Society News

CHEST 2019 marked the inaugural FISH Bowl competition for attendees. Inspired by Shark Tank, our kinder, gentler, yet still competitive and cutting-edge FISH Bowl (Furthering Innovation and Science for Health) featured CHEST members disrupting our beliefs about how clinical care and education are performed. As health-care providers, they presented innovative ideas pertaining to education and clinical disease for pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Six finalists were chosen from dozens of submissions, and three emerged winners. In this new Meet the FISH Bowl Finalists series, CHEST introduces you to many of them – including Clinical Disease Category Winner Dr. Gao.

Name: Catherine Gao, MD

Institutional Affiliation: Northwestern University

Position: Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellow


Title: Time to Vent: A Blended Learning Experience

Brief Summary: It is difficult for ventilated patients to communicate, and this is cited by patients as one of the most stressful parts of their ICU stays. Brain-computer interface technology allows for communication to happen directly from brain wave activity and represents a potential tool to fix this problem.


1. What inspired your innovation? Every clinician has had the frustrating experience of difficulty communicating with their ventilated patients, and it is even more challenging for patients and their families. I read about recent advances in communication methods from the neurology literature and thought about expanding this technology to the ICU.

2. What do you see as challenges to your innovation gaining widespread acceptance? How can they be overcome? This is still an early idea with technology still being developed – there have been investments by the military and large tech companies, as well as universities – it will take time for the technology to be ready for clinical use, and there will be troubleshooting needed as with all new technologies.

3. What impact has winning FISH Bowl 2019 had on your vision for the innovation? The judges gave great feedback and had wonderful suggestions and questions. This is just the beginning.

4. How do you think your success at FISH Bowl 2019 will continue to impact your career overall in the months and years to come? This was a great experience to talk about interesting ideas, and I had the opportunity to talk to many people with similar interests after the presentation. I thank CHEST for this amazing opportunity and look forward to the years to come!

CHEST 2019 marked the inaugural FISH Bowl competition for attendees. Inspired by Shark Tank, our kinder, gentler, yet still competitive and cutting-edge FISH Bowl (Furthering Innovation and Science for Health) featured CHEST members disrupting our beliefs about how clinical care and education are performed. As health-care providers, they presented innovative ideas pertaining to education and clinical disease for pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Six finalists were chosen from dozens of submissions, and three emerged winners. In this new Meet the FISH Bowl Finalists series, CHEST introduces you to many of them – including Clinical Disease Category Winner Dr. Gao.

Name: Catherine Gao, MD

Institutional Affiliation: Northwestern University

Position: Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellow


Title: Time to Vent: A Blended Learning Experience

Brief Summary: It is difficult for ventilated patients to communicate, and this is cited by patients as one of the most stressful parts of their ICU stays. Brain-computer interface technology allows for communication to happen directly from brain wave activity and represents a potential tool to fix this problem.


1. What inspired your innovation? Every clinician has had the frustrating experience of difficulty communicating with their ventilated patients, and it is even more challenging for patients and their families. I read about recent advances in communication methods from the neurology literature and thought about expanding this technology to the ICU.

2. What do you see as challenges to your innovation gaining widespread acceptance? How can they be overcome? This is still an early idea with technology still being developed – there have been investments by the military and large tech companies, as well as universities – it will take time for the technology to be ready for clinical use, and there will be troubleshooting needed as with all new technologies.

3. What impact has winning FISH Bowl 2019 had on your vision for the innovation? The judges gave great feedback and had wonderful suggestions and questions. This is just the beginning.

4. How do you think your success at FISH Bowl 2019 will continue to impact your career overall in the months and years to come? This was a great experience to talk about interesting ideas, and I had the opportunity to talk to many people with similar interests after the presentation. I thank CHEST for this amazing opportunity and look forward to the years to come!

CHEST 2019 marked the inaugural FISH Bowl competition for attendees. Inspired by Shark Tank, our kinder, gentler, yet still competitive and cutting-edge FISH Bowl (Furthering Innovation and Science for Health) featured CHEST members disrupting our beliefs about how clinical care and education are performed. As health-care providers, they presented innovative ideas pertaining to education and clinical disease for pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Six finalists were chosen from dozens of submissions, and three emerged winners. In this new Meet the FISH Bowl Finalists series, CHEST introduces you to many of them – including Clinical Disease Category Winner Dr. Gao.

Name: Catherine Gao, MD

Institutional Affiliation: Northwestern University

Position: Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellow


Title: Time to Vent: A Blended Learning Experience

Brief Summary: It is difficult for ventilated patients to communicate, and this is cited by patients as one of the most stressful parts of their ICU stays. Brain-computer interface technology allows for communication to happen directly from brain wave activity and represents a potential tool to fix this problem.


1. What inspired your innovation? Every clinician has had the frustrating experience of difficulty communicating with their ventilated patients, and it is even more challenging for patients and their families. I read about recent advances in communication methods from the neurology literature and thought about expanding this technology to the ICU.

2. What do you see as challenges to your innovation gaining widespread acceptance? How can they be overcome? This is still an early idea with technology still being developed – there have been investments by the military and large tech companies, as well as universities – it will take time for the technology to be ready for clinical use, and there will be troubleshooting needed as with all new technologies.

3. What impact has winning FISH Bowl 2019 had on your vision for the innovation? The judges gave great feedback and had wonderful suggestions and questions. This is just the beginning.

4. How do you think your success at FISH Bowl 2019 will continue to impact your career overall in the months and years to come? This was a great experience to talk about interesting ideas, and I had the opportunity to talk to many people with similar interests after the presentation. I thank CHEST for this amazing opportunity and look forward to the years to come!

Developing resilient nurses and work environments can help organizations prevent burnout.

The Joint Commission released an advisory urging health-care organizations to promote resilience as a way to combat and prevent nurse burnout.

“Developing resilience to combat nurse burnout,” in The Joint Commission’s Quick Safety newsletter, notes that 15.6% of all nurses in a survey of more than 2,000 healthcare partners reported experiencing burnout “with emergency room nurses being at a higher risk,” which can affect the physical and emotional health of staff, as well as patient safety, mortality, and satisfaction.

According to data presented in the article, omitting nurses from the decision-making process, security risks, a need for more autonomy, and staffing challenges are the most common factors associated with nurse burnout.

To promote resilience in nurses and in the work environment, which can help prevent and reduce burnout among nurses and other front-line staff, health-care organizations should consider a number of strategies, including the following:

• Teach nurses and nurse leaders the elements of resilience, such as empowerment and colleague support, and how to identify symptoms of burnout.

• Provide positive role models and mentors.

• “Engage nursing input in staff meetings by posting an agenda and asking for additional items the nurses would like to discuss or present.”

• Measure the well-being of health-care providers; try interventions and then assess their effectiveness.

The article also notes that “mindfulness and resilience training alone cannot effectively address burnout unless the leadership is simultaneously reducing and eliminating barriers and impediments to nursing workflow, such as staffing and workplace environment concerns.”
 

Reference

The Joint Commission. Developing resilience to combat nurse burnout. Quick Safety. 2019;(50):1-4.

Developing resilient nurses and work environments can help organizations prevent burnout.

The Joint Commission released an advisory urging health-care organizations to promote resilience as a way to combat and prevent nurse burnout.

“Developing resilience to combat nurse burnout,” in The Joint Commission’s Quick Safety newsletter, notes that 15.6% of all nurses in a survey of more than 2,000 healthcare partners reported experiencing burnout “with emergency room nurses being at a higher risk,” which can affect the physical and emotional health of staff, as well as patient safety, mortality, and satisfaction.

According to data presented in the article, omitting nurses from the decision-making process, security risks, a need for more autonomy, and staffing challenges are the most common factors associated with nurse burnout.

To promote resilience in nurses and in the work environment, which can help prevent and reduce burnout among nurses and other front-line staff, health-care organizations should consider a number of strategies, including the following:

• Teach nurses and nurse leaders the elements of resilience, such as empowerment and colleague support, and how to identify symptoms of burnout.

• Provide positive role models and mentors.

• “Engage nursing input in staff meetings by posting an agenda and asking for additional items the nurses would like to discuss or present.”

• Measure the well-being of health-care providers; try interventions and then assess their effectiveness.

The article also notes that “mindfulness and resilience training alone cannot effectively address burnout unless the leadership is simultaneously reducing and eliminating barriers and impediments to nursing workflow, such as staffing and workplace environment concerns.”
 

Reference

The Joint Commission. Developing resilience to combat nurse burnout. Quick Safety. 2019;(50):1-4.

Developing resilient nurses and work environments can help organizations prevent burnout.

The Joint Commission released an advisory urging health-care organizations to promote resilience as a way to combat and prevent nurse burnout.

“Developing resilience to combat nurse burnout,” in The Joint Commission’s Quick Safety newsletter, notes that 15.6% of all nurses in a survey of more than 2,000 healthcare partners reported experiencing burnout “with emergency room nurses being at a higher risk,” which can affect the physical and emotional health of staff, as well as patient safety, mortality, and satisfaction.

According to data presented in the article, omitting nurses from the decision-making process, security risks, a need for more autonomy, and staffing challenges are the most common factors associated with nurse burnout.

To promote resilience in nurses and in the work environment, which can help prevent and reduce burnout among nurses and other front-line staff, health-care organizations should consider a number of strategies, including the following:

• Teach nurses and nurse leaders the elements of resilience, such as empowerment and colleague support, and how to identify symptoms of burnout.

• Provide positive role models and mentors.

• “Engage nursing input in staff meetings by posting an agenda and asking for additional items the nurses would like to discuss or present.”

• Measure the well-being of health-care providers; try interventions and then assess their effectiveness.

The article also notes that “mindfulness and resilience training alone cannot effectively address burnout unless the leadership is simultaneously reducing and eliminating barriers and impediments to nursing workflow, such as staffing and workplace environment concerns.”
 

Reference

The Joint Commission. Developing resilience to combat nurse burnout. Quick Safety. 2019;(50):1-4.

Original Research

Safety and Effectiveness of Bronchial Thermoplasty When FEV1 Is Less Than 50%.
By Dr. D. Langton, et al.

Utilization and Outcomes of Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
By S. E. Beyer, et al.

An Individualized Prediction Model for Long-term Lung Function Trajectory and Risk of COPD in the General Population.
By Dr. W. Chen, et al.

CHEST Review

Six-Minute Walk Test: Clinical Role, Technique, Coding, and Reimbursement.
By Dr. P. Agarwala, et al.
 

How I Do It

An Algorithmic Approach to the Interpretation of Diffuse Lung Disease on Chest CT Imaging: A Theory of Almost Everything.
By Dr. J. F. Gruden, et al.








 

Original Research

Safety and Effectiveness of Bronchial Thermoplasty When FEV1 Is Less Than 50%.
By Dr. D. Langton, et al.

Utilization and Outcomes of Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
By S. E. Beyer, et al.

An Individualized Prediction Model for Long-term Lung Function Trajectory and Risk of COPD in the General Population.
By Dr. W. Chen, et al.

CHEST Review

Six-Minute Walk Test: Clinical Role, Technique, Coding, and Reimbursement.
By Dr. P. Agarwala, et al.
 

How I Do It

An Algorithmic Approach to the Interpretation of Diffuse Lung Disease on Chest CT Imaging: A Theory of Almost Everything.
By Dr. J. F. Gruden, et al.








 

Original Research

Safety and Effectiveness of Bronchial Thermoplasty When FEV1 Is Less Than 50%.
By Dr. D. Langton, et al.

Utilization and Outcomes of Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
By S. E. Beyer, et al.

An Individualized Prediction Model for Long-term Lung Function Trajectory and Risk of COPD in the General Population.
By Dr. W. Chen, et al.

CHEST Review

Six-Minute Walk Test: Clinical Role, Technique, Coding, and Reimbursement.
By Dr. P. Agarwala, et al.
 

How I Do It

An Algorithmic Approach to the Interpretation of Diffuse Lung Disease on Chest CT Imaging: A Theory of Almost Everything.
By Dr. J. F. Gruden, et al.








 

Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community (https://community.gastro.org) to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses. In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:

1. Adherence to noninvasive CRC screening (http://ow.ly/6eng30qfUKq)

2. Q&A with Guideline authors: Management of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) (http://ow.ly/Cxsl30qfUYm).

3. IBD patient: Crohn’s colitis (http://ow.ly/DsOg30qfUNt).

4. Patient with intractable abdominal pain (http://ow.ly/EPFi30qfUsi).

5. IBD patient: Ulcerative colitis (http://ow.ly/d6e730qfUVZ).

Access these clinical cases and more discussions at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.

Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community (https://community.gastro.org) to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses. In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:

1. Adherence to noninvasive CRC screening (http://ow.ly/6eng30qfUKq)

2. Q&A with Guideline authors: Management of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) (http://ow.ly/Cxsl30qfUYm).

3. IBD patient: Crohn’s colitis (http://ow.ly/DsOg30qfUNt).

4. Patient with intractable abdominal pain (http://ow.ly/EPFi30qfUsi).

5. IBD patient: Ulcerative colitis (http://ow.ly/d6e730qfUVZ).

Access these clinical cases and more discussions at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.

Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community (https://community.gastro.org) to seek advice from colleagues about therapy and disease management options, best practices, and diagnoses. In case you missed it, here are the most popular clinical discussions shared in the forum recently:

1. Adherence to noninvasive CRC screening (http://ow.ly/6eng30qfUKq)

2. Q&A with Guideline authors: Management of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) (http://ow.ly/Cxsl30qfUYm).

3. IBD patient: Crohn’s colitis (http://ow.ly/DsOg30qfUNt).

4. Patient with intractable abdominal pain (http://ow.ly/EPFi30qfUsi).

5. IBD patient: Ulcerative colitis (http://ow.ly/d6e730qfUVZ).

Access these clinical cases and more discussions at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.

AGA has announced the 2020 recipients of the annual recognition prizes, given in honor of outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology.

“AGA Recognition Prizes allow members to honor their colleagues and peers for outstanding contributions to the field of gastroenterology,” said Hashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH, AGAF, president of the AGA Institute. “The 2020 AGA Recognition Prize winners are just a few of the distinguished and talented members who help make AGA such an accomplished organization. We are honored that such esteemed individuals are representatives of AGA.”

The AGA Recognition Prizes will be presented during Digestive Disease Week® 2020, May 1-5, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois.
 

Julius Friedenwald Medal

AGA bequeaths its highest honor, the Julius Friedenwald Medal, to Gail Hecht, MD, MS, AGAF, for her substantial contributions to the field of gastroenterology and AGA. The Julius Friedenwald Medal, presented annually since 1941, recognizes a physician for lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology.

Dr. Hecht is internationally renowned for her pivotal contributions to the understanding of the important diarrheal pathogen, enteropathogenic E. coli. She is also a passionate advocate for the science and practice of gastroenterology, including serving as AGA Institute President. Dr. Hecht’s collegial and generous spirit, her past and continued leadership roles in AGA, her passion for and contributions to science and clinical medicine, and her dedication to both her patients and trainees have strengthened the specialty of gastroenterology, and also inspired and shaped the next generation of investigators and gastroenterologists. Dr. Hecht is currently assistant dean, medical student research and professor of medicine and microbiology/immunology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and a staff physician at Hines VA Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.
 

Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science

AGA recognizes R. Balfour Sartor, MD, with the AGA Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science, for his major accomplishments in basic science research, which have significantly contributed to the understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Dr. Sartor’s seminal observations throughout his career helped launch the area of inquiry that led to the recognition that the microbiome is a key to metabolic disease, IBD, intestinal neoplasia and hepatic disorders. Dr. Sartor is the Margaret W. and Lorimer W. Midgett Distinguished Professor and a professor, departments of medicine, microbiology and immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

William Beaumont Prize

AGA honors two individuals with the William Beaumont Prize in Gastroenterology, which recognizes individuals who have made unique, outstanding contributions of major importance to the field of gastroenterology.

Dennis Ahnen, MD, AGAF, had made many contributions to the field of gastroenterology that have significantly advanced the care of patients through clinical and translational research into the pathobiology of colorectal cancer and its prevention. Dr. Ahnen, has provided exemplary service to AGA. He is director of genetics at Gastroenterology of the Rockies and Professor Emeritus of medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora.

Peter Kahrilas, MD, AGAF, has worked tirelessly and creatively to characterize the function and pathophysiology of the esophagus and has written the esophageal papers upon which a large portion of current research is based. Dr. Kahrilas has also dedicated many years of service to AGA and is currently the Gilbert H. Marquardt Professor of Medicine in the division of gastroenterology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
 

Distinguished Educator Award

AGA honors Robert Fontana, MD, with the Distinguished Educator Award, which recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions as an educator in gastroenterology on both local and national levels. Dr. Fontana’s greatest teaching impact has been the establishment of one of the most highly successful transplant hepatology fellowship training programs in the country. He has taught countless medical students, residents and fellows, as well as faculty members via his clear, concise, and well-organized lectures and presentations. Dr. Fontana is a professor of medicine, medical director of liver transplantation, and director of transplant hepatology fellowship ACGME-accredited training program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Distinguished Clinician Awards

The AGA Distinguished Clinician Awards recognize members of the practicing community who, by example, combine the art of medicine with the skills demanded by the scientific body of knowledge in service to their patients.

AGA presents the Distinguished Clinician Award in Private Practice to Kimberly Persley, MD, AGAF. Dr. Persley made a huge impact on patient care in her community as the first IBD-specialty trained private practice gastroenterologist in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, region. She was sought out by gastroenterologists and patients throughout the region for her thorough, kind and holistic care. Dr. Persley is a partner at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas.

AGA is honored to present the Distinguished Clinician Award in Clinical Academic Practice, to Gary Lichtenstein, MD, AGAF. Dr. Lichtenstein is a renowned physician, educator, and investigator whose local, regional, and national prominence is remarkable. Patients and physicians throughout the country seek his consultation and advice in IBD. Dr. Lichtenstein is a professor of medicine and director of the IBD Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
 

Distinguished Mentor Award

AGA bestows the Distinguished Mentor Award to Juanita Merchant, MD, PhD. This award recognizes an individual who has made a lifelong effort dedicated to the mentoring of trainees in the field of gastroenterology and for achievements as outstanding mentors throughout their careers. Dr. Merchant is an exceptional mentor, providing guidance to multiple learners to jump start, enhance and guide their careers as scientists in gastroenterology. Many of her trainees are faculty in institutions around the world who have also stimulated young learners to pursue careers in science. Dr. Merchant is professor and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Research Service Award

AGA honors Peter Perrin, PhD, with the Research Service Award, which recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced gastroenterological science and research. As a program director at the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, Dr. Perrin has had a huge impact on NIH-funded digestive diseases research. At NIDDK, he has the largest portfolio of grants that have high impact in digestive diseases, in topics including immunology, microbiology, infectious diseases and IBD, barrier and transport functions, and AIDS/HIV.

Outstanding Service Award

AGA honors the Funderburg family with the Outstanding Service Award, which was created in 1972 to honor an individual(s) who has contributed significantly to society’s health and welfare. The family, which includes Rob and Cathy, Alex and Patty, and Hugh and Gail, has significantly contributed to the AGA Research Foundation through their personal philanthropy. Their parents established the AGA – R. Robert and Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer in 1992. In total, the family has given $3 million and with their most recent gift, they have permanently endowed their research award in gastric cancer.

The family encourages collaboration and communication between and among the Funderburg recipients and as a result, AGA established the annual Funderburg Symposium at DDW. This symposium allows leaders in the gastric cancer field, many of whom are past Funderburg recipients, to come together and learn about the latest advances and findings in gastric cancer research.
 

Young Investigator Awards

The AGA Young Investigator Awards recognize two young investigators, one in basic science and one in clinical science, for outstanding research achievements.

AGA honors Jennifer Lai, MD, MBA, with the Young Investigator Award in Clinical Science. Dr. Lai has pioneered a research program in frailty in hepatology that is changing the way that gastroenterologists and hepatologists manage patients with liver disease. She has carved out a niche at the junction of aging and hepatology research that is particularly timely given the influx of older patients with cirrhosis being seen in clinical practice, as well as the rapid rise in cirrhotic patients with multiple co-morbidities and frailty seeking liver transplantation. Dr. Lai is an associate professor of medicine in residence and director of the Advancing Research in Clinical Hepatology Group in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, at the University of California, San Francisco.

AGA honors Nobuhiko Kamada, PhD, with the Young Investigator Award in Basic Science. Dr. Kamada is known for his innovation combining fields examining the microbiota and the immune system in IBD, specifically, the interplay between diet, commensal and pathogenic microbes, and the immune system. He has published stellar findings that have been highly cited within short periods of time due to their innovation. Dr. Kamada is an assistant professor in the division of gastroenterology at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.

AGA has announced the 2020 recipients of the annual recognition prizes, given in honor of outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology.

“AGA Recognition Prizes allow members to honor their colleagues and peers for outstanding contributions to the field of gastroenterology,” said Hashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH, AGAF, president of the AGA Institute. “The 2020 AGA Recognition Prize winners are just a few of the distinguished and talented members who help make AGA such an accomplished organization. We are honored that such esteemed individuals are representatives of AGA.”

The AGA Recognition Prizes will be presented during Digestive Disease Week® 2020, May 1-5, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois.
 

Julius Friedenwald Medal

AGA bequeaths its highest honor, the Julius Friedenwald Medal, to Gail Hecht, MD, MS, AGAF, for her substantial contributions to the field of gastroenterology and AGA. The Julius Friedenwald Medal, presented annually since 1941, recognizes a physician for lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology.

Dr. Hecht is internationally renowned for her pivotal contributions to the understanding of the important diarrheal pathogen, enteropathogenic E. coli. She is also a passionate advocate for the science and practice of gastroenterology, including serving as AGA Institute President. Dr. Hecht’s collegial and generous spirit, her past and continued leadership roles in AGA, her passion for and contributions to science and clinical medicine, and her dedication to both her patients and trainees have strengthened the specialty of gastroenterology, and also inspired and shaped the next generation of investigators and gastroenterologists. Dr. Hecht is currently assistant dean, medical student research and professor of medicine and microbiology/immunology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and a staff physician at Hines VA Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.
 

Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science

AGA recognizes R. Balfour Sartor, MD, with the AGA Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science, for his major accomplishments in basic science research, which have significantly contributed to the understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Dr. Sartor’s seminal observations throughout his career helped launch the area of inquiry that led to the recognition that the microbiome is a key to metabolic disease, IBD, intestinal neoplasia and hepatic disorders. Dr. Sartor is the Margaret W. and Lorimer W. Midgett Distinguished Professor and a professor, departments of medicine, microbiology and immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

William Beaumont Prize

AGA honors two individuals with the William Beaumont Prize in Gastroenterology, which recognizes individuals who have made unique, outstanding contributions of major importance to the field of gastroenterology.

Dennis Ahnen, MD, AGAF, had made many contributions to the field of gastroenterology that have significantly advanced the care of patients through clinical and translational research into the pathobiology of colorectal cancer and its prevention. Dr. Ahnen, has provided exemplary service to AGA. He is director of genetics at Gastroenterology of the Rockies and Professor Emeritus of medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora.

Peter Kahrilas, MD, AGAF, has worked tirelessly and creatively to characterize the function and pathophysiology of the esophagus and has written the esophageal papers upon which a large portion of current research is based. Dr. Kahrilas has also dedicated many years of service to AGA and is currently the Gilbert H. Marquardt Professor of Medicine in the division of gastroenterology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
 

Distinguished Educator Award

AGA honors Robert Fontana, MD, with the Distinguished Educator Award, which recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions as an educator in gastroenterology on both local and national levels. Dr. Fontana’s greatest teaching impact has been the establishment of one of the most highly successful transplant hepatology fellowship training programs in the country. He has taught countless medical students, residents and fellows, as well as faculty members via his clear, concise, and well-organized lectures and presentations. Dr. Fontana is a professor of medicine, medical director of liver transplantation, and director of transplant hepatology fellowship ACGME-accredited training program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Distinguished Clinician Awards

The AGA Distinguished Clinician Awards recognize members of the practicing community who, by example, combine the art of medicine with the skills demanded by the scientific body of knowledge in service to their patients.

AGA presents the Distinguished Clinician Award in Private Practice to Kimberly Persley, MD, AGAF. Dr. Persley made a huge impact on patient care in her community as the first IBD-specialty trained private practice gastroenterologist in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, region. She was sought out by gastroenterologists and patients throughout the region for her thorough, kind and holistic care. Dr. Persley is a partner at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas.

AGA is honored to present the Distinguished Clinician Award in Clinical Academic Practice, to Gary Lichtenstein, MD, AGAF. Dr. Lichtenstein is a renowned physician, educator, and investigator whose local, regional, and national prominence is remarkable. Patients and physicians throughout the country seek his consultation and advice in IBD. Dr. Lichtenstein is a professor of medicine and director of the IBD Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
 

Distinguished Mentor Award

AGA bestows the Distinguished Mentor Award to Juanita Merchant, MD, PhD. This award recognizes an individual who has made a lifelong effort dedicated to the mentoring of trainees in the field of gastroenterology and for achievements as outstanding mentors throughout their careers. Dr. Merchant is an exceptional mentor, providing guidance to multiple learners to jump start, enhance and guide their careers as scientists in gastroenterology. Many of her trainees are faculty in institutions around the world who have also stimulated young learners to pursue careers in science. Dr. Merchant is professor and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Research Service Award

AGA honors Peter Perrin, PhD, with the Research Service Award, which recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced gastroenterological science and research. As a program director at the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, Dr. Perrin has had a huge impact on NIH-funded digestive diseases research. At NIDDK, he has the largest portfolio of grants that have high impact in digestive diseases, in topics including immunology, microbiology, infectious diseases and IBD, barrier and transport functions, and AIDS/HIV.

Outstanding Service Award

AGA honors the Funderburg family with the Outstanding Service Award, which was created in 1972 to honor an individual(s) who has contributed significantly to society’s health and welfare. The family, which includes Rob and Cathy, Alex and Patty, and Hugh and Gail, has significantly contributed to the AGA Research Foundation through their personal philanthropy. Their parents established the AGA – R. Robert and Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer in 1992. In total, the family has given $3 million and with their most recent gift, they have permanently endowed their research award in gastric cancer.

The family encourages collaboration and communication between and among the Funderburg recipients and as a result, AGA established the annual Funderburg Symposium at DDW. This symposium allows leaders in the gastric cancer field, many of whom are past Funderburg recipients, to come together and learn about the latest advances and findings in gastric cancer research.
 

Young Investigator Awards

The AGA Young Investigator Awards recognize two young investigators, one in basic science and one in clinical science, for outstanding research achievements.

AGA honors Jennifer Lai, MD, MBA, with the Young Investigator Award in Clinical Science. Dr. Lai has pioneered a research program in frailty in hepatology that is changing the way that gastroenterologists and hepatologists manage patients with liver disease. She has carved out a niche at the junction of aging and hepatology research that is particularly timely given the influx of older patients with cirrhosis being seen in clinical practice, as well as the rapid rise in cirrhotic patients with multiple co-morbidities and frailty seeking liver transplantation. Dr. Lai is an associate professor of medicine in residence and director of the Advancing Research in Clinical Hepatology Group in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, at the University of California, San Francisco.

AGA honors Nobuhiko Kamada, PhD, with the Young Investigator Award in Basic Science. Dr. Kamada is known for his innovation combining fields examining the microbiota and the immune system in IBD, specifically, the interplay between diet, commensal and pathogenic microbes, and the immune system. He has published stellar findings that have been highly cited within short periods of time due to their innovation. Dr. Kamada is an assistant professor in the division of gastroenterology at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.

AGA has announced the 2020 recipients of the annual recognition prizes, given in honor of outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology.

“AGA Recognition Prizes allow members to honor their colleagues and peers for outstanding contributions to the field of gastroenterology,” said Hashem B. El-Serag, MD, MPH, AGAF, president of the AGA Institute. “The 2020 AGA Recognition Prize winners are just a few of the distinguished and talented members who help make AGA such an accomplished organization. We are honored that such esteemed individuals are representatives of AGA.”

The AGA Recognition Prizes will be presented during Digestive Disease Week® 2020, May 1-5, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois.
 

Julius Friedenwald Medal

AGA bequeaths its highest honor, the Julius Friedenwald Medal, to Gail Hecht, MD, MS, AGAF, for her substantial contributions to the field of gastroenterology and AGA. The Julius Friedenwald Medal, presented annually since 1941, recognizes a physician for lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology.

Dr. Hecht is internationally renowned for her pivotal contributions to the understanding of the important diarrheal pathogen, enteropathogenic E. coli. She is also a passionate advocate for the science and practice of gastroenterology, including serving as AGA Institute President. Dr. Hecht’s collegial and generous spirit, her past and continued leadership roles in AGA, her passion for and contributions to science and clinical medicine, and her dedication to both her patients and trainees have strengthened the specialty of gastroenterology, and also inspired and shaped the next generation of investigators and gastroenterologists. Dr. Hecht is currently assistant dean, medical student research and professor of medicine and microbiology/immunology at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and a staff physician at Hines VA Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.
 

Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science

AGA recognizes R. Balfour Sartor, MD, with the AGA Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science, for his major accomplishments in basic science research, which have significantly contributed to the understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Dr. Sartor’s seminal observations throughout his career helped launch the area of inquiry that led to the recognition that the microbiome is a key to metabolic disease, IBD, intestinal neoplasia and hepatic disorders. Dr. Sartor is the Margaret W. and Lorimer W. Midgett Distinguished Professor and a professor, departments of medicine, microbiology and immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

William Beaumont Prize

AGA honors two individuals with the William Beaumont Prize in Gastroenterology, which recognizes individuals who have made unique, outstanding contributions of major importance to the field of gastroenterology.

Dennis Ahnen, MD, AGAF, had made many contributions to the field of gastroenterology that have significantly advanced the care of patients through clinical and translational research into the pathobiology of colorectal cancer and its prevention. Dr. Ahnen, has provided exemplary service to AGA. He is director of genetics at Gastroenterology of the Rockies and Professor Emeritus of medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora.

Peter Kahrilas, MD, AGAF, has worked tirelessly and creatively to characterize the function and pathophysiology of the esophagus and has written the esophageal papers upon which a large portion of current research is based. Dr. Kahrilas has also dedicated many years of service to AGA and is currently the Gilbert H. Marquardt Professor of Medicine in the division of gastroenterology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
 

Distinguished Educator Award

AGA honors Robert Fontana, MD, with the Distinguished Educator Award, which recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions as an educator in gastroenterology on both local and national levels. Dr. Fontana’s greatest teaching impact has been the establishment of one of the most highly successful transplant hepatology fellowship training programs in the country. He has taught countless medical students, residents and fellows, as well as faculty members via his clear, concise, and well-organized lectures and presentations. Dr. Fontana is a professor of medicine, medical director of liver transplantation, and director of transplant hepatology fellowship ACGME-accredited training program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Distinguished Clinician Awards

The AGA Distinguished Clinician Awards recognize members of the practicing community who, by example, combine the art of medicine with the skills demanded by the scientific body of knowledge in service to their patients.

AGA presents the Distinguished Clinician Award in Private Practice to Kimberly Persley, MD, AGAF. Dr. Persley made a huge impact on patient care in her community as the first IBD-specialty trained private practice gastroenterologist in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, region. She was sought out by gastroenterologists and patients throughout the region for her thorough, kind and holistic care. Dr. Persley is a partner at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas.

AGA is honored to present the Distinguished Clinician Award in Clinical Academic Practice, to Gary Lichtenstein, MD, AGAF. Dr. Lichtenstein is a renowned physician, educator, and investigator whose local, regional, and national prominence is remarkable. Patients and physicians throughout the country seek his consultation and advice in IBD. Dr. Lichtenstein is a professor of medicine and director of the IBD Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
 

Distinguished Mentor Award

AGA bestows the Distinguished Mentor Award to Juanita Merchant, MD, PhD. This award recognizes an individual who has made a lifelong effort dedicated to the mentoring of trainees in the field of gastroenterology and for achievements as outstanding mentors throughout their careers. Dr. Merchant is an exceptional mentor, providing guidance to multiple learners to jump start, enhance and guide their careers as scientists in gastroenterology. Many of her trainees are faculty in institutions around the world who have also stimulated young learners to pursue careers in science. Dr. Merchant is professor and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Research Service Award

AGA honors Peter Perrin, PhD, with the Research Service Award, which recognizes individuals whose work has significantly advanced gastroenterological science and research. As a program director at the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, Dr. Perrin has had a huge impact on NIH-funded digestive diseases research. At NIDDK, he has the largest portfolio of grants that have high impact in digestive diseases, in topics including immunology, microbiology, infectious diseases and IBD, barrier and transport functions, and AIDS/HIV.

Outstanding Service Award

AGA honors the Funderburg family with the Outstanding Service Award, which was created in 1972 to honor an individual(s) who has contributed significantly to society’s health and welfare. The family, which includes Rob and Cathy, Alex and Patty, and Hugh and Gail, has significantly contributed to the AGA Research Foundation through their personal philanthropy. Their parents established the AGA – R. Robert and Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer in 1992. In total, the family has given $3 million and with their most recent gift, they have permanently endowed their research award in gastric cancer.

The family encourages collaboration and communication between and among the Funderburg recipients and as a result, AGA established the annual Funderburg Symposium at DDW. This symposium allows leaders in the gastric cancer field, many of whom are past Funderburg recipients, to come together and learn about the latest advances and findings in gastric cancer research.
 

Young Investigator Awards

The AGA Young Investigator Awards recognize two young investigators, one in basic science and one in clinical science, for outstanding research achievements.

AGA honors Jennifer Lai, MD, MBA, with the Young Investigator Award in Clinical Science. Dr. Lai has pioneered a research program in frailty in hepatology that is changing the way that gastroenterologists and hepatologists manage patients with liver disease. She has carved out a niche at the junction of aging and hepatology research that is particularly timely given the influx of older patients with cirrhosis being seen in clinical practice, as well as the rapid rise in cirrhotic patients with multiple co-morbidities and frailty seeking liver transplantation. Dr. Lai is an associate professor of medicine in residence and director of the Advancing Research in Clinical Hepatology Group in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology, at the University of California, San Francisco.

AGA honors Nobuhiko Kamada, PhD, with the Young Investigator Award in Basic Science. Dr. Kamada is known for his innovation combining fields examining the microbiota and the immune system in IBD, specifically, the interplay between diet, commensal and pathogenic microbes, and the immune system. He has published stellar findings that have been highly cited within short periods of time due to their innovation. Dr. Kamada is an assistant professor in the division of gastroenterology at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.

Celebrate with the AGA Research Foundation. AGA members are pillars of the GI community, dedicated to helping us achieve our goal of a world free of digestive diseases.

AGA Institute

To honor the lifelong contributions and achievements of some of our most esteemed members, we are pleased to present the AGA Research Foundation’s newest program, AGA Honors: Celebrating Difference Makers in Our Field.

Our honorees have been chosen for their pivotal role in shaping the future of gastroenterology and hepatology. Honorees span the gamut from mentors and researchers to administrators and clinicians and educators across a myriad of disciplines:

John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF

Rodger A. Liddle, MD

C. Richard Boland, MD, AGAF

David A. Lieberman, MD, AGAF

Martin Brotman, MD, AGAF

Pankaj J. Pasricha, MD

Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF

Chung Owyang, MD, AGAF

Eugene B. Chang, MD, AGAF

Jean-Pierre Raufman, MD

Sheila Crowe, MD, AGAF

Don C. Rockey, MD, AGAF

Francis M. Giardiello, MD, AGAF

Anil K. Rustgi, MD, AGAF

Fred S. Gorelick, MD

Robert S. Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF

Gail A. Hecht, MD, AGAF

Michael L. Weinstein, MD

Wayne I. Lencer, MD, AGAF

C. Mel Wilcox, MD

We invite you to learn more about our honorees and to celebrate their contributions to the field by making a donation to the AGA Research Foundation by visiting our website at http://foundation.gastro.org/aga-honors-celebrating/.

Celebrate with the AGA Research Foundation. AGA members are pillars of the GI community, dedicated to helping us achieve our goal of a world free of digestive diseases.

AGA Institute

To honor the lifelong contributions and achievements of some of our most esteemed members, we are pleased to present the AGA Research Foundation’s newest program, AGA Honors: Celebrating Difference Makers in Our Field.

Our honorees have been chosen for their pivotal role in shaping the future of gastroenterology and hepatology. Honorees span the gamut from mentors and researchers to administrators and clinicians and educators across a myriad of disciplines:

John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF

Rodger A. Liddle, MD

C. Richard Boland, MD, AGAF

David A. Lieberman, MD, AGAF

Martin Brotman, MD, AGAF

Pankaj J. Pasricha, MD

Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF

Chung Owyang, MD, AGAF

Eugene B. Chang, MD, AGAF

Jean-Pierre Raufman, MD

Sheila Crowe, MD, AGAF

Don C. Rockey, MD, AGAF

Francis M. Giardiello, MD, AGAF

Anil K. Rustgi, MD, AGAF

Fred S. Gorelick, MD

Robert S. Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF

Gail A. Hecht, MD, AGAF

Michael L. Weinstein, MD

Wayne I. Lencer, MD, AGAF

C. Mel Wilcox, MD

We invite you to learn more about our honorees and to celebrate their contributions to the field by making a donation to the AGA Research Foundation by visiting our website at http://foundation.gastro.org/aga-honors-celebrating/.

Celebrate with the AGA Research Foundation. AGA members are pillars of the GI community, dedicated to helping us achieve our goal of a world free of digestive diseases.

AGA Institute

To honor the lifelong contributions and achievements of some of our most esteemed members, we are pleased to present the AGA Research Foundation’s newest program, AGA Honors: Celebrating Difference Makers in Our Field.

Our honorees have been chosen for their pivotal role in shaping the future of gastroenterology and hepatology. Honorees span the gamut from mentors and researchers to administrators and clinicians and educators across a myriad of disciplines:

John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF

Rodger A. Liddle, MD

C. Richard Boland, MD, AGAF

David A. Lieberman, MD, AGAF

Martin Brotman, MD, AGAF

Pankaj J. Pasricha, MD

Michael Camilleri, MD, AGAF

Chung Owyang, MD, AGAF

Eugene B. Chang, MD, AGAF

Jean-Pierre Raufman, MD

Sheila Crowe, MD, AGAF

Don C. Rockey, MD, AGAF

Francis M. Giardiello, MD, AGAF

Anil K. Rustgi, MD, AGAF

Fred S. Gorelick, MD

Robert S. Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF

Gail A. Hecht, MD, AGAF

Michael L. Weinstein, MD

Wayne I. Lencer, MD, AGAF

C. Mel Wilcox, MD

We invite you to learn more about our honorees and to celebrate their contributions to the field by making a donation to the AGA Research Foundation by visiting our website at http://foundation.gastro.org/aga-honors-celebrating/.

Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) is taking place May 2-5, 2020, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. Featuring clinical care updates – presented nowhere else during DDW – the AGA Postgraduate Course will be held in conjunction with DDW on May 2 and 3. You can register for both together. Visit DDW.org and AGA University, agau.gastro.org, to learn more about each.

Improve patient care

The AGA Postgraduate Course is a comprehensive 1.5-day program highlighting ground-breaking advances in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered GI care. Attendees will participate in dynamic case-based sessions, learning lunches and panel discussions, and will walk away with best practices for treating a variety of disease states and digestive disorders.
 

The brightest ideas and breakthroughs in digestive disease

DDW continues to improve and consolidate its reputation as the meeting that brings the brightest ideas and breakthroughs in digestive disease. Prepare to be blown away in the Windy City by all that DDW has to offer:

More than 400 scientific sessions, organized by educational tracks and presented in a wide range of session formats. New sessions include an AGA Clinical Plenary, Topic-Focused Workshops on hypnosis techniques and nutrition, and expanded programming in the DDW Trainee and Early Career Lounge.

Opportunities to connect with over 14,000 attendees from around the world, including top GI experts. New Continuing Conversation blocks, immediately following select invited-speaker sessions, allow you time to network with presenters and fellow attendees.

An Exhibit Hall spotlighting new innovations and technologies that you can implement in your practice.

Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) is taking place May 2-5, 2020, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. Featuring clinical care updates – presented nowhere else during DDW – the AGA Postgraduate Course will be held in conjunction with DDW on May 2 and 3. You can register for both together. Visit DDW.org and AGA University, agau.gastro.org, to learn more about each.

Improve patient care

The AGA Postgraduate Course is a comprehensive 1.5-day program highlighting ground-breaking advances in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered GI care. Attendees will participate in dynamic case-based sessions, learning lunches and panel discussions, and will walk away with best practices for treating a variety of disease states and digestive disorders.
 

The brightest ideas and breakthroughs in digestive disease

DDW continues to improve and consolidate its reputation as the meeting that brings the brightest ideas and breakthroughs in digestive disease. Prepare to be blown away in the Windy City by all that DDW has to offer:

More than 400 scientific sessions, organized by educational tracks and presented in a wide range of session formats. New sessions include an AGA Clinical Plenary, Topic-Focused Workshops on hypnosis techniques and nutrition, and expanded programming in the DDW Trainee and Early Career Lounge.

Opportunities to connect with over 14,000 attendees from around the world, including top GI experts. New Continuing Conversation blocks, immediately following select invited-speaker sessions, allow you time to network with presenters and fellow attendees.

An Exhibit Hall spotlighting new innovations and technologies that you can implement in your practice.

Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) is taking place May 2-5, 2020, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. Featuring clinical care updates – presented nowhere else during DDW – the AGA Postgraduate Course will be held in conjunction with DDW on May 2 and 3. You can register for both together. Visit DDW.org and AGA University, agau.gastro.org, to learn more about each.

Improve patient care

The AGA Postgraduate Course is a comprehensive 1.5-day program highlighting ground-breaking advances in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered GI care. Attendees will participate in dynamic case-based sessions, learning lunches and panel discussions, and will walk away with best practices for treating a variety of disease states and digestive disorders.
 

The brightest ideas and breakthroughs in digestive disease

DDW continues to improve and consolidate its reputation as the meeting that brings the brightest ideas and breakthroughs in digestive disease. Prepare to be blown away in the Windy City by all that DDW has to offer:

More than 400 scientific sessions, organized by educational tracks and presented in a wide range of session formats. New sessions include an AGA Clinical Plenary, Topic-Focused Workshops on hypnosis techniques and nutrition, and expanded programming in the DDW Trainee and Early Career Lounge.

Opportunities to connect with over 14,000 attendees from around the world, including top GI experts. New Continuing Conversation blocks, immediately following select invited-speaker sessions, allow you time to network with presenters and fellow attendees.

An Exhibit Hall spotlighting new innovations and technologies that you can implement in your practice.

We’re celebrating diversity in our field with a new series spotlighting members of the AGA Diversity Committee and AGA FORWARD Program.

Born and raised in Cuba, Mayra Sanchez, MD, came to this country as an adult, with little money in her pocket and no recognition of her previous medical training. Unfortunately, she explains, her story is not uncommon.

“I first got involved with the AGA Diversity Committee to ensure there is recognition of those who come to our field from nontraditional paths such as this.”

Her professional hero is Dr. Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao, a senior hepatologist at Yale.

“She is inspiring as an engaging teacher and as a role model for practicing cutting-edge medicine, but she also is my hero because she was able to rise to a leadership position despite the challenges of being a minority.”

An issue affecting underrepresented minorities at the top of her radar is the need for more mentorship.

While serving on the committee, she also wants to stimulate a deeper understanding among colleagues of the value people bring by virtue of their different backgrounds, both in the gastroenterology and hepatology fields, and in GI patients.

“The practice of gastroenterology allows me to understand mind-body interactions and to appreciate how each person’s life experiences and emotional well-being contributes to her or his digestive health.”
 

Let’s get personal

What are you most proud of in your career? “I am proud that I built a very large, very busy, state-of-the-art motility practice at Yale University. Despite the fact that we have one of the biggest motility practices on the East Coast, we also pride ourselves on our dedication to patient care and patient satisfaction.”

... In your personal life? “In my personal life, I am proud to have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband who serve as constant reminders of the importance of life outside of the workplace.”

What’s your favorite part of your job? “Making a difference in people’s lives, especially when others have not been able to.”

What do you know now that you wish someone told you when you started your career? “The importance of persistence cannot be overstated.”

If I weren’t in gastroenterology, I would be ... “a writer.”

In my free time I like to ... “travel with my family to experience new cultures.”

We’re celebrating diversity in our field with a new series spotlighting members of the AGA Diversity Committee and AGA FORWARD Program.

Born and raised in Cuba, Mayra Sanchez, MD, came to this country as an adult, with little money in her pocket and no recognition of her previous medical training. Unfortunately, she explains, her story is not uncommon.

“I first got involved with the AGA Diversity Committee to ensure there is recognition of those who come to our field from nontraditional paths such as this.”

Her professional hero is Dr. Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao, a senior hepatologist at Yale.

“She is inspiring as an engaging teacher and as a role model for practicing cutting-edge medicine, but she also is my hero because she was able to rise to a leadership position despite the challenges of being a minority.”

An issue affecting underrepresented minorities at the top of her radar is the need for more mentorship.

While serving on the committee, she also wants to stimulate a deeper understanding among colleagues of the value people bring by virtue of their different backgrounds, both in the gastroenterology and hepatology fields, and in GI patients.

“The practice of gastroenterology allows me to understand mind-body interactions and to appreciate how each person’s life experiences and emotional well-being contributes to her or his digestive health.”
 

Let’s get personal

What are you most proud of in your career? “I am proud that I built a very large, very busy, state-of-the-art motility practice at Yale University. Despite the fact that we have one of the biggest motility practices on the East Coast, we also pride ourselves on our dedication to patient care and patient satisfaction.”

... In your personal life? “In my personal life, I am proud to have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband who serve as constant reminders of the importance of life outside of the workplace.”

What’s your favorite part of your job? “Making a difference in people’s lives, especially when others have not been able to.”

What do you know now that you wish someone told you when you started your career? “The importance of persistence cannot be overstated.”

If I weren’t in gastroenterology, I would be ... “a writer.”

In my free time I like to ... “travel with my family to experience new cultures.”

We’re celebrating diversity in our field with a new series spotlighting members of the AGA Diversity Committee and AGA FORWARD Program.

Born and raised in Cuba, Mayra Sanchez, MD, came to this country as an adult, with little money in her pocket and no recognition of her previous medical training. Unfortunately, she explains, her story is not uncommon.

“I first got involved with the AGA Diversity Committee to ensure there is recognition of those who come to our field from nontraditional paths such as this.”

Her professional hero is Dr. Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao, a senior hepatologist at Yale.

“She is inspiring as an engaging teacher and as a role model for practicing cutting-edge medicine, but she also is my hero because she was able to rise to a leadership position despite the challenges of being a minority.”

An issue affecting underrepresented minorities at the top of her radar is the need for more mentorship.

While serving on the committee, she also wants to stimulate a deeper understanding among colleagues of the value people bring by virtue of their different backgrounds, both in the gastroenterology and hepatology fields, and in GI patients.

“The practice of gastroenterology allows me to understand mind-body interactions and to appreciate how each person’s life experiences and emotional well-being contributes to her or his digestive health.”
 

Let’s get personal

What are you most proud of in your career? “I am proud that I built a very large, very busy, state-of-the-art motility practice at Yale University. Despite the fact that we have one of the biggest motility practices on the East Coast, we also pride ourselves on our dedication to patient care and patient satisfaction.”

... In your personal life? “In my personal life, I am proud to have two beautiful children and a wonderful husband who serve as constant reminders of the importance of life outside of the workplace.”

What’s your favorite part of your job? “Making a difference in people’s lives, especially when others have not been able to.”

What do you know now that you wish someone told you when you started your career? “The importance of persistence cannot be overstated.”

If I weren’t in gastroenterology, I would be ... “a writer.”

In my free time I like to ... “travel with my family to experience new cultures.”

Long-term AGA congressional champion and fierce physician-community advocate Congressman Phil Roe (R, Tenn), announced that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming 2020 election. Following his retirement announcement, Congressman Roe communicated to AGA and fellow health care organizations that he is still committed to ensuring the success of the prior authorization bill, H.R. 3107, before leaving Congress.

Congressman Roe, who was first elected to Congress in 2008 and is currently serving his sixth term, is an ob.gyn. by trade who practiced for 30 years before running for office. He originally ran for Congress on a platform touting his experience as a practicing physician to drive and positively impact health care policy. Upon entering Congress, he did just that – focusing his legislative attention and efforts on policies that protect patients, ease administrative burdens, and protect fair reimbursements for specialty physicians. Throughout his tenure, Congressman Roe served both his constituents and his colleagues in the House of Representatives as a valued and respected leader on health care issues. He currently serves as the top-ranking Republican on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee and as co-chair of both the House Doctor’s Caucus and the Congressional Academic Medicine Caucus. His primary focus as a member of Congress has always been on health care issues – many of which include AGA’s top policy priorities.
 

GI wins with Roe

Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). Congressman Roe was an instrumental figure in the bipartisan victory to repeal the flawed Medicare physician payment formula, known as SGR, in 2015. Throughout the deliberation of SGR repeal legislation, he stayed in close contact with physician groups and actively whipped House members for support.

Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Congressman Roe was a key ally in the fight to repeal the IPAB, which was created under the Affordable Care Act and which AGA and all of organized medicine long opposed since its sole purpose was to make budgetary cuts to Medicare if it reached a certain threshold of spending. Largely because of Congressman Roe’s leadership on this issue, the IPAB was successfully repealed after years of advocacy on the issue.

Through AGA PAC, AGA staff was afforded the opportunity to cultivate a strong working relationship over the years with Congressman Roe and his staff. While his leadership and commitment to pro-patient, pro-physician policies will be missed following his retirement from Congress, AGA staff looks forward to working with Congressman Roe through the remainder of his term on issues that impact our patients and our practice.

Long-term AGA congressional champion and fierce physician-community advocate Congressman Phil Roe (R, Tenn), announced that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming 2020 election. Following his retirement announcement, Congressman Roe communicated to AGA and fellow health care organizations that he is still committed to ensuring the success of the prior authorization bill, H.R. 3107, before leaving Congress.

Congressman Roe, who was first elected to Congress in 2008 and is currently serving his sixth term, is an ob.gyn. by trade who practiced for 30 years before running for office. He originally ran for Congress on a platform touting his experience as a practicing physician to drive and positively impact health care policy. Upon entering Congress, he did just that – focusing his legislative attention and efforts on policies that protect patients, ease administrative burdens, and protect fair reimbursements for specialty physicians. Throughout his tenure, Congressman Roe served both his constituents and his colleagues in the House of Representatives as a valued and respected leader on health care issues. He currently serves as the top-ranking Republican on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee and as co-chair of both the House Doctor’s Caucus and the Congressional Academic Medicine Caucus. His primary focus as a member of Congress has always been on health care issues – many of which include AGA’s top policy priorities.
 

GI wins with Roe

Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). Congressman Roe was an instrumental figure in the bipartisan victory to repeal the flawed Medicare physician payment formula, known as SGR, in 2015. Throughout the deliberation of SGR repeal legislation, he stayed in close contact with physician groups and actively whipped House members for support.

Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Congressman Roe was a key ally in the fight to repeal the IPAB, which was created under the Affordable Care Act and which AGA and all of organized medicine long opposed since its sole purpose was to make budgetary cuts to Medicare if it reached a certain threshold of spending. Largely because of Congressman Roe’s leadership on this issue, the IPAB was successfully repealed after years of advocacy on the issue.

Through AGA PAC, AGA staff was afforded the opportunity to cultivate a strong working relationship over the years with Congressman Roe and his staff. While his leadership and commitment to pro-patient, pro-physician policies will be missed following his retirement from Congress, AGA staff looks forward to working with Congressman Roe through the remainder of his term on issues that impact our patients and our practice.

Long-term AGA congressional champion and fierce physician-community advocate Congressman Phil Roe (R, Tenn), announced that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming 2020 election. Following his retirement announcement, Congressman Roe communicated to AGA and fellow health care organizations that he is still committed to ensuring the success of the prior authorization bill, H.R. 3107, before leaving Congress.

Congressman Roe, who was first elected to Congress in 2008 and is currently serving his sixth term, is an ob.gyn. by trade who practiced for 30 years before running for office. He originally ran for Congress on a platform touting his experience as a practicing physician to drive and positively impact health care policy. Upon entering Congress, he did just that – focusing his legislative attention and efforts on policies that protect patients, ease administrative burdens, and protect fair reimbursements for specialty physicians. Throughout his tenure, Congressman Roe served both his constituents and his colleagues in the House of Representatives as a valued and respected leader on health care issues. He currently serves as the top-ranking Republican on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee and as co-chair of both the House Doctor’s Caucus and the Congressional Academic Medicine Caucus. His primary focus as a member of Congress has always been on health care issues – many of which include AGA’s top policy priorities.
 

GI wins with Roe

Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). Congressman Roe was an instrumental figure in the bipartisan victory to repeal the flawed Medicare physician payment formula, known as SGR, in 2015. Throughout the deliberation of SGR repeal legislation, he stayed in close contact with physician groups and actively whipped House members for support.

Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Congressman Roe was a key ally in the fight to repeal the IPAB, which was created under the Affordable Care Act and which AGA and all of organized medicine long opposed since its sole purpose was to make budgetary cuts to Medicare if it reached a certain threshold of spending. Largely because of Congressman Roe’s leadership on this issue, the IPAB was successfully repealed after years of advocacy on the issue.

Through AGA PAC, AGA staff was afforded the opportunity to cultivate a strong working relationship over the years with Congressman Roe and his staff. While his leadership and commitment to pro-patient, pro-physician policies will be missed following his retirement from Congress, AGA staff looks forward to working with Congressman Roe through the remainder of his term on issues that impact our patients and our practice.

The first quarterly meeting of your CHEST Board of Regents for the 2019-2020 CHEST year occurred from January 30 to February 1. We were welcomed to Coronado, California, by CHEST's new President Stephanie M. Levine, MD, FCCP, who began by reviewing the success of the CHEST 2019 Annual Meeting. The meeting had both the highest attendance of medical professionals and the highest total attendance in CHEST history, as well as CHEST's largest Fellow-in-Training attendance. There was also a significant increase in the number of international colleagues who attended the meeting. Dr. Levine next reported on upcoming CHEST activities including six live-learning courses scheduled to occur before May, the CHEST Congress in collaboration with the Italian delegation in Bologna, Italy in June, ongoing planning for CHEST 2020, the next volume of SEEK Critical Care and two additional cough guidelines. 
 

The first quarterly meeting of your CHEST Board of Regents for the 2019-2020 CHEST year occurred from January 30 to February 1. We were welcomed to Coronado, California, by CHEST's new President Stephanie M. Levine, MD, FCCP, who began by reviewing the success of the CHEST 2019 Annual Meeting. The meeting had both the highest attendance of medical professionals and the highest total attendance in CHEST history, as well as CHEST's largest Fellow-in-Training attendance. There was also a significant increase in the number of international colleagues who attended the meeting. Dr. Levine next reported on upcoming CHEST activities including six live-learning courses scheduled to occur before May, the CHEST Congress in collaboration with the Italian delegation in Bologna, Italy in June, ongoing planning for CHEST 2020, the next volume of SEEK Critical Care and two additional cough guidelines. 
 

The first quarterly meeting of your CHEST Board of Regents for the 2019-2020 CHEST year occurred from January 30 to February 1. We were welcomed to Coronado, California, by CHEST's new President Stephanie M. Levine, MD, FCCP, who began by reviewing the success of the CHEST 2019 Annual Meeting. The meeting had both the highest attendance of medical professionals and the highest total attendance in CHEST history, as well as CHEST's largest Fellow-in-Training attendance. There was also a significant increase in the number of international colleagues who attended the meeting. Dr. Levine next reported on upcoming CHEST activities including six live-learning courses scheduled to occur before May, the CHEST Congress in collaboration with the Italian delegation in Bologna, Italy in June, ongoing planning for CHEST 2020, the next volume of SEEK Critical Care and two additional cough guidelines.