News from AGA

We’re pleased to share that Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, will be taking over the AGA Research Foundation chair role beginning this month. He has recruited five members to be part of the 2022-2024 AGA Research Foundation Executive Board.

Meet the new Foundation Executive Board members

• Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
• Aline Charabaty, MD, AGAF, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
• Eric Esrailian, MD, MPH, AGAF, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
• Robert A. Ganz, MD, MASGE, MNGI Digestive Health, Minnetonka, MN
• Aja S. McCutchen, MD, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Hoschton, GA
• Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

We’re pleased to share that Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, will be taking over the AGA Research Foundation chair role beginning this month. He has recruited five members to be part of the 2022-2024 AGA Research Foundation Executive Board.

Meet the new Foundation Executive Board members

• Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
• Aline Charabaty, MD, AGAF, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
• Eric Esrailian, MD, MPH, AGAF, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
• Robert A. Ganz, MD, MASGE, MNGI Digestive Health, Minnetonka, MN
• Aja S. McCutchen, MD, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Hoschton, GA
• Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

We’re pleased to share that Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, will be taking over the AGA Research Foundation chair role beginning this month. He has recruited five members to be part of the 2022-2024 AGA Research Foundation Executive Board.

Meet the new Foundation Executive Board members

• Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
• Aline Charabaty, MD, AGAF, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
• Eric Esrailian, MD, MPH, AGAF, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
• Robert A. Ganz, MD, MASGE, MNGI Digestive Health, Minnetonka, MN
• Aja S. McCutchen, MD, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, Hoschton, GA
• Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Planned giving provides an opportunity for all who have benefited from digestive disease research to give back to the field in a unique and lasting way.

Your investment in the AGA Research Foundation will enable the foundation to continue our investment in the future of gastroenterological research and innovation. 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.

If you make a contribution, it will be because you believe in what we do and because you want to help make a difference in the lives of others. But we’d also like to make sure you benefit from making a gift to the AGA Research Foundation.
 

Your giving options

There are several gift arrangements to choose from. The chart below summarizes the benefits of some of the main types of charitable gifts. Just think of what you want to accomplish with your gift, and there’s probably a way to do it!

Planned giving provides an opportunity for all who have benefited from digestive disease research to give back to the field in a unique and lasting way.

Your investment in the AGA Research Foundation will enable the foundation to continue our investment in the future of gastroenterological research and innovation. 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.

If you make a contribution, it will be because you believe in what we do and because you want to help make a difference in the lives of others. But we’d also like to make sure you benefit from making a gift to the AGA Research Foundation.
 

Your giving options

There are several gift arrangements to choose from. The chart below summarizes the benefits of some of the main types of charitable gifts. Just think of what you want to accomplish with your gift, and there’s probably a way to do it!

Planned giving provides an opportunity for all who have benefited from digestive disease research to give back to the field in a unique and lasting way.

Your investment in the AGA Research Foundation will enable the foundation to continue our investment in the future of gastroenterological research and innovation. 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.

If you make a contribution, it will be because you believe in what we do and because you want to help make a difference in the lives of others. But we’d also like to make sure you benefit from making a gift to the AGA Research Foundation.
 

Your giving options

There are several gift arrangements to choose from. The chart below summarizes the benefits of some of the main types of charitable gifts. Just think of what you want to accomplish with your gift, and there’s probably a way to do it!

AGA is proud to announce the 61 recipients selected to receive research funding through its annual AGA Research Foundation Awards Program. The program serves as a catalyst for discovery and career growth among the most promising researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology.

“Our award recipients demonstrate an undeniable determination to improve the care of digestive health patients,” said Robert S. Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation. “We are investing in talented early-career investigators knowing that their work will ultimately benefit patients with critical needs.”

Research Scholar Awards

AGA Research Scholar Award

Kathleen Curtius, PhD, MS, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla

Trisha Satya Pasricha, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

Bomi Lee, PhD, MS, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.

Christine E. Eyler, MD, PhD, Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Joel Gabre, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York



AGA–Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer

Srinivas Gaddam, MD, MPH, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles



AGA–Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Celiac Disease

Claire L. Jansson-Knodell, MD, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland
 

Specialty Awards

AGA–R. Robert & Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer

Eunyoung Choi, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.



AGA–Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer

Sarah Palmer Short, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
 

Pilot Awards

AGA–Medtronic Pilot Research Award in Artificial Intelligence

Dennis Shung, MD, MHS, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.



AGA–Merck Pilot Research Award in Colorectal Cancer Health Disparities

Sonia Kupfer, MD, The University of Chicago, Chicago



AGA–Bristol Myers Squibb Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Health Disparities

Chung Sang Tse, MD, University of California, San Diego



AGA Pilot Research Award in Health Disparities (funded by Janssen Biotech)

Jennifer Flemming, MD, MAS, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont.



AGA Pilot Research Award in Digestive Disease Health Disparities

Young-Rock Hong, PhD, MPH, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.



AGA–Amgen Pilot Research Award in Digestive Disease Health Disparities

Zachary Reichenbach, MD, PhD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia



AGA–Pfizer Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Melinda Engevik, PhD, MS, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston

Andre Paes Batista da Silva, PhD, MSC, DDS, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland

Karen Edelblum, PhD, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, N.J.
 

Undergraduate Research Awards

AGA–Aman Armaan Ahmed Family Summer Undergraduate Research Award

Gabriela Ortiz, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis

Daniella Montalvo, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami

Subear Hussein, Children’s Hospital, Boston

Hussein Herz, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City

Kaleb Tesfai, University of California, San Diego

Varun Ponnusamy, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich.
 

Abstract Awards

AGA Fellow Abstract of the Year Award

Masaru Sasaki, MD, PhD, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia



AGA Student Abstract of the Year Award

Anitha Vijay, MS, Penn State University, State College, Pa.

Maafi Rizwana Islam, PhD, Marshall University, Huntington, W.V.



Fellow Abstract Awards

Nicolette Rodriguez, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston

Hyunseok Kim, MD, PhD, MPH, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston

Margaret Zhou, MD, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.

Steven Steinway, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

Su-Hyung Lee, PhD, DVM, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Ian Greenberg, MD, Dallas Methodist Hospital, Dallas

Jonathan Xia, MD, PhD, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

Donevan Westerveld, MD, NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medicine, New York

Haley Zylberberg, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York

Maria Jesus Villanueva Millan, PhD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Duke Geem, MD, PhD. Children s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University, Atlanta

Fauzi Feris Jassir, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Melissa Musser, MD, PhD, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston



Student Abstract Awards

Kushal Saha, MS, BS, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Winston Liu, BS. Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Yoojin Sohn, BS, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Jamie Yang, BS, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles

Rachel Hopton, BS, University of Oregon, Eugene

Alina Li, BS, Columbia University, New York

Eleazar Montalvan Sanchez, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis

Christina Lin, MD, BA, BS, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Santa Clara, Calif.

Conrad Fernandes, MD, BA, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Hajar Hazime, MS, BS, University of Miami

Blaine Prichard, BS, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Georgetta Skinner, MS, BS, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, Mo.



AGA Abstract Award for Health Disparities Research

Kai Wang, PhD (Fellow), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston

Alan De La Rosa, MD (Fellow), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Timothy Andrew Zaki, MD, BS (Student), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas

Megan McLeod, MD, MS, BA, University of California, Los Angeles (student)



AGA–APFED Abstract Award in Eosinophilic GI Diseases

Takeo Hara, MD, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Michael Wang, BS, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C.

Melissa Nelson, MD, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas



AGA–Moti L. & Kamla Rustgi International Travel Award

Joost Algera, MD, University of Gothenburg (Sweden)

Ashkan Rezazadeh Ardabili, MD, MS, BS, Maastricht (Netherlands) University Medical Center+

AGA research awards cycle now open

This year the AGA Research Foundation is awarding more than $2.5 million dollars to investigators who are passionate about improving digestive health. Get your piece of the research funding pie with one of our awards!

The AGA Research Foundation Awards Program recruits, retains, and supports the most promising researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. With funding from the foundation, recipients have protected time to take their research to the next level. View our awards portfolio by career stage below, then mark your calendar for upcoming application deadlines. View additional information about each award.

AGA is proud to announce the 61 recipients selected to receive research funding through its annual AGA Research Foundation Awards Program. The program serves as a catalyst for discovery and career growth among the most promising researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology.

“Our award recipients demonstrate an undeniable determination to improve the care of digestive health patients,” said Robert S. Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation. “We are investing in talented early-career investigators knowing that their work will ultimately benefit patients with critical needs.”

Research Scholar Awards

AGA Research Scholar Award

Kathleen Curtius, PhD, MS, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla

Trisha Satya Pasricha, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

Bomi Lee, PhD, MS, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.

Christine E. Eyler, MD, PhD, Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Joel Gabre, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York



AGA–Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer

Srinivas Gaddam, MD, MPH, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles



AGA–Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Celiac Disease

Claire L. Jansson-Knodell, MD, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland
 

Specialty Awards

AGA–R. Robert & Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer

Eunyoung Choi, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.



AGA–Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer

Sarah Palmer Short, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
 

Pilot Awards

AGA–Medtronic Pilot Research Award in Artificial Intelligence

Dennis Shung, MD, MHS, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.



AGA–Merck Pilot Research Award in Colorectal Cancer Health Disparities

Sonia Kupfer, MD, The University of Chicago, Chicago



AGA–Bristol Myers Squibb Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Health Disparities

Chung Sang Tse, MD, University of California, San Diego



AGA Pilot Research Award in Health Disparities (funded by Janssen Biotech)

Jennifer Flemming, MD, MAS, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont.



AGA Pilot Research Award in Digestive Disease Health Disparities

Young-Rock Hong, PhD, MPH, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.



AGA–Amgen Pilot Research Award in Digestive Disease Health Disparities

Zachary Reichenbach, MD, PhD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia



AGA–Pfizer Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Melinda Engevik, PhD, MS, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston

Andre Paes Batista da Silva, PhD, MSC, DDS, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland

Karen Edelblum, PhD, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, N.J.
 

Undergraduate Research Awards

AGA–Aman Armaan Ahmed Family Summer Undergraduate Research Award

Gabriela Ortiz, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis

Daniella Montalvo, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami

Subear Hussein, Children’s Hospital, Boston

Hussein Herz, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City

Kaleb Tesfai, University of California, San Diego

Varun Ponnusamy, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich.
 

Abstract Awards

AGA Fellow Abstract of the Year Award

Masaru Sasaki, MD, PhD, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia



AGA Student Abstract of the Year Award

Anitha Vijay, MS, Penn State University, State College, Pa.

Maafi Rizwana Islam, PhD, Marshall University, Huntington, W.V.



Fellow Abstract Awards

Nicolette Rodriguez, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston

Hyunseok Kim, MD, PhD, MPH, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston

Margaret Zhou, MD, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.

Steven Steinway, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

Su-Hyung Lee, PhD, DVM, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Ian Greenberg, MD, Dallas Methodist Hospital, Dallas

Jonathan Xia, MD, PhD, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

Donevan Westerveld, MD, NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medicine, New York

Haley Zylberberg, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York

Maria Jesus Villanueva Millan, PhD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Duke Geem, MD, PhD. Children s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University, Atlanta

Fauzi Feris Jassir, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Melissa Musser, MD, PhD, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston



Student Abstract Awards

Kushal Saha, MS, BS, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Winston Liu, BS. Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Yoojin Sohn, BS, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Jamie Yang, BS, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles

Rachel Hopton, BS, University of Oregon, Eugene

Alina Li, BS, Columbia University, New York

Eleazar Montalvan Sanchez, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis

Christina Lin, MD, BA, BS, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Santa Clara, Calif.

Conrad Fernandes, MD, BA, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Hajar Hazime, MS, BS, University of Miami

Blaine Prichard, BS, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Georgetta Skinner, MS, BS, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, Mo.



AGA Abstract Award for Health Disparities Research

Kai Wang, PhD (Fellow), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston

Alan De La Rosa, MD (Fellow), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Timothy Andrew Zaki, MD, BS (Student), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas

Megan McLeod, MD, MS, BA, University of California, Los Angeles (student)



AGA–APFED Abstract Award in Eosinophilic GI Diseases

Takeo Hara, MD, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Michael Wang, BS, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C.

Melissa Nelson, MD, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas



AGA–Moti L. & Kamla Rustgi International Travel Award

Joost Algera, MD, University of Gothenburg (Sweden)

Ashkan Rezazadeh Ardabili, MD, MS, BS, Maastricht (Netherlands) University Medical Center+

AGA research awards cycle now open

This year the AGA Research Foundation is awarding more than $2.5 million dollars to investigators who are passionate about improving digestive health. Get your piece of the research funding pie with one of our awards!

The AGA Research Foundation Awards Program recruits, retains, and supports the most promising researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. With funding from the foundation, recipients have protected time to take their research to the next level. View our awards portfolio by career stage below, then mark your calendar for upcoming application deadlines. View additional information about each award.

AGA is proud to announce the 61 recipients selected to receive research funding through its annual AGA Research Foundation Awards Program. The program serves as a catalyst for discovery and career growth among the most promising researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology.

“Our award recipients demonstrate an undeniable determination to improve the care of digestive health patients,” said Robert S. Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF, chair of the AGA Research Foundation. “We are investing in talented early-career investigators knowing that their work will ultimately benefit patients with critical needs.”

Research Scholar Awards

AGA Research Scholar Award

Kathleen Curtius, PhD, MS, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla

Trisha Satya Pasricha, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

Bomi Lee, PhD, MS, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.

Christine E. Eyler, MD, PhD, Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Joel Gabre, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York



AGA–Bern Schwartz Family Fund Research Scholar Award in Pancreatic Cancer

Srinivas Gaddam, MD, MPH, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles



AGA–Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Celiac Disease

Claire L. Jansson-Knodell, MD, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland
 

Specialty Awards

AGA–R. Robert & Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer

Eunyoung Choi, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.



AGA–Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer

Sarah Palmer Short, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
 

Pilot Awards

AGA–Medtronic Pilot Research Award in Artificial Intelligence

Dennis Shung, MD, MHS, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.



AGA–Merck Pilot Research Award in Colorectal Cancer Health Disparities

Sonia Kupfer, MD, The University of Chicago, Chicago



AGA–Bristol Myers Squibb Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Health Disparities

Chung Sang Tse, MD, University of California, San Diego



AGA Pilot Research Award in Health Disparities (funded by Janssen Biotech)

Jennifer Flemming, MD, MAS, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont.



AGA Pilot Research Award in Digestive Disease Health Disparities

Young-Rock Hong, PhD, MPH, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.



AGA–Amgen Pilot Research Award in Digestive Disease Health Disparities

Zachary Reichenbach, MD, PhD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia



AGA–Pfizer Pilot Research Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Melinda Engevik, PhD, MS, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston

Andre Paes Batista da Silva, PhD, MSC, DDS, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland

Karen Edelblum, PhD, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, N.J.
 

Undergraduate Research Awards

AGA–Aman Armaan Ahmed Family Summer Undergraduate Research Award

Gabriela Ortiz, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis

Daniella Montalvo, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami

Subear Hussein, Children’s Hospital, Boston

Hussein Herz, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City

Kaleb Tesfai, University of California, San Diego

Varun Ponnusamy, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich.
 

Abstract Awards

AGA Fellow Abstract of the Year Award

Masaru Sasaki, MD, PhD, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia



AGA Student Abstract of the Year Award

Anitha Vijay, MS, Penn State University, State College, Pa.

Maafi Rizwana Islam, PhD, Marshall University, Huntington, W.V.



Fellow Abstract Awards

Nicolette Rodriguez, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston

Hyunseok Kim, MD, PhD, MPH, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston

Margaret Zhou, MD, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif.

Steven Steinway, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

Su-Hyung Lee, PhD, DVM, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Ian Greenberg, MD, Dallas Methodist Hospital, Dallas

Jonathan Xia, MD, PhD, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago

Donevan Westerveld, MD, NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medicine, New York

Haley Zylberberg, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York

Maria Jesus Villanueva Millan, PhD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Duke Geem, MD, PhD. Children s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University, Atlanta

Fauzi Feris Jassir, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Melissa Musser, MD, PhD, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston



Student Abstract Awards

Kushal Saha, MS, BS, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Winston Liu, BS. Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Yoojin Sohn, BS, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Jamie Yang, BS, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles

Rachel Hopton, BS, University of Oregon, Eugene

Alina Li, BS, Columbia University, New York

Eleazar Montalvan Sanchez, MD, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis

Christina Lin, MD, BA, BS, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Santa Clara, Calif.

Conrad Fernandes, MD, BA, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Hajar Hazime, MS, BS, University of Miami

Blaine Prichard, BS, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Georgetta Skinner, MS, BS, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, Mo.



AGA Abstract Award for Health Disparities Research

Kai Wang, PhD (Fellow), Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston

Alan De La Rosa, MD (Fellow), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Timothy Andrew Zaki, MD, BS (Student), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas

Megan McLeod, MD, MS, BA, University of California, Los Angeles (student)



AGA–APFED Abstract Award in Eosinophilic GI Diseases

Takeo Hara, MD, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Michael Wang, BS, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C.

Melissa Nelson, MD, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas



AGA–Moti L. & Kamla Rustgi International Travel Award

Joost Algera, MD, University of Gothenburg (Sweden)

Ashkan Rezazadeh Ardabili, MD, MS, BS, Maastricht (Netherlands) University Medical Center+

AGA research awards cycle now open

This year the AGA Research Foundation is awarding more than $2.5 million dollars to investigators who are passionate about improving digestive health. Get your piece of the research funding pie with one of our awards!

The AGA Research Foundation Awards Program recruits, retains, and supports the most promising researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. With funding from the foundation, recipients have protected time to take their research to the next level. View our awards portfolio by career stage below, then mark your calendar for upcoming application deadlines. View additional information about each award.

Applications are now open for the 2023 AGA Fellowship cohort. AGA is proud to formally recognize its exemplary members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate a deep commitment to gastroenterology through the AGA Fellows Program. Those in clinical practice, education, or research (basic or clinical) are encouraged to apply today.

Longstanding members who apply and meet the program criteria are granted the distinguished honor of AGA Fellowship and receive the following:

• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities. 
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status. 
• International acknowledgment at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW).
• A listing on the AGA website alongside esteemed peers.
• A prewritten, fill-in press release, and a digital badge to inform others of your accomplishment.

Learn more

Apply for consideration and gain recognition worldwide for your commitment to the field. The deadline is Aug. 24, 2022.

If you have any questions, contact AGA Member Relations at [email protected] or 301-941-2651.

Applications are now open for the 2023 AGA Fellowship cohort. AGA is proud to formally recognize its exemplary members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate a deep commitment to gastroenterology through the AGA Fellows Program. Those in clinical practice, education, or research (basic or clinical) are encouraged to apply today.

Longstanding members who apply and meet the program criteria are granted the distinguished honor of AGA Fellowship and receive the following:

• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities. 
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status. 
• International acknowledgment at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW).
• A listing on the AGA website alongside esteemed peers.
• A prewritten, fill-in press release, and a digital badge to inform others of your accomplishment.

Learn more

Apply for consideration and gain recognition worldwide for your commitment to the field. The deadline is Aug. 24, 2022.

If you have any questions, contact AGA Member Relations at [email protected] or 301-941-2651.

Applications are now open for the 2023 AGA Fellowship cohort. AGA is proud to formally recognize its exemplary members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate a deep commitment to gastroenterology through the AGA Fellows Program. Those in clinical practice, education, or research (basic or clinical) are encouraged to apply today.

Longstanding members who apply and meet the program criteria are granted the distinguished honor of AGA Fellowship and receive the following:

• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities. 
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status. 
• International acknowledgment at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW).
• A listing on the AGA website alongside esteemed peers.
• A prewritten, fill-in press release, and a digital badge to inform others of your accomplishment.

Learn more

Apply for consideration and gain recognition worldwide for your commitment to the field. The deadline is Aug. 24, 2022.

If you have any questions, contact AGA Member Relations at [email protected] or 301-941-2651.

This year’s plenary will focus on action items to eradicate health disparities in GI.

The 2022 AGA Presidential Plenary at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) is designed to highlight timely and high-impact research as it pertains to AGA and the global gastroenterology community. This year’s plenary will feature a series of invited speaker talks on the ways to integrate diversity and inclusion into the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

AGA President John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF, will present his address titled “Don’t Talk – Act: The Relevance of DEI to Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists and the Imperative for Action.” Read our Q&A with Dr. Inadomi below for details on what you can expect from the plenary.
 

Why did you want to focus on issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the presidential plenary?

Most obvious is the pandemic and the social issues the pandemic has amplified have made these issues a primary concern for AGA. The pandemic forced us to reexamine ourselves and to not assume everything we’ve done in the past should be done in the future. The diversity of AGA and AGA leadership is not where we want it to be. I want to use the presidential plenary as a platform to discuss race, especially, which is only one part of DEI. I can provide perspective as an Asian American experiencing a resurgence in racism and I want to involve nationally known experts like Monica Webb Hooper who’ve done research on this and have fully formed ideas on how to frame the questions and talk about action items that we, as a society, should adopt. The time of reflection and awareness has passed, the time of simply providing awareness is past. Society needs to adopt action items to address and combat racism.

Later in the plenary, I’m pleased to be joined by Dr. Byron Cryer and Dr. Sandra Quezada who will talk about how they created/developed the AGA Equity Project and their work to implement it.
 

What do you want attendees to take home from these various talks?

We hear a lot of talk about DEI, I hear a lot about awareness, a lot of talk about education. I asked the presidential plenary speakers to move beyond that to provide action items that AGA and its members can implement to reduce disparities in health outcomes. I hope that we will be able to measure these outcomes and see improvement over time coming out of the interventions proposed during this session.

Why did you choose disparities in CRC, liver disease, and IBD specifically?

I feel like these are core parts of gastroenterology and hepatology. So much of the disparities we see in colon cancer are a microcosm of the disparities that exist across the spectrum of GI and liver disease. They illustrate the problems with access and utilization. Disparities in CRC outcomes are exacerbated by the pandemic. I chose liver disease because it’s another area where racial disparities exist and are exacerbated by the pandemic. All three are core services provided by gastroenterologists and hepatologists and represent areas where racism has caused disparities in outcomes. Greatly magnified by the pandemic.
 

Why is the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) important?

It’s important for me to listen to people who are the target of racism and hear how they want AGA to address their concerns. I want a better understanding of why ABGH was formed and why now. I want to hear what they hope to achieve and how they believe the AGA can help.
 

The full AGA Presidential Plenary line-up

We hope you’ll join us for the AGA Presidential Plenary, taking place Monday, May 23, at 10 a.m. PT during DDW. In addition to Dr. Inadomi’s keynote address, presentations will include:

• AGA Julius Friedenwald Recognition of Timothy Wang
• AGA Equity Project: Accomplishments and What Lies Ahead
• The Genesis and Goals of the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH)
• What We Need to Overcome Racial and Ethnic Barriers to Engage in Clinical Trials
• Reducing Disparities in Colorectal Cancer
• Reducing Disparities in Liver Disease
• Reducing Disparities in IBD

This year’s plenary will focus on action items to eradicate health disparities in GI.

The 2022 AGA Presidential Plenary at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) is designed to highlight timely and high-impact research as it pertains to AGA and the global gastroenterology community. This year’s plenary will feature a series of invited speaker talks on the ways to integrate diversity and inclusion into the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

AGA President John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF, will present his address titled “Don’t Talk – Act: The Relevance of DEI to Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists and the Imperative for Action.” Read our Q&A with Dr. Inadomi below for details on what you can expect from the plenary.
 

Why did you want to focus on issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the presidential plenary?

Most obvious is the pandemic and the social issues the pandemic has amplified have made these issues a primary concern for AGA. The pandemic forced us to reexamine ourselves and to not assume everything we’ve done in the past should be done in the future. The diversity of AGA and AGA leadership is not where we want it to be. I want to use the presidential plenary as a platform to discuss race, especially, which is only one part of DEI. I can provide perspective as an Asian American experiencing a resurgence in racism and I want to involve nationally known experts like Monica Webb Hooper who’ve done research on this and have fully formed ideas on how to frame the questions and talk about action items that we, as a society, should adopt. The time of reflection and awareness has passed, the time of simply providing awareness is past. Society needs to adopt action items to address and combat racism.

Later in the plenary, I’m pleased to be joined by Dr. Byron Cryer and Dr. Sandra Quezada who will talk about how they created/developed the AGA Equity Project and their work to implement it.
 

What do you want attendees to take home from these various talks?

We hear a lot of talk about DEI, I hear a lot about awareness, a lot of talk about education. I asked the presidential plenary speakers to move beyond that to provide action items that AGA and its members can implement to reduce disparities in health outcomes. I hope that we will be able to measure these outcomes and see improvement over time coming out of the interventions proposed during this session.

Why did you choose disparities in CRC, liver disease, and IBD specifically?

I feel like these are core parts of gastroenterology and hepatology. So much of the disparities we see in colon cancer are a microcosm of the disparities that exist across the spectrum of GI and liver disease. They illustrate the problems with access and utilization. Disparities in CRC outcomes are exacerbated by the pandemic. I chose liver disease because it’s another area where racial disparities exist and are exacerbated by the pandemic. All three are core services provided by gastroenterologists and hepatologists and represent areas where racism has caused disparities in outcomes. Greatly magnified by the pandemic.
 

Why is the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) important?

It’s important for me to listen to people who are the target of racism and hear how they want AGA to address their concerns. I want a better understanding of why ABGH was formed and why now. I want to hear what they hope to achieve and how they believe the AGA can help.
 

The full AGA Presidential Plenary line-up

We hope you’ll join us for the AGA Presidential Plenary, taking place Monday, May 23, at 10 a.m. PT during DDW. In addition to Dr. Inadomi’s keynote address, presentations will include:

• AGA Julius Friedenwald Recognition of Timothy Wang
• AGA Equity Project: Accomplishments and What Lies Ahead
• The Genesis and Goals of the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH)
• What We Need to Overcome Racial and Ethnic Barriers to Engage in Clinical Trials
• Reducing Disparities in Colorectal Cancer
• Reducing Disparities in Liver Disease
• Reducing Disparities in IBD

This year’s plenary will focus on action items to eradicate health disparities in GI.

The 2022 AGA Presidential Plenary at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) is designed to highlight timely and high-impact research as it pertains to AGA and the global gastroenterology community. This year’s plenary will feature a series of invited speaker talks on the ways to integrate diversity and inclusion into the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

AGA President John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF, will present his address titled “Don’t Talk – Act: The Relevance of DEI to Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists and the Imperative for Action.” Read our Q&A with Dr. Inadomi below for details on what you can expect from the plenary.
 

Why did you want to focus on issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the presidential plenary?

Most obvious is the pandemic and the social issues the pandemic has amplified have made these issues a primary concern for AGA. The pandemic forced us to reexamine ourselves and to not assume everything we’ve done in the past should be done in the future. The diversity of AGA and AGA leadership is not where we want it to be. I want to use the presidential plenary as a platform to discuss race, especially, which is only one part of DEI. I can provide perspective as an Asian American experiencing a resurgence in racism and I want to involve nationally known experts like Monica Webb Hooper who’ve done research on this and have fully formed ideas on how to frame the questions and talk about action items that we, as a society, should adopt. The time of reflection and awareness has passed, the time of simply providing awareness is past. Society needs to adopt action items to address and combat racism.

Later in the plenary, I’m pleased to be joined by Dr. Byron Cryer and Dr. Sandra Quezada who will talk about how they created/developed the AGA Equity Project and their work to implement it.
 

What do you want attendees to take home from these various talks?

We hear a lot of talk about DEI, I hear a lot about awareness, a lot of talk about education. I asked the presidential plenary speakers to move beyond that to provide action items that AGA and its members can implement to reduce disparities in health outcomes. I hope that we will be able to measure these outcomes and see improvement over time coming out of the interventions proposed during this session.

Why did you choose disparities in CRC, liver disease, and IBD specifically?

I feel like these are core parts of gastroenterology and hepatology. So much of the disparities we see in colon cancer are a microcosm of the disparities that exist across the spectrum of GI and liver disease. They illustrate the problems with access and utilization. Disparities in CRC outcomes are exacerbated by the pandemic. I chose liver disease because it’s another area where racial disparities exist and are exacerbated by the pandemic. All three are core services provided by gastroenterologists and hepatologists and represent areas where racism has caused disparities in outcomes. Greatly magnified by the pandemic.
 

Why is the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) important?

It’s important for me to listen to people who are the target of racism and hear how they want AGA to address their concerns. I want a better understanding of why ABGH was formed and why now. I want to hear what they hope to achieve and how they believe the AGA can help.
 

The full AGA Presidential Plenary line-up

We hope you’ll join us for the AGA Presidential Plenary, taking place Monday, May 23, at 10 a.m. PT during DDW. In addition to Dr. Inadomi’s keynote address, presentations will include:

• AGA Julius Friedenwald Recognition of Timothy Wang
• AGA Equity Project: Accomplishments and What Lies Ahead
• The Genesis and Goals of the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH)
• What We Need to Overcome Racial and Ethnic Barriers to Engage in Clinical Trials
• Reducing Disparities in Colorectal Cancer
• Reducing Disparities in Liver Disease
• Reducing Disparities in IBD

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good. Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn.

What if all you had to do to ensure that the AGA Research Foundation can have an impact for years to come is to write a simple sentence? Sound impossible?

The AGA Research Foundation provides a key source of funding at a critical juncture in a young investigator’s career. Securing the future of the talented investigators we serve really is as simple as one sentence. By including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will, you can support our mission tomorrow without giving away any of your assets today.

Including the AGA Research Foundation in your will is a popular gift to give because it is:

• Affordable. The actual giving of your gift occurs after your lifetime, so your current income is not affected.
• Flexible. Until your will goes into effect, you are free to alter your plans or change your mind.
• Versatile. You can give a specific item, a set amount of money, or a percentage of your estate. You can also make your gift contingent upon certain events.

We hope you’ll consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will or living trust. It’s simple – just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. The official bequest language for the AGA Research Foundation is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the AGA Research Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

Join others in donating to the AGA Research Foundation and help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators. Contact us for more information at [email protected] or visit http://gastro.planmylegacy.org.

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good. Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn.

What if all you had to do to ensure that the AGA Research Foundation can have an impact for years to come is to write a simple sentence? Sound impossible?

The AGA Research Foundation provides a key source of funding at a critical juncture in a young investigator’s career. Securing the future of the talented investigators we serve really is as simple as one sentence. By including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will, you can support our mission tomorrow without giving away any of your assets today.

Including the AGA Research Foundation in your will is a popular gift to give because it is:

• Affordable. The actual giving of your gift occurs after your lifetime, so your current income is not affected.
• Flexible. Until your will goes into effect, you are free to alter your plans or change your mind.
• Versatile. You can give a specific item, a set amount of money, or a percentage of your estate. You can also make your gift contingent upon certain events.

We hope you’ll consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will or living trust. It’s simple – just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. The official bequest language for the AGA Research Foundation is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the AGA Research Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

Join others in donating to the AGA Research Foundation and help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators. Contact us for more information at [email protected] or visit http://gastro.planmylegacy.org.

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good. Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn.

What if all you had to do to ensure that the AGA Research Foundation can have an impact for years to come is to write a simple sentence? Sound impossible?

The AGA Research Foundation provides a key source of funding at a critical juncture in a young investigator’s career. Securing the future of the talented investigators we serve really is as simple as one sentence. By including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will, you can support our mission tomorrow without giving away any of your assets today.

Including the AGA Research Foundation in your will is a popular gift to give because it is:

• Affordable. The actual giving of your gift occurs after your lifetime, so your current income is not affected.
• Flexible. Until your will goes into effect, you are free to alter your plans or change your mind.
• Versatile. You can give a specific item, a set amount of money, or a percentage of your estate. You can also make your gift contingent upon certain events.

We hope you’ll consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will or living trust. It’s simple – just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. The official bequest language for the AGA Research Foundation is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the AGA Research Foundation [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”

Join others in donating to the AGA Research Foundation and help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators. Contact us for more information at [email protected] or visit http://gastro.planmylegacy.org.

In our recent member survey, 99% of respondents expressed that prior authorization has a negative impact on patients’ access to clinically appropriate treatments. We need to continue to put pressure on legislators to eliminate prior authorization burdens.

AGA endorses the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, which would streamline the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage by approving in real-time commonly approved services and implementing a standardized electronic prior authorization process.

Despite large bipartisan support, we need your help getting this bill across the finish line! Please take five minutes to ask your Representative to cosponsor this necessary bill by participating in our campaign.

Go to the AGA action center to contact your lawmakers!

In our recent member survey, 99% of respondents expressed that prior authorization has a negative impact on patients’ access to clinically appropriate treatments. We need to continue to put pressure on legislators to eliminate prior authorization burdens.

AGA endorses the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, which would streamline the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage by approving in real-time commonly approved services and implementing a standardized electronic prior authorization process.

Despite large bipartisan support, we need your help getting this bill across the finish line! Please take five minutes to ask your Representative to cosponsor this necessary bill by participating in our campaign.

Go to the AGA action center to contact your lawmakers!

In our recent member survey, 99% of respondents expressed that prior authorization has a negative impact on patients’ access to clinically appropriate treatments. We need to continue to put pressure on legislators to eliminate prior authorization burdens.

AGA endorses the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, which would streamline the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage by approving in real-time commonly approved services and implementing a standardized electronic prior authorization process.

Despite large bipartisan support, we need your help getting this bill across the finish line! Please take five minutes to ask your Representative to cosponsor this necessary bill by participating in our campaign.

Go to the AGA action center to contact your lawmakers!

The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the 2022 recipients of its annual recognition prizes, given in honor of outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology. 

“AGA is proud to officially announce the exceptional individuals selected for 2022 AGA Recognition Prizes. I wish to thank all the nominators and those who provided nomination letters, and the selection committees for the tough task they had to select among the many superb nominees,” said Bishr Omary, MD, PhD, AGAF, chair of the AGA. “Please join us in congratulating this year’s distinguished awardees and applauding their contributions to the field of gastroenterology that advance our profession and the patients we serve.” 

AGA looks forward to celebrating the recipients during Digestive Disease Week® 2022, May 21-24, in San Diego, Calif.

Meet and learn more about our award recipients here.

The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the 2022 recipients of its annual recognition prizes, given in honor of outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology. 

“AGA is proud to officially announce the exceptional individuals selected for 2022 AGA Recognition Prizes. I wish to thank all the nominators and those who provided nomination letters, and the selection committees for the tough task they had to select among the many superb nominees,” said Bishr Omary, MD, PhD, AGAF, chair of the AGA. “Please join us in congratulating this year’s distinguished awardees and applauding their contributions to the field of gastroenterology that advance our profession and the patients we serve.” 

AGA looks forward to celebrating the recipients during Digestive Disease Week® 2022, May 21-24, in San Diego, Calif.

Meet and learn more about our award recipients here.

The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the 2022 recipients of its annual recognition prizes, given in honor of outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology. 

“AGA is proud to officially announce the exceptional individuals selected for 2022 AGA Recognition Prizes. I wish to thank all the nominators and those who provided nomination letters, and the selection committees for the tough task they had to select among the many superb nominees,” said Bishr Omary, MD, PhD, AGAF, chair of the AGA. “Please join us in congratulating this year’s distinguished awardees and applauding their contributions to the field of gastroenterology that advance our profession and the patients we serve.” 

AGA looks forward to celebrating the recipients during Digestive Disease Week® 2022, May 21-24, in San Diego, Calif.

Meet and learn more about our award recipients here.

M. Bishr Omary, MD, PhD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Nominating Committee, is pleased to announce that Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, joins the presidential line-up for AGA.

Vice President
Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF
Director, Crohn’s and Colitis Center
University of Miami

Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, has more than 20 years of leadership experience in basic, translational, and clinical research and mentoring. She is AGA’s current councillor at-large, past chair of the AGA Institute Council, and an AGA Institute Council Section Research Mentor Award recipient (2020) for the IMIBD section. Dr. Abreu is also a recipient of the 2019 Sherman Prize by The Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Charitable Foundation that recognizes outstanding achievements in intestinal bowel disease.

Read her bio from the University of Miami.



The nominating committee also appointed the following slate of councillors which is subject to membership vote.

At-Large Councillor
Kim Barrett, PhD, AGAF
Vice dean for research
University of California, Davis

Kim Barrett, PhD, AGAF, is the current chair of the AGA Publications Committee, former chair of the AGA Ethics And Audit Committees, and served twice as director of the Academic Skills Workshop. She was recognized with AGA’s top research award, the AGA Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science (2021).

Her research interests have centered on the physiology and pathophysiology of the intestinal epithelium and their relevance to inflammatory bowel diseases and diarrheal diseases and have resulted in more than 300 publications.

Read her bio from UC Davis.



Councillor For Development And Growth
Lawrence Kosinski, MD, MBA, AGAF
Chief medical officer
SonarMD

A serial entrepreneur and thought leader in the world of value-based payment, Larry Kosinski, MD, MBA, AGAF, currently serves as chief medical officer of SonarMD, the leading value-based care coordination solution for complex chronic diseases. He founded SonarMD in 2014 to make it easier for specialists and patients to work together to manage symptomatic chronic illness and prevent clinical deterioration, improving health outcomes, and lowering the cost of care. 

In 2021, Dr. Kosinski was selected for his expertise in value-based payment to serve on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee and help develop bold, new Medicare payment models.

Read his bio from the SonarMD website.



Education & Training Councillor
Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF
Medical director and professor of clinical medicine, Clinical Skills Education and Assessment Center
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF, has been an AGA member for 30 years, serving on the Education And Training Committee, as past chair of the Academy of Educators, as cochair of the AGA future leaders program, and on the editorial board for Gastro Hep Advances. Dr. Pfeil has 30 years of experience in medical education, leading medical students, residents, and fellow education.

Her educational research interests include professional development, training and assessment methods, and virtual education. 

Read her bio from The Ohio State University.

Pending approval by the voting membership, all board members begin their terms after DDW 2022. The voting membership will be sent a ballot to approve the slate of councillors on or before March 28, 2022, with a response date of no later than April 29, 2022. Results will be announced at the AGA Annual Business Meeting on June 1, 2022.

M. Bishr Omary, MD, PhD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Nominating Committee, is pleased to announce that Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, joins the presidential line-up for AGA.

Vice President
Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF
Director, Crohn’s and Colitis Center
University of Miami

Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, has more than 20 years of leadership experience in basic, translational, and clinical research and mentoring. She is AGA’s current councillor at-large, past chair of the AGA Institute Council, and an AGA Institute Council Section Research Mentor Award recipient (2020) for the IMIBD section. Dr. Abreu is also a recipient of the 2019 Sherman Prize by The Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Charitable Foundation that recognizes outstanding achievements in intestinal bowel disease.

Read her bio from the University of Miami.



The nominating committee also appointed the following slate of councillors which is subject to membership vote.

At-Large Councillor
Kim Barrett, PhD, AGAF
Vice dean for research
University of California, Davis

Kim Barrett, PhD, AGAF, is the current chair of the AGA Publications Committee, former chair of the AGA Ethics And Audit Committees, and served twice as director of the Academic Skills Workshop. She was recognized with AGA’s top research award, the AGA Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science (2021).

Her research interests have centered on the physiology and pathophysiology of the intestinal epithelium and their relevance to inflammatory bowel diseases and diarrheal diseases and have resulted in more than 300 publications.

Read her bio from UC Davis.



Councillor For Development And Growth
Lawrence Kosinski, MD, MBA, AGAF
Chief medical officer
SonarMD

A serial entrepreneur and thought leader in the world of value-based payment, Larry Kosinski, MD, MBA, AGAF, currently serves as chief medical officer of SonarMD, the leading value-based care coordination solution for complex chronic diseases. He founded SonarMD in 2014 to make it easier for specialists and patients to work together to manage symptomatic chronic illness and prevent clinical deterioration, improving health outcomes, and lowering the cost of care. 

In 2021, Dr. Kosinski was selected for his expertise in value-based payment to serve on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee and help develop bold, new Medicare payment models.

Read his bio from the SonarMD website.



Education & Training Councillor
Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF
Medical director and professor of clinical medicine, Clinical Skills Education and Assessment Center
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF, has been an AGA member for 30 years, serving on the Education And Training Committee, as past chair of the Academy of Educators, as cochair of the AGA future leaders program, and on the editorial board for Gastro Hep Advances. Dr. Pfeil has 30 years of experience in medical education, leading medical students, residents, and fellow education.

Her educational research interests include professional development, training and assessment methods, and virtual education. 

Read her bio from The Ohio State University.

Pending approval by the voting membership, all board members begin their terms after DDW 2022. The voting membership will be sent a ballot to approve the slate of councillors on or before March 28, 2022, with a response date of no later than April 29, 2022. Results will be announced at the AGA Annual Business Meeting on June 1, 2022.

M. Bishr Omary, MD, PhD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Nominating Committee, is pleased to announce that Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, joins the presidential line-up for AGA.

Vice President
Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF
Director, Crohn’s and Colitis Center
University of Miami

Maria T. Abreu, MD, AGAF, has more than 20 years of leadership experience in basic, translational, and clinical research and mentoring. She is AGA’s current councillor at-large, past chair of the AGA Institute Council, and an AGA Institute Council Section Research Mentor Award recipient (2020) for the IMIBD section. Dr. Abreu is also a recipient of the 2019 Sherman Prize by The Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Charitable Foundation that recognizes outstanding achievements in intestinal bowel disease.

Read her bio from the University of Miami.



The nominating committee also appointed the following slate of councillors which is subject to membership vote.

At-Large Councillor
Kim Barrett, PhD, AGAF
Vice dean for research
University of California, Davis

Kim Barrett, PhD, AGAF, is the current chair of the AGA Publications Committee, former chair of the AGA Ethics And Audit Committees, and served twice as director of the Academic Skills Workshop. She was recognized with AGA’s top research award, the AGA Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science (2021).

Her research interests have centered on the physiology and pathophysiology of the intestinal epithelium and their relevance to inflammatory bowel diseases and diarrheal diseases and have resulted in more than 300 publications.

Read her bio from UC Davis.



Councillor For Development And Growth
Lawrence Kosinski, MD, MBA, AGAF
Chief medical officer
SonarMD

A serial entrepreneur and thought leader in the world of value-based payment, Larry Kosinski, MD, MBA, AGAF, currently serves as chief medical officer of SonarMD, the leading value-based care coordination solution for complex chronic diseases. He founded SonarMD in 2014 to make it easier for specialists and patients to work together to manage symptomatic chronic illness and prevent clinical deterioration, improving health outcomes, and lowering the cost of care. 

In 2021, Dr. Kosinski was selected for his expertise in value-based payment to serve on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee and help develop bold, new Medicare payment models.

Read his bio from the SonarMD website.



Education & Training Councillor
Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF
Medical director and professor of clinical medicine, Clinical Skills Education and Assessment Center
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF, has been an AGA member for 30 years, serving on the Education And Training Committee, as past chair of the Academy of Educators, as cochair of the AGA future leaders program, and on the editorial board for Gastro Hep Advances. Dr. Pfeil has 30 years of experience in medical education, leading medical students, residents, and fellow education.

Her educational research interests include professional development, training and assessment methods, and virtual education. 

Read her bio from The Ohio State University.

Pending approval by the voting membership, all board members begin their terms after DDW 2022. The voting membership will be sent a ballot to approve the slate of councillors on or before March 28, 2022, with a response date of no later than April 29, 2022. Results will be announced at the AGA Annual Business Meeting on June 1, 2022.

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good. Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn. Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following five have occurred since you last updated your will.

#1. Family changes
If you’ve had any changes in your family situation, you will probably need to update your will. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth, adoption, or a falling out with a loved one may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor of your estate.

#2. Relocating to a new state
The laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect your estate plan and how property in that state will be taxed and distributed.

#3. Tax law changes
Federal and state legislatures are continually tinkering with federal estate and state inheritance tax laws. An old will may fail to take advantage of strategies that will minimize estate taxes.

#4. You want to support a favorite cause
If you have developed a connection to a cause, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to us in your will.

#5. Changes in your estate’s value
When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger and your will no longer reflects how you would like your estate divided.

Consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will. You will help spark future discoveries in GI. Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good. Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn. Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following five have occurred since you last updated your will.

#1. Family changes
If you’ve had any changes in your family situation, you will probably need to update your will. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth, adoption, or a falling out with a loved one may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor of your estate.

#2. Relocating to a new state
The laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect your estate plan and how property in that state will be taxed and distributed.

#3. Tax law changes
Federal and state legislatures are continually tinkering with federal estate and state inheritance tax laws. An old will may fail to take advantage of strategies that will minimize estate taxes.

#4. You want to support a favorite cause
If you have developed a connection to a cause, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to us in your will.

#5. Changes in your estate’s value
When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger and your will no longer reflects how you would like your estate divided.

Consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will. You will help spark future discoveries in GI. Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].

You have a will, so you can rest easy, right? Not necessarily. If your will is outdated, it can cause more harm than good. Even though it can provide for some contingencies, an old will can’t cover every change that may have occurred since it was first drawn. Professionals advise that you review your will every few years and more often if situations such as the following five have occurred since you last updated your will.

#1. Family changes
If you’ve had any changes in your family situation, you will probably need to update your will. Events such as marriage, divorce, death, birth, adoption, or a falling out with a loved one may affect how your estate will be distributed, who should act as guardian for your dependents, and who should be named as executor of your estate.

#2. Relocating to a new state
The laws among the states vary. Moving to a new state or purchasing property in another state can affect your estate plan and how property in that state will be taxed and distributed.

#3. Tax law changes
Federal and state legislatures are continually tinkering with federal estate and state inheritance tax laws. An old will may fail to take advantage of strategies that will minimize estate taxes.

#4. You want to support a favorite cause
If you have developed a connection to a cause, you may want to benefit a particular charity with a gift in your estate. Contact us for sample language you can share with your attorney to include a gift to us in your will.

#5. Changes in your estate’s value
When you made your will, your assets may have been relatively modest. Now the value may be larger and your will no longer reflects how you would like your estate divided.

Consider including a gift to the AGA Research Foundation in your will. You will help spark future discoveries in GI. Visit our website at https://gastro.planmylegacy.org or contact us at [email protected].