Last month at DDW®, members from underrepresented communities in gastroenterology gathered to participate in sessions and meet-ups aimed at fostering inclusivity, equity and enhancing their sense of belonging. Explore highlights from our diverse networking sessions below.
Women's luncheon
Taking place on Monday, May 20, our Annual Women in GI Luncheon drew 165 attendees, with registration filling up in just three days. This year’s event featured a historic Power Panel with insightful discussions led by the current female presidents and presidents-elect of multiple GI and hepatology societies. The session was moderated by Aimee Lucas, MD, MS, AGAF, chair of the AGA Women’s Committee.
FORWARD family reunion at DDW
Past and current cohorts of the FORWARD Program connected at the FORWARD Family Reunion during DDW. The NIH–funded program is renowned for preparing physician-scientists from underrepresented populations for a successful career in academic medicine. Rotonya Carr, MD, a mentor from the second cohort, provided a comprehensive history of the program. Courtney Houchen, MD, a first-time mentor, shared his personal journey of overcoming both personal and career challenges with the group to help them navigate climbing the ranks of academic medicine.
Communities of interest meetups at DDW
AGA has initiated a pilot program to connect with prospective communities of interest and affinity groups to bolster their sense of belonging within AGA based on common interest and/or identity. AGA had the opportunity to support the gathering of three prospective groups at DDW. The Chinese American Gastroenterology Association (CAGA) held its inaugural DDW meeting with its members including a presentation by AGA then- President, Dr. Barbara H. Jung. The Latinos in Gastroenterology and Hepatology (La LiGaH) group, also held a formation meeting aimed at developing impactful programming and outreach for the growing Hispanic/Latinx GI physician community and their patients.. Additionally, the Women’s Executive Leadership Conference alumni gathered to reconnect and strategize future communication and networking approaches to connect these influential women leaders in the field of GI and hepatology.
Dr. Maria T. Abreu begins her presidency
AGA’s first Latina president began her term on May 30. Learn more about Dr. Abreu’s distinguished past, present and future.
Social media highlights
Lots of fun to catch up with the #AGAFORWARD family at #DDW2024! https://t.co/Tnz9zKEhMR
— Bubu Banini, MD PhD (@Bubu_Banini) May 19, 2024
#DDW2024 Women’s Luncheon.
— Fola May, MD PhD (@drfolamay) May 20, 2024
Feels like home.
Thank you @AmerGastroAssn! @DDWMeeting #AGAGastroSquad #GITwitter pic.twitter.com/Gr0y5zKRRE
Feeling inspired after this event. Many thanks to the organizers for bringing us together and spreading such helpful insights! #DDW2024 @DDWMeeting https://t.co/oPaA9pqiVp pic.twitter.com/6Qcbs2zA6J
— Bahar Saberzadeh Ardestani, M.D. (@ArdestaniBahar) May 20, 2024
So happy that #AGAFORWARD exists, a pipeline that will continue to pay dividends. @AmerGastroAssn https://t.co/6QEj3l7N7k
— Christopher_Velez_GI (@Chris_Velez_MD) May 18, 2024
