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VAM is Next Week – Are you Registered?
Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
NAMDRC Legislative and Regulatory Agenda Once Again Focuses on Patient Access
NAMDRC’s Mission Statement declares, “NAMDRC’s primary mission is to improve access to quality care for patients with respiratory disease by removing regulatory and legislative barriers to appropriate treatment.” This mission is clear as we review our legislative and regulatory agenda on an ongoing and continuing basis.
Home Mechanical Ventilation: Close to 20 years ago, HCFA (now CMS) was faced with an important reality: advances in technology related to home mechanical ventilation are triggering an exponential growth in availability of these life supporting devices, but a price would be paid. At that time, Medicare law was quite explicit, indicating that certain ventilators would be paid under a “frequent and substantial servicing” payment methodology, authorizing payment on an ongoing basis as long as the prescribing physician documented medical necessity. To circumvent that statutory reality, the agency created a new category of medical device – a respiratory assist device/RAD – and declared that these devices are no longer ventilators and are now subject to capped rental rules and regulations.
NAMDRC was determined to work within the system, but roadblocks were consistently encountered, ie, contractor policies that did not reflect current medical standards of care, peer reviewed literature, etc. Even defining a “respiratory assist device” was (and still is) a challenge, as the term does not appear in the medical literature or in FDA vernacular.
Spin forward to 2018 and numerous realities come into play. Physicians still struggle with the concept of RADs without a definitive, consistent definition and no FDA language to guide usage. Today, it is easier to secure a ventilator if a physician documents the patient experiences some level of respiratory failure than it is to prescribe a simple ventilator with a back-up rate. Because of that dichotomy, the growth of life support ventilator usage is well documented.
If one takes the approach that a device should be paired with the actual clinical characteristics/medical need of the patient, changes in policy are necessary. While CMS clearly has the authority to act to improve policy and match clinical need to patient access, years and years of back and forth have signaled a definite unwillingness of the agency to move in that direction; therefore, the only genuine recourse is to seek legislative relief.
NAMDRC is working closely with the United States Senate, particularly the Finance Committee, Senator Cassidy (R-LA), and the Office of Senate Legislative Counsel to craft legislative language to address the myriad of issues associated with home mechanical ventilation.
Home Oxygen Therapy: In 1986, Congress revamped the statute governing coverage and payment of home oxygen. Pondering the reality of a segment of pulmonary medicine that has seen dramatic technological improvements and enhancements over the past 30-plus years, coupled with a payment system that is stuck with e-cylinders and competitive bidding, it is no wonder that both patients and physicians experience ongoing frustration trying to match a patient’s needs with an oxygen system that reflects the patient’s needs.
It’s a challenge to even consider where to start a reasonable discussion of home oxygen therapy. While the concept of supplemental oxygen is well accepted, the actual clinical evidence relies heavily on a very small number of studies. While virtually no one challenges the concept of the therapy, the actual science has progressed modestly in 30-plus years. But the technology surrounding oxygen therapy has become an industry all to itself. There are concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, liquid systems, transfill systems, transtracheal oxygen therapy, and so on.
Add to the environment the growing demand for high flow systems that would deliver continuous flow oxygen at rates in excess of 4 L/min, and you begin to realize that the current payment system is a barrier to access. After all, the current payment system has problematic characteristics:
1. A flawed competitive bidding methodology;
2. Payment tied to liter flow pegged at a baseline of 2 L/min, regardless of actual patient need;
3. The major shift from a “delivery model” of care to a nondelivery model that reflects these newer technologies;
4. Virtual disappearance of liquid system availability as an option for physicians/patients;
5. The total failure of CMS to monitor, let alone act on, patient concerns.
Again, taking the NAMDRC Mission Statement into context, NAMDRC is working with all the key societies to craft a broad strategy to address these problems, acknowledging that it will likely take a mix of legislative and regulatory actions to bring home oxygen therapy into the 21st century, let alone to reflect realities of care in 2018.
NAMDRC’s Mission Statement declares, “NAMDRC’s primary mission is to improve access to quality care for patients with respiratory disease by removing regulatory and legislative barriers to appropriate treatment.” This mission is clear as we review our legislative and regulatory agenda on an ongoing and continuing basis.
Home Mechanical Ventilation: Close to 20 years ago, HCFA (now CMS) was faced with an important reality: advances in technology related to home mechanical ventilation are triggering an exponential growth in availability of these life supporting devices, but a price would be paid. At that time, Medicare law was quite explicit, indicating that certain ventilators would be paid under a “frequent and substantial servicing” payment methodology, authorizing payment on an ongoing basis as long as the prescribing physician documented medical necessity. To circumvent that statutory reality, the agency created a new category of medical device – a respiratory assist device/RAD – and declared that these devices are no longer ventilators and are now subject to capped rental rules and regulations.
NAMDRC was determined to work within the system, but roadblocks were consistently encountered, ie, contractor policies that did not reflect current medical standards of care, peer reviewed literature, etc. Even defining a “respiratory assist device” was (and still is) a challenge, as the term does not appear in the medical literature or in FDA vernacular.
Spin forward to 2018 and numerous realities come into play. Physicians still struggle with the concept of RADs without a definitive, consistent definition and no FDA language to guide usage. Today, it is easier to secure a ventilator if a physician documents the patient experiences some level of respiratory failure than it is to prescribe a simple ventilator with a back-up rate. Because of that dichotomy, the growth of life support ventilator usage is well documented.
If one takes the approach that a device should be paired with the actual clinical characteristics/medical need of the patient, changes in policy are necessary. While CMS clearly has the authority to act to improve policy and match clinical need to patient access, years and years of back and forth have signaled a definite unwillingness of the agency to move in that direction; therefore, the only genuine recourse is to seek legislative relief.
NAMDRC is working closely with the United States Senate, particularly the Finance Committee, Senator Cassidy (R-LA), and the Office of Senate Legislative Counsel to craft legislative language to address the myriad of issues associated with home mechanical ventilation.
Home Oxygen Therapy: In 1986, Congress revamped the statute governing coverage and payment of home oxygen. Pondering the reality of a segment of pulmonary medicine that has seen dramatic technological improvements and enhancements over the past 30-plus years, coupled with a payment system that is stuck with e-cylinders and competitive bidding, it is no wonder that both patients and physicians experience ongoing frustration trying to match a patient’s needs with an oxygen system that reflects the patient’s needs.
It’s a challenge to even consider where to start a reasonable discussion of home oxygen therapy. While the concept of supplemental oxygen is well accepted, the actual clinical evidence relies heavily on a very small number of studies. While virtually no one challenges the concept of the therapy, the actual science has progressed modestly in 30-plus years. But the technology surrounding oxygen therapy has become an industry all to itself. There are concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, liquid systems, transfill systems, transtracheal oxygen therapy, and so on.
Add to the environment the growing demand for high flow systems that would deliver continuous flow oxygen at rates in excess of 4 L/min, and you begin to realize that the current payment system is a barrier to access. After all, the current payment system has problematic characteristics:
1. A flawed competitive bidding methodology;
2. Payment tied to liter flow pegged at a baseline of 2 L/min, regardless of actual patient need;
3. The major shift from a “delivery model” of care to a nondelivery model that reflects these newer technologies;
4. Virtual disappearance of liquid system availability as an option for physicians/patients;
5. The total failure of CMS to monitor, let alone act on, patient concerns.
Again, taking the NAMDRC Mission Statement into context, NAMDRC is working with all the key societies to craft a broad strategy to address these problems, acknowledging that it will likely take a mix of legislative and regulatory actions to bring home oxygen therapy into the 21st century, let alone to reflect realities of care in 2018.
NAMDRC’s Mission Statement declares, “NAMDRC’s primary mission is to improve access to quality care for patients with respiratory disease by removing regulatory and legislative barriers to appropriate treatment.” This mission is clear as we review our legislative and regulatory agenda on an ongoing and continuing basis.
Home Mechanical Ventilation: Close to 20 years ago, HCFA (now CMS) was faced with an important reality: advances in technology related to home mechanical ventilation are triggering an exponential growth in availability of these life supporting devices, but a price would be paid. At that time, Medicare law was quite explicit, indicating that certain ventilators would be paid under a “frequent and substantial servicing” payment methodology, authorizing payment on an ongoing basis as long as the prescribing physician documented medical necessity. To circumvent that statutory reality, the agency created a new category of medical device – a respiratory assist device/RAD – and declared that these devices are no longer ventilators and are now subject to capped rental rules and regulations.
NAMDRC was determined to work within the system, but roadblocks were consistently encountered, ie, contractor policies that did not reflect current medical standards of care, peer reviewed literature, etc. Even defining a “respiratory assist device” was (and still is) a challenge, as the term does not appear in the medical literature or in FDA vernacular.
Spin forward to 2018 and numerous realities come into play. Physicians still struggle with the concept of RADs without a definitive, consistent definition and no FDA language to guide usage. Today, it is easier to secure a ventilator if a physician documents the patient experiences some level of respiratory failure than it is to prescribe a simple ventilator with a back-up rate. Because of that dichotomy, the growth of life support ventilator usage is well documented.
If one takes the approach that a device should be paired with the actual clinical characteristics/medical need of the patient, changes in policy are necessary. While CMS clearly has the authority to act to improve policy and match clinical need to patient access, years and years of back and forth have signaled a definite unwillingness of the agency to move in that direction; therefore, the only genuine recourse is to seek legislative relief.
NAMDRC is working closely with the United States Senate, particularly the Finance Committee, Senator Cassidy (R-LA), and the Office of Senate Legislative Counsel to craft legislative language to address the myriad of issues associated with home mechanical ventilation.
Home Oxygen Therapy: In 1986, Congress revamped the statute governing coverage and payment of home oxygen. Pondering the reality of a segment of pulmonary medicine that has seen dramatic technological improvements and enhancements over the past 30-plus years, coupled with a payment system that is stuck with e-cylinders and competitive bidding, it is no wonder that both patients and physicians experience ongoing frustration trying to match a patient’s needs with an oxygen system that reflects the patient’s needs.
It’s a challenge to even consider where to start a reasonable discussion of home oxygen therapy. While the concept of supplemental oxygen is well accepted, the actual clinical evidence relies heavily on a very small number of studies. While virtually no one challenges the concept of the therapy, the actual science has progressed modestly in 30-plus years. But the technology surrounding oxygen therapy has become an industry all to itself. There are concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, liquid systems, transfill systems, transtracheal oxygen therapy, and so on.
Add to the environment the growing demand for high flow systems that would deliver continuous flow oxygen at rates in excess of 4 L/min, and you begin to realize that the current payment system is a barrier to access. After all, the current payment system has problematic characteristics:
1. A flawed competitive bidding methodology;
2. Payment tied to liter flow pegged at a baseline of 2 L/min, regardless of actual patient need;
3. The major shift from a “delivery model” of care to a nondelivery model that reflects these newer technologies;
4. Virtual disappearance of liquid system availability as an option for physicians/patients;
5. The total failure of CMS to monitor, let alone act on, patient concerns.
Again, taking the NAMDRC Mission Statement into context, NAMDRC is working with all the key societies to craft a broad strategy to address these problems, acknowledging that it will likely take a mix of legislative and regulatory actions to bring home oxygen therapy into the 21st century, let alone to reflect realities of care in 2018.
Check SVS Website for New Research Opportunities
Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].
Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].
Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].
Volunteers Sought for ‘Task Force on Future of Vascular Surgery’
The SVS is recruiting volunteers to serve on a new Task Force on the Future of Vascular Surgery, which will examine a number of critical trends shaping the specialty. President-elect Michael Makaroun, MD, will chair the new group. Learn more, including how to volunteer, here.
The SVS is recruiting volunteers to serve on a new Task Force on the Future of Vascular Surgery, which will examine a number of critical trends shaping the specialty. President-elect Michael Makaroun, MD, will chair the new group. Learn more, including how to volunteer, here.
The SVS is recruiting volunteers to serve on a new Task Force on the Future of Vascular Surgery, which will examine a number of critical trends shaping the specialty. President-elect Michael Makaroun, MD, will chair the new group. Learn more, including how to volunteer, here.
Submit a case to VAM's “Ask the Experts"
Help build the Vascular Annual Meeting’ new “Ask the Experts” sessions. The four small-group sessions will focus on common issues in vascular disease — coding, aortic care for occlusive disease, hemodialysis and PAD — with an expert reviewing a member's prior case. Members are invited to submit a case on these topics, briefly describing the case and providing a brief history and physical exam of the patient, the results and any additional issues they want to discuss during the program. Sessions will be held daily, Wednesday through Saturday. Submit a case here.
Help build the Vascular Annual Meeting’ new “Ask the Experts” sessions. The four small-group sessions will focus on common issues in vascular disease — coding, aortic care for occlusive disease, hemodialysis and PAD — with an expert reviewing a member's prior case. Members are invited to submit a case on these topics, briefly describing the case and providing a brief history and physical exam of the patient, the results and any additional issues they want to discuss during the program. Sessions will be held daily, Wednesday through Saturday. Submit a case here.
Help build the Vascular Annual Meeting’ new “Ask the Experts” sessions. The four small-group sessions will focus on common issues in vascular disease — coding, aortic care for occlusive disease, hemodialysis and PAD — with an expert reviewing a member's prior case. Members are invited to submit a case on these topics, briefly describing the case and providing a brief history and physical exam of the patient, the results and any additional issues they want to discuss during the program. Sessions will be held daily, Wednesday through Saturday. Submit a case here.
Don’t Miss the Upcoming Vascular Annual Meeting; Register Today
Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
Don’t miss the vascular surgery world’s headline event! Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s Vascular Annual Meeting, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register. To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
Catching Up With Our Past CHEST Presidents
Where are they now? What have they been up to? CHEST’s Past Presidents each forged the way for the many successes of the American College of Chest Physicians, leading to enhanced patient care around the globe. Their outstanding leadership and vision are evidenced today in many of CHEST’s strategic initiatives.
D. Robert McCaffree, MD, MSHA, Master FCCP
CHEST President 1997 - 1998
I received the chain of office (yes, there is an actual chain) from Dr. Bart Chernow in New Orleans during CHEST 1997. I remember this time as being a time of beginnings, challenges, and changes. Bart had been the stimulus for the CHEST Foundation and the form and function of this foundation was being developed. The women’s caucus (probably not the official name) was becoming more organized and more of a force under the leadership of Dr. Diane Stover and Dr. Deborah Shure and others, and the Woman, Girls, Tobacco, and Lung Cancer educational program was being refined. It was this program that got my wife, Mary Anne, involved with the CHEST, and she became a Fellow (FCCP). The American College of Chest Physicians was in the midst of the national tobacco settlement efforts at this time. Our involvement began when Mike Moore, Attorney-General of Mississippi, filed the first suit against the tobacco industry in 1994. Under the stimulus of Dr. John Studdard, our current President, the college was the only medical organization to file an amicus curiae brief supporting this, thus thrusting us into the midst of the tobacco settlement debates and in a leadership position. During the time I was President-elect and President, I was fortunate to represent us both in the ENACT Coalition (composed of national health groups, such as the American Cancer Society), as well as on the Koop-Kessler Congressional Advisory Committee. I also testified before Congress on the tobacco issues and met at the White House with DHHS Secretary Donna Shalala. On a different front, our international activities were not as developed as now, but we did make two memorable trips to India. Many thanks to Dr. Kay Guntupalli for helping make those trips so memorable. After this absolutely wonderful year, I passed the chain to Dr. Allen Goldberg in Toronto.
Among other activities, I was Chief of Staff at the Oklahoma City VAMC for 18 years, retiring from that position in 2009. I was honored by having the MICU at the VA named after me. In the community, I helped start the Hospice of Oklahoma County and then the Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma, both of which I served as first chairman. I also helped start Palliative Care Week on the OUHSC campus. I am currently the vice-chair of the Health Alliance for the Uninsured in Oklahoma City, which helps support the many free clinics in our city. My wonderful wife, Mary Anne, is also involved in many community activities. On a personal level, we try to see our two children and two grandchildren as often as possible, which is not often enough. My free time activities include reading, playing the piano, fly fishing (not often enough), and exercise.
My time as President of the American College of Chest Physicians was one of the best and most important experiences of my life. My memories of working with Al Lever, David Eubanks, Marilyn Lederer, Lynne Marcus, Steve Welch, and all the other administrative and physician leaders during that time remain very dear to me. The influence of CHEST continues to this very day. I can never repay all that I have gained from this experience. I wish I had the space allowance to expand on my experiences. But while my word allowance is limited, my gratitude is unlimited.
Where are they now? What have they been up to? CHEST’s Past Presidents each forged the way for the many successes of the American College of Chest Physicians, leading to enhanced patient care around the globe. Their outstanding leadership and vision are evidenced today in many of CHEST’s strategic initiatives.
D. Robert McCaffree, MD, MSHA, Master FCCP
CHEST President 1997 - 1998
I received the chain of office (yes, there is an actual chain) from Dr. Bart Chernow in New Orleans during CHEST 1997. I remember this time as being a time of beginnings, challenges, and changes. Bart had been the stimulus for the CHEST Foundation and the form and function of this foundation was being developed. The women’s caucus (probably not the official name) was becoming more organized and more of a force under the leadership of Dr. Diane Stover and Dr. Deborah Shure and others, and the Woman, Girls, Tobacco, and Lung Cancer educational program was being refined. It was this program that got my wife, Mary Anne, involved with the CHEST, and she became a Fellow (FCCP). The American College of Chest Physicians was in the midst of the national tobacco settlement efforts at this time. Our involvement began when Mike Moore, Attorney-General of Mississippi, filed the first suit against the tobacco industry in 1994. Under the stimulus of Dr. John Studdard, our current President, the college was the only medical organization to file an amicus curiae brief supporting this, thus thrusting us into the midst of the tobacco settlement debates and in a leadership position. During the time I was President-elect and President, I was fortunate to represent us both in the ENACT Coalition (composed of national health groups, such as the American Cancer Society), as well as on the Koop-Kessler Congressional Advisory Committee. I also testified before Congress on the tobacco issues and met at the White House with DHHS Secretary Donna Shalala. On a different front, our international activities were not as developed as now, but we did make two memorable trips to India. Many thanks to Dr. Kay Guntupalli for helping make those trips so memorable. After this absolutely wonderful year, I passed the chain to Dr. Allen Goldberg in Toronto.
Among other activities, I was Chief of Staff at the Oklahoma City VAMC for 18 years, retiring from that position in 2009. I was honored by having the MICU at the VA named after me. In the community, I helped start the Hospice of Oklahoma County and then the Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma, both of which I served as first chairman. I also helped start Palliative Care Week on the OUHSC campus. I am currently the vice-chair of the Health Alliance for the Uninsured in Oklahoma City, which helps support the many free clinics in our city. My wonderful wife, Mary Anne, is also involved in many community activities. On a personal level, we try to see our two children and two grandchildren as often as possible, which is not often enough. My free time activities include reading, playing the piano, fly fishing (not often enough), and exercise.
My time as President of the American College of Chest Physicians was one of the best and most important experiences of my life. My memories of working with Al Lever, David Eubanks, Marilyn Lederer, Lynne Marcus, Steve Welch, and all the other administrative and physician leaders during that time remain very dear to me. The influence of CHEST continues to this very day. I can never repay all that I have gained from this experience. I wish I had the space allowance to expand on my experiences. But while my word allowance is limited, my gratitude is unlimited.
Where are they now? What have they been up to? CHEST’s Past Presidents each forged the way for the many successes of the American College of Chest Physicians, leading to enhanced patient care around the globe. Their outstanding leadership and vision are evidenced today in many of CHEST’s strategic initiatives.
D. Robert McCaffree, MD, MSHA, Master FCCP
CHEST President 1997 - 1998
I received the chain of office (yes, there is an actual chain) from Dr. Bart Chernow in New Orleans during CHEST 1997. I remember this time as being a time of beginnings, challenges, and changes. Bart had been the stimulus for the CHEST Foundation and the form and function of this foundation was being developed. The women’s caucus (probably not the official name) was becoming more organized and more of a force under the leadership of Dr. Diane Stover and Dr. Deborah Shure and others, and the Woman, Girls, Tobacco, and Lung Cancer educational program was being refined. It was this program that got my wife, Mary Anne, involved with the CHEST, and she became a Fellow (FCCP). The American College of Chest Physicians was in the midst of the national tobacco settlement efforts at this time. Our involvement began when Mike Moore, Attorney-General of Mississippi, filed the first suit against the tobacco industry in 1994. Under the stimulus of Dr. John Studdard, our current President, the college was the only medical organization to file an amicus curiae brief supporting this, thus thrusting us into the midst of the tobacco settlement debates and in a leadership position. During the time I was President-elect and President, I was fortunate to represent us both in the ENACT Coalition (composed of national health groups, such as the American Cancer Society), as well as on the Koop-Kessler Congressional Advisory Committee. I also testified before Congress on the tobacco issues and met at the White House with DHHS Secretary Donna Shalala. On a different front, our international activities were not as developed as now, but we did make two memorable trips to India. Many thanks to Dr. Kay Guntupalli for helping make those trips so memorable. After this absolutely wonderful year, I passed the chain to Dr. Allen Goldberg in Toronto.
Among other activities, I was Chief of Staff at the Oklahoma City VAMC for 18 years, retiring from that position in 2009. I was honored by having the MICU at the VA named after me. In the community, I helped start the Hospice of Oklahoma County and then the Hospice Foundation of Oklahoma, both of which I served as first chairman. I also helped start Palliative Care Week on the OUHSC campus. I am currently the vice-chair of the Health Alliance for the Uninsured in Oklahoma City, which helps support the many free clinics in our city. My wonderful wife, Mary Anne, is also involved in many community activities. On a personal level, we try to see our two children and two grandchildren as often as possible, which is not often enough. My free time activities include reading, playing the piano, fly fishing (not often enough), and exercise.
My time as President of the American College of Chest Physicians was one of the best and most important experiences of my life. My memories of working with Al Lever, David Eubanks, Marilyn Lederer, Lynne Marcus, Steve Welch, and all the other administrative and physician leaders during that time remain very dear to me. The influence of CHEST continues to this very day. I can never repay all that I have gained from this experience. I wish I had the space allowance to expand on my experiences. But while my word allowance is limited, my gratitude is unlimited.
Announcing the 2018 Section Research Mentor Award recipients
The AGA Institute Council Section Research Mentor Award acknowledges AGA members for their achievements as outstanding mentors in a specific area of research. We are pleased to announce the 2018 recipients who will be recognized by each of the 13 AGA Institute Council sections during Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2018. Congratulations to these exceptional mentors!
AGA Institute Council 2018 Section Research Mentor Award recipients
Basic & Clinical Intestinal Disorders
Gary D. Wu, MD
Cellular & Molecular Gastroenterology
Charalabos Pothoulakis, MD
Clinical Practice
Amnon Sonnenberg, MD, MSc
Esophageal, Gastric & Duodenal Disorders
Nicholas J. Shaheen, MD, MPH, AGAF
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Randall W. Burt, MD, AGAF
Growth, Development & Child Health
Deborah L. Gumucio, PhD
Imaging, Endoscopy & Advanced Technology
Michael B. Wallace, MD, MPH, AGAF
Immunology, Microbiology & Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Claudio Fiocchi, MD
Liver & Biliary
Scott L. Friedman, MD
Microbiome & Microbial Diseases in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD
Neurogastroenterology & Motility
Richard W. McCallum, MD, AGAF
Obesity, Metabolism & Nutrition
Lee M. Kaplan, MD, PhD, AGAF
Pancreatic Disorders
Suresh T. Chari, MD
The AGA Institute Council Section Research Mentor Award acknowledges AGA members for their achievements as outstanding mentors in a specific area of research. We are pleased to announce the 2018 recipients who will be recognized by each of the 13 AGA Institute Council sections during Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2018. Congratulations to these exceptional mentors!
AGA Institute Council 2018 Section Research Mentor Award recipients
Basic & Clinical Intestinal Disorders
Gary D. Wu, MD
Cellular & Molecular Gastroenterology
Charalabos Pothoulakis, MD
Clinical Practice
Amnon Sonnenberg, MD, MSc
Esophageal, Gastric & Duodenal Disorders
Nicholas J. Shaheen, MD, MPH, AGAF
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Randall W. Burt, MD, AGAF
Growth, Development & Child Health
Deborah L. Gumucio, PhD
Imaging, Endoscopy & Advanced Technology
Michael B. Wallace, MD, MPH, AGAF
Immunology, Microbiology & Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Claudio Fiocchi, MD
Liver & Biliary
Scott L. Friedman, MD
Microbiome & Microbial Diseases in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD
Neurogastroenterology & Motility
Richard W. McCallum, MD, AGAF
Obesity, Metabolism & Nutrition
Lee M. Kaplan, MD, PhD, AGAF
Pancreatic Disorders
Suresh T. Chari, MD
The AGA Institute Council Section Research Mentor Award acknowledges AGA members for their achievements as outstanding mentors in a specific area of research. We are pleased to announce the 2018 recipients who will be recognized by each of the 13 AGA Institute Council sections during Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2018. Congratulations to these exceptional mentors!
AGA Institute Council 2018 Section Research Mentor Award recipients
Basic & Clinical Intestinal Disorders
Gary D. Wu, MD
Cellular & Molecular Gastroenterology
Charalabos Pothoulakis, MD
Clinical Practice
Amnon Sonnenberg, MD, MSc
Esophageal, Gastric & Duodenal Disorders
Nicholas J. Shaheen, MD, MPH, AGAF
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Randall W. Burt, MD, AGAF
Growth, Development & Child Health
Deborah L. Gumucio, PhD
Imaging, Endoscopy & Advanced Technology
Michael B. Wallace, MD, MPH, AGAF
Immunology, Microbiology & Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Claudio Fiocchi, MD
Liver & Biliary
Scott L. Friedman, MD
Microbiome & Microbial Diseases in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Jeffrey I. Gordon, MD
Neurogastroenterology & Motility
Richard W. McCallum, MD, AGAF
Obesity, Metabolism & Nutrition
Lee M. Kaplan, MD, PhD, AGAF
Pancreatic Disorders
Suresh T. Chari, MD
Psychotherapy helps patients with chronic digestive disorders
Patients with chronic digestive disorders can better cope with their symptoms and the effects on their daily lives when they receive support from mental health professionals specializing in psychogastroenterology, according to a new AGA Clinical Practice Update, published in the April issue of Gastroenterology (gastrojournal.org). , which will help reduce patient symptom burden and health care resource utilization. These therapies are optimally delivered by mental health professionals specializing in psychogastroenterology, a field dedicated to applying effective psychological techniques to GI problems.
According to best practice advice, to help promote the use of brain-gut psychotherapies in routine GI care, gastroenterologists should:
1. Routinely assess health-related quality of life, symptom-specific anxieties, early life adversity and functional impairment related to a patient’s digestive symptoms.
2. Master patient-friendly language on the following topics: the brain–gut pathway and how this pathway can become dysregulated by any number of factors; the psychosocial risk, perpetuating and maintaining factors of GI diseases; and why the gastroenterologist is referring a patient to a mental health provider.
3. Know the structure and core features of the most effective brain–gut psychotherapies.
4. Establish a direct referral and ongoing communication pathway with one to two qualified mental health providers and assure patients that he or she will remain part of their care team.
5. Familiarize themselves with one or two neuromodulators that can be used to augment behavioral therapies when necessary.
Patients with chronic digestive disorders can better cope with their symptoms and the effects on their daily lives when they receive support from mental health professionals specializing in psychogastroenterology, according to a new AGA Clinical Practice Update, published in the April issue of Gastroenterology (gastrojournal.org). , which will help reduce patient symptom burden and health care resource utilization. These therapies are optimally delivered by mental health professionals specializing in psychogastroenterology, a field dedicated to applying effective psychological techniques to GI problems.
According to best practice advice, to help promote the use of brain-gut psychotherapies in routine GI care, gastroenterologists should:
1. Routinely assess health-related quality of life, symptom-specific anxieties, early life adversity and functional impairment related to a patient’s digestive symptoms.
2. Master patient-friendly language on the following topics: the brain–gut pathway and how this pathway can become dysregulated by any number of factors; the psychosocial risk, perpetuating and maintaining factors of GI diseases; and why the gastroenterologist is referring a patient to a mental health provider.
3. Know the structure and core features of the most effective brain–gut psychotherapies.
4. Establish a direct referral and ongoing communication pathway with one to two qualified mental health providers and assure patients that he or she will remain part of their care team.
5. Familiarize themselves with one or two neuromodulators that can be used to augment behavioral therapies when necessary.
Patients with chronic digestive disorders can better cope with their symptoms and the effects on their daily lives when they receive support from mental health professionals specializing in psychogastroenterology, according to a new AGA Clinical Practice Update, published in the April issue of Gastroenterology (gastrojournal.org). , which will help reduce patient symptom burden and health care resource utilization. These therapies are optimally delivered by mental health professionals specializing in psychogastroenterology, a field dedicated to applying effective psychological techniques to GI problems.
According to best practice advice, to help promote the use of brain-gut psychotherapies in routine GI care, gastroenterologists should:
1. Routinely assess health-related quality of life, symptom-specific anxieties, early life adversity and functional impairment related to a patient’s digestive symptoms.
2. Master patient-friendly language on the following topics: the brain–gut pathway and how this pathway can become dysregulated by any number of factors; the psychosocial risk, perpetuating and maintaining factors of GI diseases; and why the gastroenterologist is referring a patient to a mental health provider.
3. Know the structure and core features of the most effective brain–gut psychotherapies.
4. Establish a direct referral and ongoing communication pathway with one to two qualified mental health providers and assure patients that he or she will remain part of their care team.
5. Familiarize themselves with one or two neuromodulators that can be used to augment behavioral therapies when necessary.
AGA Fellows application period now open
The application period for the 2019 AGA Fellowship is now open. Members whose professional achievements demonstrate personal commitment to the field of gastroenterology and meet the AGA Fellows program criteria are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about joining this community of excellence or to how to apply online at www.gastro.org/fellowship.
AGA Fellows receive:
• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities.
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status.
• A listing on AGA’s website alongside esteemed peers.
• And more.
Apply and gain international recognition for your achievements when you become an AGA Fellow.
The application period for the 2019 AGA Fellowship is now open. Members whose professional achievements demonstrate personal commitment to the field of gastroenterology and meet the AGA Fellows program criteria are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about joining this community of excellence or to how to apply online at www.gastro.org/fellowship.
AGA Fellows receive:
• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities.
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status.
• A listing on AGA’s website alongside esteemed peers.
• And more.
Apply and gain international recognition for your achievements when you become an AGA Fellow.
The application period for the 2019 AGA Fellowship is now open. Members whose professional achievements demonstrate personal commitment to the field of gastroenterology and meet the AGA Fellows program criteria are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about joining this community of excellence or to how to apply online at www.gastro.org/fellowship.
AGA Fellows receive:
• The privilege of using the designation “AGAF” in professional activities.
• An official certificate and pin denoting your status.
• A listing on AGA’s website alongside esteemed peers.
• And more.
Apply and gain international recognition for your achievements when you become an AGA Fellow.