Society News

While CHEST 2019 will have your days busy, don’t forget to find time to explore entertaining, cultural, and historic places around New Orleans. Grab your friends and colleagues for some fun, and try out a few of these places!

1. House of Blues New Orleans

If you’re already heading to the city known for jazz and blues, there’s no better place to experience that than the House of Blues New Orleans. Enjoy live music and great food under one roof. Be sure to check the House of Blues website as the annual meeting draws nearer to see which concerts and events will be happening in October.



2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Located just north of the convention center, head over to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. During the fall and winter months, the aquarium has less traffic, which allows you to take in all the animals and exhibits at your own pace. See exhibits like the Great Maya Reef, a walk-through tunnel into a submerged Maya city of the Yucatan peninsula; the penguins, sea otters, or the sharks and rays in the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit.



Hours: Monday - Sunday | 10 AM - 5 PM

While CHEST 2019 will have your days busy, don’t forget to find time to explore entertaining, cultural, and historic places around New Orleans. Grab your friends and colleagues for some fun, and try out a few of these places!

1. House of Blues New Orleans

If you’re already heading to the city known for jazz and blues, there’s no better place to experience that than the House of Blues New Orleans. Enjoy live music and great food under one roof. Be sure to check the House of Blues website as the annual meeting draws nearer to see which concerts and events will be happening in October.



2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Located just north of the convention center, head over to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. During the fall and winter months, the aquarium has less traffic, which allows you to take in all the animals and exhibits at your own pace. See exhibits like the Great Maya Reef, a walk-through tunnel into a submerged Maya city of the Yucatan peninsula; the penguins, sea otters, or the sharks and rays in the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit.



Hours: Monday - Sunday | 10 AM - 5 PM

While CHEST 2019 will have your days busy, don’t forget to find time to explore entertaining, cultural, and historic places around New Orleans. Grab your friends and colleagues for some fun, and try out a few of these places!

1. House of Blues New Orleans

If you’re already heading to the city known for jazz and blues, there’s no better place to experience that than the House of Blues New Orleans. Enjoy live music and great food under one roof. Be sure to check the House of Blues website as the annual meeting draws nearer to see which concerts and events will be happening in October.



2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Located just north of the convention center, head over to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. During the fall and winter months, the aquarium has less traffic, which allows you to take in all the animals and exhibits at your own pace. See exhibits like the Great Maya Reef, a walk-through tunnel into a submerged Maya city of the Yucatan peninsula; the penguins, sea otters, or the sharks and rays in the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit.



Hours: Monday - Sunday | 10 AM - 5 PM

Sleep: It Does a Body Good by Dr. Nancy Stewart

Sleep: it does a body good. No really, it does. When asked to write this month’s blog on sleep for Sleep Awareness Month, although honored, it was somewhat comical because the night prior I had one of my worst nights of sleep in a long time, taking care of a sick child. As health-care providers, we often lead stressful lives and pack way too much into our schedules. Both the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend obtaining 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for adults; unfortunately, many of us are not getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

Find the entire blog at https://goo.gl/sp9wWn.


 

Sleep: It Does a Body Good by Dr. Nancy Stewart

Sleep: it does a body good. No really, it does. When asked to write this month’s blog on sleep for Sleep Awareness Month, although honored, it was somewhat comical because the night prior I had one of my worst nights of sleep in a long time, taking care of a sick child. As health-care providers, we often lead stressful lives and pack way too much into our schedules. Both the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend obtaining 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for adults; unfortunately, many of us are not getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

Find the entire blog at https://goo.gl/sp9wWn.


 

Sleep: It Does a Body Good by Dr. Nancy Stewart

Sleep: it does a body good. No really, it does. When asked to write this month’s blog on sleep for Sleep Awareness Month, although honored, it was somewhat comical because the night prior I had one of my worst nights of sleep in a long time, taking care of a sick child. As health-care providers, we often lead stressful lives and pack way too much into our schedules. Both the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend obtaining 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for adults; unfortunately, many of us are not getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

Find the entire blog at https://goo.gl/sp9wWn.


 

The application deadline for the Community Awareness and Prevention Project Grant is April 15. This award is intended to help vascular surgeons conduct community-based projects that address emerging issues in vascular health, wellness and disease prevention. The SVS Foundation encourages applicants to establish collaborative community partnerships with organizations who share our goals for maximizing public health and can contribute to the success of the project. Read more about the grant here.

The application deadline for the Community Awareness and Prevention Project Grant is April 15. This award is intended to help vascular surgeons conduct community-based projects that address emerging issues in vascular health, wellness and disease prevention. The SVS Foundation encourages applicants to establish collaborative community partnerships with organizations who share our goals for maximizing public health and can contribute to the success of the project. Read more about the grant here.

The application deadline for the Community Awareness and Prevention Project Grant is April 15. This award is intended to help vascular surgeons conduct community-based projects that address emerging issues in vascular health, wellness and disease prevention. The SVS Foundation encourages applicants to establish collaborative community partnerships with organizations who share our goals for maximizing public health and can contribute to the success of the project. Read more about the grant here.

Begin planning your Vascular Annual Meeting experience with the SVS Online Planner. This includes the entire VAM schedule, plus the schedule for the Society for Vascular Nursing’s annual conference. The full schedule for the Vascular Quality Initiative's meeting, VQI@VAM, also will be available in the future. Users can easily find such information as presenters, certain topics, session types, intended audience and credit availability. Find the online planner on the VAM site here.

Begin planning your Vascular Annual Meeting experience with the SVS Online Planner. This includes the entire VAM schedule, plus the schedule for the Society for Vascular Nursing’s annual conference. The full schedule for the Vascular Quality Initiative's meeting, VQI@VAM, also will be available in the future. Users can easily find such information as presenters, certain topics, session types, intended audience and credit availability. Find the online planner on the VAM site here.

Begin planning your Vascular Annual Meeting experience with the SVS Online Planner. This includes the entire VAM schedule, plus the schedule for the Society for Vascular Nursing’s annual conference. The full schedule for the Vascular Quality Initiative's meeting, VQI@VAM, also will be available in the future. Users can easily find such information as presenters, certain topics, session types, intended audience and credit availability. Find the online planner on the VAM site here.

The PA Section steering committee has been hard at work developing session programming for the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting. Vascular PAs can look forward to a four-hour session on Thursday, June 13, completely dedicated to them. The program will focus on a variety of topics that include optimal team practice, vascular diagnostics, venous disease and wound management, an “Ask the Expert” portion and much more. Know a vascular PA who needs to become an SVS member? Encourage them to apply today.

The PA Section steering committee has been hard at work developing session programming for the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting. Vascular PAs can look forward to a four-hour session on Thursday, June 13, completely dedicated to them. The program will focus on a variety of topics that include optimal team practice, vascular diagnostics, venous disease and wound management, an “Ask the Expert” portion and much more. Know a vascular PA who needs to become an SVS member? Encourage them to apply today.

The PA Section steering committee has been hard at work developing session programming for the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting. Vascular PAs can look forward to a four-hour session on Thursday, June 13, completely dedicated to them. The program will focus on a variety of topics that include optimal team practice, vascular diagnostics, venous disease and wound management, an “Ask the Expert” portion and much more. Know a vascular PA who needs to become an SVS member? Encourage them to apply today.

The SVS is excited to announce that within your online community, SVSConnect, there will be an “Ask Us Anything” session at 2 p.m. CDT on April 8. Drs. Daniel McDevitt and William Shutze will be available in real time to answer questions about building relationships in a competitive environment. SVSConnect users will be able to chime in during the session to ask them anything. If you can’t make it to the live Q&A on April 8, all the questions and responses will be available in the SVSConnect library. More information will come soon.

The SVS is excited to announce that within your online community, SVSConnect, there will be an “Ask Us Anything” session at 2 p.m. CDT on April 8. Drs. Daniel McDevitt and William Shutze will be available in real time to answer questions about building relationships in a competitive environment. SVSConnect users will be able to chime in during the session to ask them anything. If you can’t make it to the live Q&A on April 8, all the questions and responses will be available in the SVSConnect library. More information will come soon.

The SVS is excited to announce that within your online community, SVSConnect, there will be an “Ask Us Anything” session at 2 p.m. CDT on April 8. Drs. Daniel McDevitt and William Shutze will be available in real time to answer questions about building relationships in a competitive environment. SVSConnect users will be able to chime in during the session to ask them anything. If you can’t make it to the live Q&A on April 8, all the questions and responses will be available in the SVSConnect library. More information will come soon.

"Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solutions” is the theme of this year’s Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC). The meeting will be held in Boston on May 13 and will focus on emerging vascular science and biology. Abstracts will cover topic areas including, but not limited to, vascular remodeling, stem cells and wound healing, arterial injury, and diabetes. Don’t miss out on the essential meeting for translational vascular science and interdisciplinary research – make your travel plans now.

"Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solutions” is the theme of this year’s Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC). The meeting will be held in Boston on May 13 and will focus on emerging vascular science and biology. Abstracts will cover topic areas including, but not limited to, vascular remodeling, stem cells and wound healing, arterial injury, and diabetes. Don’t miss out on the essential meeting for translational vascular science and interdisciplinary research – make your travel plans now.

"Hard Science: Calcification and Vascular Solutions” is the theme of this year’s Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC). The meeting will be held in Boston on May 13 and will focus on emerging vascular science and biology. Abstracts will cover topic areas including, but not limited to, vascular remodeling, stem cells and wound healing, arterial injury, and diabetes. Don’t miss out on the essential meeting for translational vascular science and interdisciplinary research – make your travel plans now.

Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community 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. Refractory lymphocytic colitis and diarrhea
An elderly female with lymphocytic colitis wasn’t responding to any treatment provided by her physician, who was trying to avoid a colectomy due to her advanced age. The GI community shared their support with recommendations for therapy options and next steps.

2. Atypical case of enteropathy
This physician found mild erosive gastritis, villous blunting and mucosal accumulation of eosinophils up to 55/hpf in an 18-year-old female with a history of nausea, vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss over the past year. She tested negative for celiac disease and a gluten-free diet only provided partial improvement. The conversation in the Community forum covered potential diagnoses to be considered and recommendations for therapy.

3. Eosinophilic esophagitis with aperistalsis
A 21-year-old male presented with progressive dysphagia due to eosinophilic esophagitis with a weight loss of 17 pounds in two months. A panendoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia and aperistalsis of the esophagus, with normal inferior and superior sphincter pressures. No changes were observed recently; he is being managed with prokinetics and remains asymptomatic.

More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.


 

Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community 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. Refractory lymphocytic colitis and diarrhea
An elderly female with lymphocytic colitis wasn’t responding to any treatment provided by her physician, who was trying to avoid a colectomy due to her advanced age. The GI community shared their support with recommendations for therapy options and next steps.

2. Atypical case of enteropathy
This physician found mild erosive gastritis, villous blunting and mucosal accumulation of eosinophils up to 55/hpf in an 18-year-old female with a history of nausea, vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss over the past year. She tested negative for celiac disease and a gluten-free diet only provided partial improvement. The conversation in the Community forum covered potential diagnoses to be considered and recommendations for therapy.

3. Eosinophilic esophagitis with aperistalsis
A 21-year-old male presented with progressive dysphagia due to eosinophilic esophagitis with a weight loss of 17 pounds in two months. A panendoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia and aperistalsis of the esophagus, with normal inferior and superior sphincter pressures. No changes were observed recently; he is being managed with prokinetics and remains asymptomatic.

More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.


 

Physicians with difficult patient scenarios regularly bring their questions to the AGA Community 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. Refractory lymphocytic colitis and diarrhea
An elderly female with lymphocytic colitis wasn’t responding to any treatment provided by her physician, who was trying to avoid a colectomy due to her advanced age. The GI community shared their support with recommendations for therapy options and next steps.

2. Atypical case of enteropathy
This physician found mild erosive gastritis, villous blunting and mucosal accumulation of eosinophils up to 55/hpf in an 18-year-old female with a history of nausea, vomiting, nonbloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss over the past year. She tested negative for celiac disease and a gluten-free diet only provided partial improvement. The conversation in the Community forum covered potential diagnoses to be considered and recommendations for therapy.

3. Eosinophilic esophagitis with aperistalsis
A 21-year-old male presented with progressive dysphagia due to eosinophilic esophagitis with a weight loss of 17 pounds in two months. A panendoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia and aperistalsis of the esophagus, with normal inferior and superior sphincter pressures. No changes were observed recently; he is being managed with prokinetics and remains asymptomatic.

More clinical cases and discussions are at https://community.gastro.org/discussions.


 

Five key wins will help lay the foundation for new assessment pathway to maintaining board certification.

The Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission submitted its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors. The draft reflected many of the issues AGA has raised with ABIM over the years and our comments on the draft report.

Having this report in hand puts AGA in a position of strength as we begin working with ABIM and the other GI societies to explore the development of a new assessment pathway through which gastroenterologists and hepatologists can maintain board certification.

Here’s a link to the full report: https://visioninitiative.org/commission/final-report/

Key wins:

•  Commission recommended the term “Maintenance of Certification” be abandoned.
•  “Emphasis on continuing certification must be focused on the availability of curated information that helps diplomates deliver improved clinical care ... traditional infrequent high-stakes assessments no matter how psychometrically valid, is viewed as inappropriate as the future direction for continuing certification.”
•  The Commission believes ABMS Boards need to engage with diplomates on an ongoing basis instead of every 2, 5, or 10 years.
•  The ABMS Board must offer an alternative to burdensome highly secure, point-in-time examinations of knowledge.
•  ABMS and ABMS Boards must facilitate and encourage independent research to build on the existing evidence base about the value of continuing certification.

MOC and AGA’s approach to reform are topics of much discussion on the AGA Community.

[email protected]

Five key wins will help lay the foundation for new assessment pathway to maintaining board certification.

The Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission submitted its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors. The draft reflected many of the issues AGA has raised with ABIM over the years and our comments on the draft report.

Having this report in hand puts AGA in a position of strength as we begin working with ABIM and the other GI societies to explore the development of a new assessment pathway through which gastroenterologists and hepatologists can maintain board certification.

Here’s a link to the full report: https://visioninitiative.org/commission/final-report/

Key wins:

•  Commission recommended the term “Maintenance of Certification” be abandoned.
•  “Emphasis on continuing certification must be focused on the availability of curated information that helps diplomates deliver improved clinical care ... traditional infrequent high-stakes assessments no matter how psychometrically valid, is viewed as inappropriate as the future direction for continuing certification.”
•  The Commission believes ABMS Boards need to engage with diplomates on an ongoing basis instead of every 2, 5, or 10 years.
•  The ABMS Board must offer an alternative to burdensome highly secure, point-in-time examinations of knowledge.
•  ABMS and ABMS Boards must facilitate and encourage independent research to build on the existing evidence base about the value of continuing certification.

MOC and AGA’s approach to reform are topics of much discussion on the AGA Community.

[email protected]

Five key wins will help lay the foundation for new assessment pathway to maintaining board certification.

The Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission submitted its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors. The draft reflected many of the issues AGA has raised with ABIM over the years and our comments on the draft report.

Having this report in hand puts AGA in a position of strength as we begin working with ABIM and the other GI societies to explore the development of a new assessment pathway through which gastroenterologists and hepatologists can maintain board certification.

Here’s a link to the full report: https://visioninitiative.org/commission/final-report/

Key wins:

•  Commission recommended the term “Maintenance of Certification” be abandoned.
•  “Emphasis on continuing certification must be focused on the availability of curated information that helps diplomates deliver improved clinical care ... traditional infrequent high-stakes assessments no matter how psychometrically valid, is viewed as inappropriate as the future direction for continuing certification.”
•  The Commission believes ABMS Boards need to engage with diplomates on an ongoing basis instead of every 2, 5, or 10 years.
•  The ABMS Board must offer an alternative to burdensome highly secure, point-in-time examinations of knowledge.
•  ABMS and ABMS Boards must facilitate and encourage independent research to build on the existing evidence base about the value of continuing certification.

MOC and AGA’s approach to reform are topics of much discussion on the AGA Community.

[email protected]

Interested in advocacy but not sure how or whether you have time in your busy schedule? AGA has an array of options for how you can be active in advocacy. Some take as little as 5 minutes.

Letter writing. AGA uses GovPredict, an online advocacy platform that allows members to contact their member of Congress with just a few clicks. AGA develops messages on significant pieces of legislation, key efforts in Congress or on issues being advanced by federal agencies that have a great impact on gastroenterology. AGA’s ongoing letter writing campaigns can always be found on www.gastro.org/advocacy but be sure to keep an eye out for advocacy emails, AGA eDigest, and social media, so you do not miss your opportunity to take action on timely issues. AGA encourages its members to share letter writing campaigns with their colleagues, as well as posting them on social media.

Meetings with your member of Congress. In-person meetings are an excellent opportunity to share with your member of Congress, or their staff, how the issues that impact gastroenterology affect you, your patients, and your practice. AGA has a plethora of resources to help you set up a meeting with your member of Congress, including up-to-date issue briefs, tips and tricks for productive meetings, and webinars on how to host an on-site visit. AGA staff is always more than happy to help you arrange a meeting either in Washington, DC, or your home state. If you are interested in arranging a meeting with your member of Congress, please contact AGA Public Policy Coordinator, Jonathan Sollish, at [email protected] or 240-482-3228.

AGA PAC. AGA PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan political organization affiliated with and supported by AGA. The only political action committee supported by a national gastroenterology society, its mission is to give gastroenterologists a greater presence on Capitol Hill and a more effective voice in policy discussions. AGA PAC supports candidates who support our policy priorities, such as fair reimbursement, cutting regulatory red tape, supporting patient protections, and access to specialty care, and sustained federal funding of digestive disease research. If you are interested in learning more, contact AGA Government and Political Affairs Manager, Navneet Buttar, at [email protected] or 240-482-3221.

Congressional Advocates Program. This grassroots program is aimed at establishing a stronger foundation for our current and future advocacy initiatives by creating state teams to work on advocacy on the local, state, and national levels. Participation can include a wide variety of activities, ranging from creating educational posts on social media to meeting with members of Congress. Members of the Congressional Advocates Program are mentored and receive advocacy training by AGA leadership and staff. Participating members receive an AGA Congressional Advocate Program Certificate, a Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) badge ribbon, policy badge on the AGA Community, and recognition on AGA’s website. Applications for the next cycle will be released in 2019.



[email protected]

Interested in advocacy but not sure how or whether you have time in your busy schedule? AGA has an array of options for how you can be active in advocacy. Some take as little as 5 minutes.

Letter writing. AGA uses GovPredict, an online advocacy platform that allows members to contact their member of Congress with just a few clicks. AGA develops messages on significant pieces of legislation, key efforts in Congress or on issues being advanced by federal agencies that have a great impact on gastroenterology. AGA’s ongoing letter writing campaigns can always be found on www.gastro.org/advocacy but be sure to keep an eye out for advocacy emails, AGA eDigest, and social media, so you do not miss your opportunity to take action on timely issues. AGA encourages its members to share letter writing campaigns with their colleagues, as well as posting them on social media.

Meetings with your member of Congress. In-person meetings are an excellent opportunity to share with your member of Congress, or their staff, how the issues that impact gastroenterology affect you, your patients, and your practice. AGA has a plethora of resources to help you set up a meeting with your member of Congress, including up-to-date issue briefs, tips and tricks for productive meetings, and webinars on how to host an on-site visit. AGA staff is always more than happy to help you arrange a meeting either in Washington, DC, or your home state. If you are interested in arranging a meeting with your member of Congress, please contact AGA Public Policy Coordinator, Jonathan Sollish, at [email protected] or 240-482-3228.

AGA PAC. AGA PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan political organization affiliated with and supported by AGA. The only political action committee supported by a national gastroenterology society, its mission is to give gastroenterologists a greater presence on Capitol Hill and a more effective voice in policy discussions. AGA PAC supports candidates who support our policy priorities, such as fair reimbursement, cutting regulatory red tape, supporting patient protections, and access to specialty care, and sustained federal funding of digestive disease research. If you are interested in learning more, contact AGA Government and Political Affairs Manager, Navneet Buttar, at [email protected] or 240-482-3221.

Congressional Advocates Program. This grassroots program is aimed at establishing a stronger foundation for our current and future advocacy initiatives by creating state teams to work on advocacy on the local, state, and national levels. Participation can include a wide variety of activities, ranging from creating educational posts on social media to meeting with members of Congress. Members of the Congressional Advocates Program are mentored and receive advocacy training by AGA leadership and staff. Participating members receive an AGA Congressional Advocate Program Certificate, a Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) badge ribbon, policy badge on the AGA Community, and recognition on AGA’s website. Applications for the next cycle will be released in 2019.



[email protected]

Interested in advocacy but not sure how or whether you have time in your busy schedule? AGA has an array of options for how you can be active in advocacy. Some take as little as 5 minutes.

Letter writing. AGA uses GovPredict, an online advocacy platform that allows members to contact their member of Congress with just a few clicks. AGA develops messages on significant pieces of legislation, key efforts in Congress or on issues being advanced by federal agencies that have a great impact on gastroenterology. AGA’s ongoing letter writing campaigns can always be found on www.gastro.org/advocacy but be sure to keep an eye out for advocacy emails, AGA eDigest, and social media, so you do not miss your opportunity to take action on timely issues. AGA encourages its members to share letter writing campaigns with their colleagues, as well as posting them on social media.

Meetings with your member of Congress. In-person meetings are an excellent opportunity to share with your member of Congress, or their staff, how the issues that impact gastroenterology affect you, your patients, and your practice. AGA has a plethora of resources to help you set up a meeting with your member of Congress, including up-to-date issue briefs, tips and tricks for productive meetings, and webinars on how to host an on-site visit. AGA staff is always more than happy to help you arrange a meeting either in Washington, DC, or your home state. If you are interested in arranging a meeting with your member of Congress, please contact AGA Public Policy Coordinator, Jonathan Sollish, at [email protected] or 240-482-3228.

AGA PAC. AGA PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan political organization affiliated with and supported by AGA. The only political action committee supported by a national gastroenterology society, its mission is to give gastroenterologists a greater presence on Capitol Hill and a more effective voice in policy discussions. AGA PAC supports candidates who support our policy priorities, such as fair reimbursement, cutting regulatory red tape, supporting patient protections, and access to specialty care, and sustained federal funding of digestive disease research. If you are interested in learning more, contact AGA Government and Political Affairs Manager, Navneet Buttar, at [email protected] or 240-482-3221.

Congressional Advocates Program. This grassroots program is aimed at establishing a stronger foundation for our current and future advocacy initiatives by creating state teams to work on advocacy on the local, state, and national levels. Participation can include a wide variety of activities, ranging from creating educational posts on social media to meeting with members of Congress. Members of the Congressional Advocates Program are mentored and receive advocacy training by AGA leadership and staff. Participating members receive an AGA Congressional Advocate Program Certificate, a Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) badge ribbon, policy badge on the AGA Community, and recognition on AGA’s website. Applications for the next cycle will be released in 2019.



[email protected]