News from AGA

Do you want to support the AGA Research Foundation, but feel overwhelmed by everyday living costs, such as the latest home repair, food expenses, and escalating gas prices?

There’s a solution that doesn’t involve writing a check. You can designate a gift in your estate plan. There are two main benefits to this meaningful step:

• Your current income or assets remain the same.
• You can change your mind at any time.

The easiest and most popular way to support the AGA Research Foundation while putting your current financial needs first is to include a gift in your will or revocable living trust. It takes as little as one sentence to complete your gift.

Best of all, you have the option to leave a percentage of your estate or an asset so that no matter how the size of your estate changes, gifts to your family and nonprofits remain proportional.

Your gift directly supports the talented young researchers working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Make a tax-deductible donation to help spur innovation. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

Do you want to support the AGA Research Foundation, but feel overwhelmed by everyday living costs, such as the latest home repair, food expenses, and escalating gas prices?

There’s a solution that doesn’t involve writing a check. You can designate a gift in your estate plan. There are two main benefits to this meaningful step:

• Your current income or assets remain the same.
• You can change your mind at any time.

The easiest and most popular way to support the AGA Research Foundation while putting your current financial needs first is to include a gift in your will or revocable living trust. It takes as little as one sentence to complete your gift.

Best of all, you have the option to leave a percentage of your estate or an asset so that no matter how the size of your estate changes, gifts to your family and nonprofits remain proportional.

Your gift directly supports the talented young researchers working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Make a tax-deductible donation to help spur innovation. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

Do you want to support the AGA Research Foundation, but feel overwhelmed by everyday living costs, such as the latest home repair, food expenses, and escalating gas prices?

There’s a solution that doesn’t involve writing a check. You can designate a gift in your estate plan. There are two main benefits to this meaningful step:

• Your current income or assets remain the same.
• You can change your mind at any time.

The easiest and most popular way to support the AGA Research Foundation while putting your current financial needs first is to include a gift in your will or revocable living trust. It takes as little as one sentence to complete your gift.

Best of all, you have the option to leave a percentage of your estate or an asset so that no matter how the size of your estate changes, gifts to your family and nonprofits remain proportional.

Your gift directly supports the talented young researchers working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Make a tax-deductible donation to help spur innovation. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.

AGA is accepting applications for the third annual AGA-Aman Armaan Ahmed Family Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).

Eight undergraduate students from groups traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research will have the opportunity to perform 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases alongside an established investigator. Recipients will also receive a $5,400 stipend and funding to offset travel and meal expenses.

Students may independently secure support from an AGA member mentor or choose from our list of participating mentors. Past recipients are eligible to apply!

Additional information about the award, including application requirements and a downloadable preview, are available in the request for applications. Please see important dates below.
 

• Dec. 14, 2022 - Online applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET.
• March 2023 - Applicants are notified of their status.
• May-August 2023 - Recipients perform summer research with mentors.

AGA gratefully acknowledges the Aman Armaan Ahmed Family for supporting this program.

AGA is accepting applications for the third annual AGA-Aman Armaan Ahmed Family Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).

Eight undergraduate students from groups traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research will have the opportunity to perform 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases alongside an established investigator. Recipients will also receive a $5,400 stipend and funding to offset travel and meal expenses.

Students may independently secure support from an AGA member mentor or choose from our list of participating mentors. Past recipients are eligible to apply!

Additional information about the award, including application requirements and a downloadable preview, are available in the request for applications. Please see important dates below.
 

• Dec. 14, 2022 - Online applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET.
• March 2023 - Applicants are notified of their status.
• May-August 2023 - Recipients perform summer research with mentors.

AGA gratefully acknowledges the Aman Armaan Ahmed Family for supporting this program.

AGA is accepting applications for the third annual AGA-Aman Armaan Ahmed Family Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).

Eight undergraduate students from groups traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research will have the opportunity to perform 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases alongside an established investigator. Recipients will also receive a $5,400 stipend and funding to offset travel and meal expenses.

Students may independently secure support from an AGA member mentor or choose from our list of participating mentors. Past recipients are eligible to apply!

Additional information about the award, including application requirements and a downloadable preview, are available in the request for applications. Please see important dates below.
 

• Dec. 14, 2022 - Online applications close at 11:59 p.m. ET.
• March 2023 - Applicants are notified of their status.
• May-August 2023 - Recipients perform summer research with mentors.

AGA gratefully acknowledges the Aman Armaan Ahmed Family for supporting this program.

The AGA Women in GI Regional Workshops – four separate events across the U.S. beginning in October – will provide women physicians and scientists with effective and accessible career development and networking to support professional success and work-life balance.

Registration is now open for the Midwest and Northeast workshops.

Each workshop is an opportunity to gain new knowledge from a unique lineup of experts and various topics. Select attendees also have the opportunity to participate in the Women’s Leadership Collaboration Conference at AGA Headquarters (Dec. 2-3, 2022) to advance the work from the regional events nationally. To register and for more information on the regional workshops, please visit www.gastro.org/AGAWomensRegional.

The AGA Women in GI Regional Workshops – four separate events across the U.S. beginning in October – will provide women physicians and scientists with effective and accessible career development and networking to support professional success and work-life balance.

Registration is now open for the Midwest and Northeast workshops.

Each workshop is an opportunity to gain new knowledge from a unique lineup of experts and various topics. Select attendees also have the opportunity to participate in the Women’s Leadership Collaboration Conference at AGA Headquarters (Dec. 2-3, 2022) to advance the work from the regional events nationally. To register and for more information on the regional workshops, please visit www.gastro.org/AGAWomensRegional.

The AGA Women in GI Regional Workshops – four separate events across the U.S. beginning in October – will provide women physicians and scientists with effective and accessible career development and networking to support professional success and work-life balance.

Registration is now open for the Midwest and Northeast workshops.

Each workshop is an opportunity to gain new knowledge from a unique lineup of experts and various topics. Select attendees also have the opportunity to participate in the Women’s Leadership Collaboration Conference at AGA Headquarters (Dec. 2-3, 2022) to advance the work from the regional events nationally. To register and for more information on the regional workshops, please visit www.gastro.org/AGAWomensRegional.

Honor a family member, friend, or colleague while supporting the work of our mission 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. The AGA Research Awards program recruits, retains, and supports the most promising investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology.

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
• A gift today. An outright gift will help support researchers working toward developing new treatments and diagnostics for patients with GI conditions. Your gift will assist in fostering a new pipeline of scientists – the next generation of leaders in GI. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax.
• 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.

Conclusion

Your gift directly supports talented young researchers working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Make a tax-deductible donation to help spur innovation. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.






 

Honor a family member, friend, or colleague while supporting the work of our mission 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. The AGA Research Awards program recruits, retains, and supports the most promising investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology.

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
• A gift today. An outright gift will help support researchers working toward developing new treatments and diagnostics for patients with GI conditions. Your gift will assist in fostering a new pipeline of scientists – the next generation of leaders in GI. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax.
• 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.

Conclusion

Your gift directly supports talented young researchers working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Make a tax-deductible donation to help spur innovation. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.






 

Honor a family member, friend, or colleague while supporting the work of our mission 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. The AGA Research Awards program recruits, retains, and supports the most promising investigators in gastroenterology and hepatology.

• Giving now or later. Any charitable gift can be made in honor or memory of someone.
• A gift today. An outright gift will help support researchers working toward developing new treatments and diagnostics for patients with GI conditions. Your gift will assist in fostering a new pipeline of scientists – the next generation of leaders in GI. The financial benefits include an income tax deduction and possible elimination of capital gains tax.
• 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.

Conclusion

Your gift directly supports talented young researchers working to advance our understanding of digestive diseases. Make a tax-deductible donation to help spur innovation. Donate today at www.gastro.org/donateonline.






 

On July 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment (OPP) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment Systems Proposed Rule for calendar year 2023.

AGA, along with the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, have identified the following top three takeaways:

Slight increase in ASC payments – The proposed ASC conversion factor increases 2.7% to $51.315 for ASCs that meet quality reporting requirements.

Slight increase in facility fees payments – Hospitals that meet quality reporting requirements also receive a 2.7% proposed increase, which translates to $86.785 – a stark difference from the ASC payment.

18% cuts to some motility and G-tube codes – Hospital outpatient facility payments for motility codes 91117 and 91122 and G-tube codes 43761-43763 could decrease by 18% because of proposed changes to their Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) family.

On July 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment (OPP) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment Systems Proposed Rule for calendar year 2023.

AGA, along with the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, have identified the following top three takeaways:

Slight increase in ASC payments – The proposed ASC conversion factor increases 2.7% to $51.315 for ASCs that meet quality reporting requirements.

Slight increase in facility fees payments – Hospitals that meet quality reporting requirements also receive a 2.7% proposed increase, which translates to $86.785 – a stark difference from the ASC payment.

18% cuts to some motility and G-tube codes – Hospital outpatient facility payments for motility codes 91117 and 91122 and G-tube codes 43761-43763 could decrease by 18% because of proposed changes to their Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) family.

On July 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment (OPP) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment Systems Proposed Rule for calendar year 2023.

AGA, along with the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, have identified the following top three takeaways:

Slight increase in ASC payments – The proposed ASC conversion factor increases 2.7% to $51.315 for ASCs that meet quality reporting requirements.

Slight increase in facility fees payments – Hospitals that meet quality reporting requirements also receive a 2.7% proposed increase, which translates to $86.785 – a stark difference from the ASC payment.

18% cuts to some motility and G-tube codes – Hospital outpatient facility payments for motility codes 91117 and 91122 and G-tube codes 43761-43763 could decrease by 18% because of proposed changes to their Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) family.

In a huge win for patients, Medicare will begin covering colonoscopies after a positive noninvasive stool test starting in 2023. Medicare was previously the only insurer who did not cover this critical prevention procedure.

This change comes after a year of advocacy led by AGA – including multiple meetings with senior officials at HHS and legislative pressure by members across the country.

“Cost-sharing is a well-recognized barrier to screening and has resulted in disparities. Patients can now engage in CRC screening program and be confident that they will not face unexpected cost-sharing for colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive screening test,” said David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, who met with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials multiple times to push this policy forward. “AGA knows that increased participation in screening will further reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.”

“This is a win for all patients and should elevate our nation’s screening rates while lowering the overall cancer burden, saving lives. Importantly, the CMS proposed rule changes will lessen colorectal cancer disparities eliminating a financial burden for many patients,” said AGA president John Carethers, MD, AGAF, who met with CMS in early July to advocate for this change.

Thank you to everyone in the GI community who advocated for this important change!

CMS announced the coverage change as part of the 2023 Medicare proposed rule, which was released July 7, 2022. The rule must be finalized this fall before taking effect Jan. 2, 2023.










 

In a huge win for patients, Medicare will begin covering colonoscopies after a positive noninvasive stool test starting in 2023. Medicare was previously the only insurer who did not cover this critical prevention procedure.

This change comes after a year of advocacy led by AGA – including multiple meetings with senior officials at HHS and legislative pressure by members across the country.

“Cost-sharing is a well-recognized barrier to screening and has resulted in disparities. Patients can now engage in CRC screening program and be confident that they will not face unexpected cost-sharing for colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive screening test,” said David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, who met with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials multiple times to push this policy forward. “AGA knows that increased participation in screening will further reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.”

“This is a win for all patients and should elevate our nation’s screening rates while lowering the overall cancer burden, saving lives. Importantly, the CMS proposed rule changes will lessen colorectal cancer disparities eliminating a financial burden for many patients,” said AGA president John Carethers, MD, AGAF, who met with CMS in early July to advocate for this change.

Thank you to everyone in the GI community who advocated for this important change!

CMS announced the coverage change as part of the 2023 Medicare proposed rule, which was released July 7, 2022. The rule must be finalized this fall before taking effect Jan. 2, 2023.










 

In a huge win for patients, Medicare will begin covering colonoscopies after a positive noninvasive stool test starting in 2023. Medicare was previously the only insurer who did not cover this critical prevention procedure.

This change comes after a year of advocacy led by AGA – including multiple meetings with senior officials at HHS and legislative pressure by members across the country.

“Cost-sharing is a well-recognized barrier to screening and has resulted in disparities. Patients can now engage in CRC screening program and be confident that they will not face unexpected cost-sharing for colonoscopy after a positive noninvasive screening test,” said David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, who met with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials multiple times to push this policy forward. “AGA knows that increased participation in screening will further reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.”

“This is a win for all patients and should elevate our nation’s screening rates while lowering the overall cancer burden, saving lives. Importantly, the CMS proposed rule changes will lessen colorectal cancer disparities eliminating a financial burden for many patients,” said AGA president John Carethers, MD, AGAF, who met with CMS in early July to advocate for this change.

Thank you to everyone in the GI community who advocated for this important change!

CMS announced the coverage change as part of the 2023 Medicare proposed rule, which was released July 7, 2022. The rule must be finalized this fall before taking effect Jan. 2, 2023.










 

Join us at AGA Advocacy Day on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, to virtually meet with your members of Congress to urge them to rein in insurance policies like prior authorization and step therapy.

If GI providers don’t have a seat at the table and engage with lawmakers, these decisions will be influenced by payers and other parties that do not have your or your patients’ best interests at heart.

AGA Advocacy Day is held shortly before the end of the fiscal year – prime time to educate policymakers and their staff about your everyday challenges and the reality of GI patient care in your state. We will also discuss the need for robust federal funding for GI research and the devastating impact that Medicare cuts could have on your practice.

Register today and AGA will take care of the rest, including scheduling your meetings and providing comprehensive advocacy training. Now more than ever, your voice needs to be heard on Capitol Hill.

Join us at AGA Advocacy Day on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, to virtually meet with your members of Congress to urge them to rein in insurance policies like prior authorization and step therapy.

If GI providers don’t have a seat at the table and engage with lawmakers, these decisions will be influenced by payers and other parties that do not have your or your patients’ best interests at heart.

AGA Advocacy Day is held shortly before the end of the fiscal year – prime time to educate policymakers and their staff about your everyday challenges and the reality of GI patient care in your state. We will also discuss the need for robust federal funding for GI research and the devastating impact that Medicare cuts could have on your practice.

Register today and AGA will take care of the rest, including scheduling your meetings and providing comprehensive advocacy training. Now more than ever, your voice needs to be heard on Capitol Hill.

Join us at AGA Advocacy Day on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, to virtually meet with your members of Congress to urge them to rein in insurance policies like prior authorization and step therapy.

If GI providers don’t have a seat at the table and engage with lawmakers, these decisions will be influenced by payers and other parties that do not have your or your patients’ best interests at heart.

AGA Advocacy Day is held shortly before the end of the fiscal year – prime time to educate policymakers and their staff about your everyday challenges and the reality of GI patient care in your state. We will also discuss the need for robust federal funding for GI research and the devastating impact that Medicare cuts could have on your practice.

Register today and AGA will take care of the rest, including scheduling your meetings and providing comprehensive advocacy training. Now more than ever, your voice needs to be heard on Capitol Hill.

On July 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the calendar year (CY) 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule and can now be found in the Federal Register.

Good news!

In a win for patients, and thanks to collective advocacy efforts from AGA and partner societies, CMS is proposing to expand the regulatory definition of “colorectal cancer screening tests” and waive cost sharing for a necessary follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test.

Looming cuts 

The rule proposes 4% cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement through required decreases in the conversion factor and expiration of temporary fixes passed by Congress. AGA will continue to work with a coalition of national and state medical societies in urging Congress to prevent these cuts before Jan. 1, 2023.

What to know

• CMS expands colorectal cancer screening in a proposal to waive cost sharing for a follow-up colonoscopy to a positive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test and to cover the service for individuals 45 years of age and above.
• Medicare payment cuts are looming with cuts to the proposed CY 2023 conversion factor.
• Split/shared visits policy delayed until CY 2024.
• Payment rates for new bariatric device codes proposed.

On July 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the calendar year (CY) 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule and can now be found in the Federal Register.

Good news!

In a win for patients, and thanks to collective advocacy efforts from AGA and partner societies, CMS is proposing to expand the regulatory definition of “colorectal cancer screening tests” and waive cost sharing for a necessary follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test.

Looming cuts 

The rule proposes 4% cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement through required decreases in the conversion factor and expiration of temporary fixes passed by Congress. AGA will continue to work with a coalition of national and state medical societies in urging Congress to prevent these cuts before Jan. 1, 2023.

What to know

• CMS expands colorectal cancer screening in a proposal to waive cost sharing for a follow-up colonoscopy to a positive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test and to cover the service for individuals 45 years of age and above.
• Medicare payment cuts are looming with cuts to the proposed CY 2023 conversion factor.
• Split/shared visits policy delayed until CY 2024.
• Payment rates for new bariatric device codes proposed.

On July 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the calendar year (CY) 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule and can now be found in the Federal Register.

Good news!

In a win for patients, and thanks to collective advocacy efforts from AGA and partner societies, CMS is proposing to expand the regulatory definition of “colorectal cancer screening tests” and waive cost sharing for a necessary follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test.

Looming cuts 

The rule proposes 4% cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement through required decreases in the conversion factor and expiration of temporary fixes passed by Congress. AGA will continue to work with a coalition of national and state medical societies in urging Congress to prevent these cuts before Jan. 1, 2023.

What to know

• CMS expands colorectal cancer screening in a proposal to waive cost sharing for a follow-up colonoscopy to a positive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test and to cover the service for individuals 45 years of age and above.
• Medicare payment cuts are looming with cuts to the proposed CY 2023 conversion factor.
• Split/shared visits policy delayed until CY 2024.
• Payment rates for new bariatric device codes proposed.

The American Gastroenterological Association Research Foundation is the charitable arm of the AGA and plays an important role in medical research by providing grants to young scientists at a critical time in their career.

“I am beyond excited to be able to continue my journey as a young physician-scientist with the funding support. I truly understand that my career would not be possible without those who generously support scientific research. I am humbled at the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself. As such, I am extremely grateful to the AGA Research Foundation and its donors who continue to support this vision of a future where suffering related to digestive diseases has been eliminated,” said Brian A. Sullivan, MD, a 2021 AGA Research Scholar Award recipient, who is a physician-scientist who aspires to lead a collaborative research program and develop more effective strategies for colorectal cancer prevention.

In the past decade alone, we’ve witnessed seminal work in colorectal cancer genetics and a renaissance in the understanding of inflammatory bowel syndrome and the gut microbiome. However, continued progress in advancing the treatment and cure of digestive diseases is at risk because of cuts in government spending. Without help from other funding sources, young investigators are struggling to continue their research, build their research portfolio, and obtain federal funding.
 

Your contribution makes a difference 

With donations from AGA members, we can provide young researchers with a secure, ongoing stable source of funding that drives advancement in the diagnosis, treatment and cure of digestive diseases. Everyone benefits from GI research developed by dedicated investigators.

“I donated to the AGA Research Foundation to ensure the vitality of our specialty, and to fund the research of future generations of gastroenterologists. Funding from organizations like the AGA Research Foundation is crucial for young scientists and gastroenterologists to launch their careers. At the start of my career, I received two AGA research awards. As a grateful recipient of such funding, I felt it was my turn to support the mission of the organization that I regard as my academic home away from home institution,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation and AGA Past President.

Many breakthroughs have been achieved through gastroenterological and hepatological research over the past century, forming the basis of the modern medical practice. Join fellow AGA members by contributing to this tradition of discovery. 

Make a tax-deductible donation to the AGA Research Foundation at www.gastro.org/donate or by mail to 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Learn more about the AGA Research Foundation at https://foundation.gastro.org. 

The American Gastroenterological Association Research Foundation is the charitable arm of the AGA and plays an important role in medical research by providing grants to young scientists at a critical time in their career.

“I am beyond excited to be able to continue my journey as a young physician-scientist with the funding support. I truly understand that my career would not be possible without those who generously support scientific research. I am humbled at the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself. As such, I am extremely grateful to the AGA Research Foundation and its donors who continue to support this vision of a future where suffering related to digestive diseases has been eliminated,” said Brian A. Sullivan, MD, a 2021 AGA Research Scholar Award recipient, who is a physician-scientist who aspires to lead a collaborative research program and develop more effective strategies for colorectal cancer prevention.

In the past decade alone, we’ve witnessed seminal work in colorectal cancer genetics and a renaissance in the understanding of inflammatory bowel syndrome and the gut microbiome. However, continued progress in advancing the treatment and cure of digestive diseases is at risk because of cuts in government spending. Without help from other funding sources, young investigators are struggling to continue their research, build their research portfolio, and obtain federal funding.
 

Your contribution makes a difference 

With donations from AGA members, we can provide young researchers with a secure, ongoing stable source of funding that drives advancement in the diagnosis, treatment and cure of digestive diseases. Everyone benefits from GI research developed by dedicated investigators.

“I donated to the AGA Research Foundation to ensure the vitality of our specialty, and to fund the research of future generations of gastroenterologists. Funding from organizations like the AGA Research Foundation is crucial for young scientists and gastroenterologists to launch their careers. At the start of my career, I received two AGA research awards. As a grateful recipient of such funding, I felt it was my turn to support the mission of the organization that I regard as my academic home away from home institution,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation and AGA Past President.

Many breakthroughs have been achieved through gastroenterological and hepatological research over the past century, forming the basis of the modern medical practice. Join fellow AGA members by contributing to this tradition of discovery. 

Make a tax-deductible donation to the AGA Research Foundation at www.gastro.org/donate or by mail to 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Learn more about the AGA Research Foundation at https://foundation.gastro.org. 

The American Gastroenterological Association Research Foundation is the charitable arm of the AGA and plays an important role in medical research by providing grants to young scientists at a critical time in their career.

“I am beyond excited to be able to continue my journey as a young physician-scientist with the funding support. I truly understand that my career would not be possible without those who generously support scientific research. I am humbled at the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself. As such, I am extremely grateful to the AGA Research Foundation and its donors who continue to support this vision of a future where suffering related to digestive diseases has been eliminated,” said Brian A. Sullivan, MD, a 2021 AGA Research Scholar Award recipient, who is a physician-scientist who aspires to lead a collaborative research program and develop more effective strategies for colorectal cancer prevention.

In the past decade alone, we’ve witnessed seminal work in colorectal cancer genetics and a renaissance in the understanding of inflammatory bowel syndrome and the gut microbiome. However, continued progress in advancing the treatment and cure of digestive diseases is at risk because of cuts in government spending. Without help from other funding sources, young investigators are struggling to continue their research, build their research portfolio, and obtain federal funding.
 

Your contribution makes a difference 

With donations from AGA members, we can provide young researchers with a secure, ongoing stable source of funding that drives advancement in the diagnosis, treatment and cure of digestive diseases. Everyone benefits from GI research developed by dedicated investigators.

“I donated to the AGA Research Foundation to ensure the vitality of our specialty, and to fund the research of future generations of gastroenterologists. Funding from organizations like the AGA Research Foundation is crucial for young scientists and gastroenterologists to launch their careers. At the start of my career, I received two AGA research awards. As a grateful recipient of such funding, I felt it was my turn to support the mission of the organization that I regard as my academic home away from home institution,” said Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation and AGA Past President.

Many breakthroughs have been achieved through gastroenterological and hepatological research over the past century, forming the basis of the modern medical practice. Join fellow AGA members by contributing to this tradition of discovery. 

Make a tax-deductible donation to the AGA Research Foundation at www.gastro.org/donate or by mail to 4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Learn more about the AGA Research Foundation at https://foundation.gastro.org. 

We’re honored to announce that John M. Carethers, MD, AGAF, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Rock,’ will begin his term as the 117th president of the AGA Institute on June 1, 2022.

He currently serves as John G. Searle professor of internal medicine and chair of the department of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Health System, a position he has held since 2009.

Dr. Carethers’ research programs focus on familial colon cancer and polyposis syndromes. His research encompasses Lynch syndrome, juvenile polyposis, hyperplastic polyposis, and colorectal cancer. He has published more than 182 articles.

A native of Detroit, Dr. Carethers earned his undergraduate degree in molecular biology and biophysics at Wayne State University. He remained there for medical school, where he graduated at the top of his class. His ability to stay focused on his work earned him the moniker ‘The Rock’. It’s a strength that’s made him an outstanding role model and exemplary leader.

An active member of AGA for more than 20 years, Dr. Carethers received the AGA Gastrointestinal Oncology Section Research Mentor Award as well as the AGA Distinguished Mentor Award in 2017. He has served on several AGA committees, including the AGA Nominating Committee, AGA Underrepresented Minorities Committee, AGA Research Policy Committee, AGA Institute Council and the AGA Trainee & Young GI Committee. He has also served as senior associate editor of Gastroenterology.

His academic career began at the University of California, San Diego, preceded by a gastroenterology fellowship at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. From the beginning, he has inspired others with his strong work ethic and intense dedication.

Dr. Carethers joined the AGA Governing Board in June 2020 as vice president and served as president-elect prior to assuming the top leadership role.

We’re honored to announce that John M. Carethers, MD, AGAF, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Rock,’ will begin his term as the 117th president of the AGA Institute on June 1, 2022.

He currently serves as John G. Searle professor of internal medicine and chair of the department of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Health System, a position he has held since 2009.

Dr. Carethers’ research programs focus on familial colon cancer and polyposis syndromes. His research encompasses Lynch syndrome, juvenile polyposis, hyperplastic polyposis, and colorectal cancer. He has published more than 182 articles.

A native of Detroit, Dr. Carethers earned his undergraduate degree in molecular biology and biophysics at Wayne State University. He remained there for medical school, where he graduated at the top of his class. His ability to stay focused on his work earned him the moniker ‘The Rock’. It’s a strength that’s made him an outstanding role model and exemplary leader.

An active member of AGA for more than 20 years, Dr. Carethers received the AGA Gastrointestinal Oncology Section Research Mentor Award as well as the AGA Distinguished Mentor Award in 2017. He has served on several AGA committees, including the AGA Nominating Committee, AGA Underrepresented Minorities Committee, AGA Research Policy Committee, AGA Institute Council and the AGA Trainee & Young GI Committee. He has also served as senior associate editor of Gastroenterology.

His academic career began at the University of California, San Diego, preceded by a gastroenterology fellowship at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. From the beginning, he has inspired others with his strong work ethic and intense dedication.

Dr. Carethers joined the AGA Governing Board in June 2020 as vice president and served as president-elect prior to assuming the top leadership role.

We’re honored to announce that John M. Carethers, MD, AGAF, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Rock,’ will begin his term as the 117th president of the AGA Institute on June 1, 2022.

He currently serves as John G. Searle professor of internal medicine and chair of the department of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Health System, a position he has held since 2009.

Dr. Carethers’ research programs focus on familial colon cancer and polyposis syndromes. His research encompasses Lynch syndrome, juvenile polyposis, hyperplastic polyposis, and colorectal cancer. He has published more than 182 articles.

A native of Detroit, Dr. Carethers earned his undergraduate degree in molecular biology and biophysics at Wayne State University. He remained there for medical school, where he graduated at the top of his class. His ability to stay focused on his work earned him the moniker ‘The Rock’. It’s a strength that’s made him an outstanding role model and exemplary leader.

An active member of AGA for more than 20 years, Dr. Carethers received the AGA Gastrointestinal Oncology Section Research Mentor Award as well as the AGA Distinguished Mentor Award in 2017. He has served on several AGA committees, including the AGA Nominating Committee, AGA Underrepresented Minorities Committee, AGA Research Policy Committee, AGA Institute Council and the AGA Trainee & Young GI Committee. He has also served as senior associate editor of Gastroenterology.

His academic career began at the University of California, San Diego, preceded by a gastroenterology fellowship at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. From the beginning, he has inspired others with his strong work ethic and intense dedication.

Dr. Carethers joined the AGA Governing Board in June 2020 as vice president and served as president-elect prior to assuming the top leadership role.