized by the media and Capitol Hill.
For the proposed 2014 reimbursement rates, CMS made cuts beyond the AMA RUC-recommended changes. These will be felt primarily in the endoscopy family of codes.
AGA members and leadership are questioning the rationale for the cuts as the methodology is unclear. The rule is open for public comment until Jan. 27, 2014. We are exploring all options to appeal and mitigate these reductions. Our initiative needs your support. Capitol Hill and CMS need to hear from gastroenterologists in the trenches that the cuts are untenable and may reduce access to care. We are evaluating the optimal timing for our campaign to have success. Stay tuned for more information.
Please direct questions to Elizabeth Wolf, director of regulatory affairs, at 240-482-3223 or [email protected].
AGA’s new FMT site has info for physicians and patients
The gut microbiome is one of the most promising areas of science today. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) illustrates the potential power of the microbiome.
AGA has created a site dedicated to FMT that will keep you up to date on the latest information on this emerging procedure. With information for both practitioners and patients, the AGA FMT site provides links to:
• The latest AGA news and statements about the procedure.
• Information about upcoming meetings and webinars.
• Patient information, including a directory of practitioners who are performing this procedure.
Review the AGA FMT site at fmt.gastro.org.
The gut microbiome is one of the most promising areas of science today. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) illustrates the potential power of the microbiome.
AGA has created a site dedicated to FMT that will keep you up to date on the latest information on this emerging procedure. With information for both practitioners and patients, the AGA FMT site provides links to:
• The latest AGA news and statements about the procedure.
• Information about upcoming meetings and webinars.
• Patient information, including a directory of practitioners who are performing this procedure.
Review the AGA FMT site at fmt.gastro.org.
The gut microbiome is one of the most promising areas of science today. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) illustrates the potential power of the microbiome.
AGA has created a site dedicated to FMT that will keep you up to date on the latest information on this emerging procedure. With information for both practitioners and patients, the AGA FMT site provides links to:
• The latest AGA news and statements about the procedure.
• Information about upcoming meetings and webinars.
• Patient information, including a directory of practitioners who are performing this procedure.
Review the AGA FMT site at fmt.gastro.org.
AGA introduces new guideline for Crohn’s disease
From the standpoint of patients and clinicians, selecting among immunomodulator monotherapy, anti-TNF-alpha monotherapy and combination therapy is a common clinical dilemma. It is my pleasure to report that AGA has released a new decision support tool (gastro.org/crohnsdecisiontool) and guideline on the relative positioning of immunomodulators and anti-TNF-alpha biologic agents in inducing and maintaining clinical remission in patients with inflammatory (luminal) Crohn’s disease. The technical review is also available for review, which offers an in-depth analysis of the existing research informing the clinical recommendations.
Recommendations for the induction of remission:
1. We suggest against using thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
2. We suggest against using methotrexate to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).
3. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
4. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha monotherapy over thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
5. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs in combination with thiopurines over thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence).
6. We suggest using anti-TNF-alpha drugs in combination with thiopurines over anti-TNF-alpha drug monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
Recommendations for maintenance of remission:
1. We recommend using thiopurines over no immunomodulator therapy to maintain a steroid-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
2. We suggest using methotrexate over no immunomodulator therapy to maintain a steroid-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).
3. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs over no anti-TNF-alpha drugs to maintain a steroid or anti-TNF-alpha drug-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence).
4. We make no recommendation for or against the combination of an anti-TNF-alpha drug and a thiopurine versus an anti-TNF-alpha drug alone to maintain remission induced by a combination of these drugs in patients with Crohn’s disease (no recommendation, low-quality evidence).
Published in the December issue of Gastroenterology, this guideline was developed under AGA’s new clinical guideline development process that employs the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. GRADE has been adopted by several national and international societies, including the AGA, and is becoming the common methodology for the streamlined and rigorous development of clear, transparent and actionable guidelines.
Dr. Weinberg is chair, department of medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center and chair of the AGA Institute Clinical Practice and Quality Management Committee.
From the standpoint of patients and clinicians, selecting among immunomodulator monotherapy, anti-TNF-alpha monotherapy and combination therapy is a common clinical dilemma. It is my pleasure to report that AGA has released a new decision support tool (gastro.org/crohnsdecisiontool) and guideline on the relative positioning of immunomodulators and anti-TNF-alpha biologic agents in inducing and maintaining clinical remission in patients with inflammatory (luminal) Crohn’s disease. The technical review is also available for review, which offers an in-depth analysis of the existing research informing the clinical recommendations.
Recommendations for the induction of remission:
1. We suggest against using thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
2. We suggest against using methotrexate to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).
3. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
4. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha monotherapy over thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
5. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs in combination with thiopurines over thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence).
6. We suggest using anti-TNF-alpha drugs in combination with thiopurines over anti-TNF-alpha drug monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
Recommendations for maintenance of remission:
1. We recommend using thiopurines over no immunomodulator therapy to maintain a steroid-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
2. We suggest using methotrexate over no immunomodulator therapy to maintain a steroid-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).
3. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs over no anti-TNF-alpha drugs to maintain a steroid or anti-TNF-alpha drug-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence).
4. We make no recommendation for or against the combination of an anti-TNF-alpha drug and a thiopurine versus an anti-TNF-alpha drug alone to maintain remission induced by a combination of these drugs in patients with Crohn’s disease (no recommendation, low-quality evidence).
Published in the December issue of Gastroenterology, this guideline was developed under AGA’s new clinical guideline development process that employs the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. GRADE has been adopted by several national and international societies, including the AGA, and is becoming the common methodology for the streamlined and rigorous development of clear, transparent and actionable guidelines.
Dr. Weinberg is chair, department of medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center and chair of the AGA Institute Clinical Practice and Quality Management Committee.
From the standpoint of patients and clinicians, selecting among immunomodulator monotherapy, anti-TNF-alpha monotherapy and combination therapy is a common clinical dilemma. It is my pleasure to report that AGA has released a new decision support tool (gastro.org/crohnsdecisiontool) and guideline on the relative positioning of immunomodulators and anti-TNF-alpha biologic agents in inducing and maintaining clinical remission in patients with inflammatory (luminal) Crohn’s disease. The technical review is also available for review, which offers an in-depth analysis of the existing research informing the clinical recommendations.
Recommendations for the induction of remission:
1. We suggest against using thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
2. We suggest against using methotrexate to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).
3. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
4. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha monotherapy over thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
5. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs in combination with thiopurines over thiopurine monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence).
6. We suggest using anti-TNF-alpha drugs in combination with thiopurines over anti-TNF-alpha drug monotherapy to induce remission in patients who have moderately severe Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
Recommendations for maintenance of remission:
1. We recommend using thiopurines over no immunomodulator therapy to maintain a steroid-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
2. We suggest using methotrexate over no immunomodulator therapy to maintain a steroid-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence).
3. We recommend using anti-TNF-alpha drugs over no anti-TNF-alpha drugs to maintain a steroid or anti-TNF-alpha drug-induced remission in patients with Crohn’s disease (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence).
4. We make no recommendation for or against the combination of an anti-TNF-alpha drug and a thiopurine versus an anti-TNF-alpha drug alone to maintain remission induced by a combination of these drugs in patients with Crohn’s disease (no recommendation, low-quality evidence).
Published in the December issue of Gastroenterology, this guideline was developed under AGA’s new clinical guideline development process that employs the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. GRADE has been adopted by several national and international societies, including the AGA, and is becoming the common methodology for the streamlined and rigorous development of clear, transparent and actionable guidelines.
Dr. Weinberg is chair, department of medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center and chair of the AGA Institute Clinical Practice and Quality Management Committee.