We’re happy to introduce you to the nominees for five of our 13 Council sections. These candidates will impact the programming at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) — including invited sessions, peer-reviewed abstracts, and abstract sessions.
Voting takes less than five minutes but it has the potential to leave a mark on the future of AGA and our programming. So dive in, meet both leadership and council candidates, then cast your vote* by April 15.
* To vote, you must use the ballot in the email we send to you. To vote for Governing Board positions, you must be a physician or scientist member. To vote for Nominating Committee positions, you must be a full or senior member or an early career member in practice and research.
Vice Chair
Arthur Beyder, MD, PhD
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“The field of cellular and molecular gastroenterology is undergoing transformative advances in how we understand fundamental mechanistic processes in GI biology, which results in unprecedented opportunities for scientific progress and innovation. If selected as vice chair, I would prioritize the development of dynamic and cutting-edge DDW programming that highlights the latest discoveries and fosters intellectual exchange.”
Eunyoung Choi, PhD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
“Should I be selected as the vice chair, I’d bring my experience serving on the CMG section council to help create new scientific sessions that bring together new topics, cutting-edge research, and field experts, while actively communicating with trainees, investigators, and international investigators.”
Simon Hogan, PhD
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
“Having spent the past four years as an active member of the CMG subcommittee and DDW abstract review committee, I want to continue the important work of bringing cutting-edge science and advanced technologies to AGA and the DDW communities through AGA’s conference programming.”
Andrei Ivanov, PhD
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
“We’re at an exciting and challenging time in regard to how basic and translation gastrointestinal research is developing, with a huge expansion of different omics approaches and an increased focus of primary human tissues. With these and other new approaches, the vice chair position brings a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the programming for DDW meetings, and it’s more important than ever to integrate them with never absolute, classical hypotheses-driven research.”
Nominating Committee Member
Clara Abraham, MD
Yale University Dept of Medicine, New Haven, CT
“Having served as a member and leader within AGA and the wider GI research community, I work collaboratively to arrive at decisions and possess an enthusiasm for scientific research and discovery. DDW plays an important role in helping professionals advance their knowledge, exchange ideas, and establish collaborative relationships, and the CMG leadership can provide opportunities that represent its scientific themes and priorities.”
Robert Barrett, PhD
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
“Having worked in the IBD field for more than 10 years, presented talks and posters at DDW, and currently serve as the Chair of the Abstract Review Committee, ‘Epithelial Function and Ion, Water and Nutrient Absorption,’ I would bring a unique perspective to this role. My work focuses on utilizing human intestinal organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to study more about intestinal fibrosis and Paneth cell function.”
Jennifer Brazil, PhD, MSc, BSc
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
“I have a career-long commitment to advancing research that sheds light on molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal inflammation and repair. I want to use my strengths and expertise in mucosal immunopathology to help inform the selection of speakers who are leading figures in their fields so that they can present cutting-edge science at DDW.”
Melinda Engevik, PhD
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
“Throughout my career, I have actively contributed to the field through research, mentorship, and leadership, and, as a nominating committee member, I would be able to further support and shape the future of gastroenterological research. With my experience in leadership, conference organization, and scientific program development, I can make meaningful contributions to this role and help strengthen AGA’s mission.”
Ravinder Gill, PhD
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
“I am deeply committed to advancing the field of gastroenterology and fostering the next generation of researchers and clinicians. Serving in this role would allow me to contribute directly to the strategic leadership of AGA and ensure that we continue to elect dedicated and visionary leaders who will drive the field forward. I am passionate about promoting scientific excellence and innovation in basic and translational research related to intestinal disorders, gut microbiome, and metabolite regulation.”
Hamid Said, PhD, PharmD
University of California Irvine — Long Beach Medical Program, Long Beach, CA
“Over the past 35 years, my research has focused on understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of water-soluble vitamins in the digestive system’s organs, which has resulted in more than 280 peer-reviewed manuscripts and reviews. I can translate this experience to ensure that we select the most qualified candidates who can serve AGA’s members.”
Sarah Short, PhD
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
“I bring a strong background in basic science research with a broad understanding of mechanisms underlying cellular and molecular gastroenterology. This expertise positions me to objectively assess the state of the GI field to identify novel research and outstanding nominees. If elected, I look forward to elevating the work of so many outstanding GI researchers.”
Nicholas Zachos, PhD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
“I am dedicated to identifying emerging leaders in GI research and enhancing their careers by providing opportunities for them to share their own expertise, enthusiasm, and creativity that will challenge the GI community. My most important attribute for serving in this role is my ability to effectively work as part of a team, both as a leader and team member, which has come about from serving on several committees and conference planning teams.”
Vice Chair
Julian Abrams, MD, MS
Columbia University, New York City, NY
“I have a strong foundation in upper GI diseases that will allow me to work in tandem with the EGD Chair to develop a strong EGD program for DDW. Additionally, I have extensive experience with a wide variety of research disciplines, including epidemiology and outcomes research, clinical trials, and highly translational research. Additionally, I have the necessary administrative experience to help oversee the abstract review process, develop oral sessions, and, in general, make the EGD-sponsored sessions among the strongest and best-attended at DDW.”
Nirmala Gonsalves, MD
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
“My clinical and research area of expertise is in esophagology, specifically eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. I currently serve as the Director of the Northwestern Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders Program and have also served in national leadership roles in the EGD community. Furthermore, I have submitted abstracts, delivered oral and poster presentations, been invited to speak at numerous symposia, breakfast sessions, postgraduate sessions, and topic sessions, and have also served as moderator for these events.
Dhyanesh Patel, MD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
“Professionally, my clinical focus is on esophageal disorders with my research focusing on achalasia, esophageal motility disorders, GERD, and extra-esophageal reflux. I have been a moderator, speaker, and an active reviewer for DDW’s GERD-extra-esophageal complications committee for the last six years and look forward to helping develop an enlightening program for DDW, one that increases the diversity of speakers and topics that are selected each year.”
Nominating Committee Member
Joan Chen, MD, MS
Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
“My clinical and research areas of interest include improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes in benign esophageal diseases. Additionally, for the past eight years, I’ve served as an AGA EGD section council member and have been a DDW abstract reviewer for multiple descriptors. During DDW, I’ve also participated as a speaker, moderator, postgrad course speaker, poster tour lead, and ambassador. These experiences, plus serving on multiple working group and guideline committees, have given me the opportunity to work with some leaders in the field, which positions me for this role.”
Yash Choksi, MD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
“As a physician scientist focused on esophageal diseases, and specifically eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), I have a deep knowledge of both clinical management of EoE as well as its pathophysiology. I keep abreast of new literature and insights into disease pathogenesis, disease management, advancements in technology, and also those individuals who have made those advances. Additionally, as I am committed to connecting my experiences with patients in the endoscopy lab or in the clinic with the work we are doing in the laboratory, I have knowledge of which types of basic/translational projects may have future clinical application.”
Francis Edeani, MD
Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
“My work focuses on esophagus gastrointestinal motility and oropharynx upper GI disorders, resulting in multiple publications, abstracts, invited lectures, presentations, and DDW sessions. My professional experience in clinical practice and research has honed my ability to assess a candidate’s qualifications objectively and identify individuals who will advance AGA’s mission.”
Leila Kia, MD
Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health, Chicago, IL
“As the program director of a highly competitive GI fellowship program, I review more than 600 applications and interview 30–40 applicants annually, which has honed my ability to review applicants in a holistic way. I am thorough, diligent, and organized. I am a good listener, but also understand the importance of asking thought-provoking questions that help set candidates apart. I collaborate well with others but I am also unafraid to voice constructive dissent.”
Dan Li, MD
Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
“As a front-line gastroenterologist and clinical researcher, I have a comprehensive understanding of the most pressing clinical challenges in the upper GI tract, as well as how research can bridge evidence gaps to improve patient care. My research expertise on gastric cancer and Helicobacter pylori along with my service as an AGA guideline panel member on gastric premalignant conditions have honed my leadership and collaborative skills. Additionally, over the past two years, I have actively contributed to planning DDW sessions, with my recommendations for upper GI sessions consistently adopted.”
Wai-Kit Lo, MD, MPH
VA Boston Healthcare System, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
“My research interest is in esophageal diseases, specifically the impact of pathologic reflux on lung transplantation and chronic lung disease. I also serve as the GI chair of the multidisciplinary lung transplant working group at VA Boston Healthcare System to guide peri-lung transplant GI evaluation and management. Additionally, as a member of both the VA system and a large academic affiliate, I possess both unique insights into the needs of different clinical and research communities and a broad network of colleagues with viewpoints that I can help represent.”
Anh Nguyen, MD
Center for Esophageal Diseases at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
“My clinical and research interests are in esophageal motility disorders. In my clinical practice, I see a significant number of obese patients with esophageal symptoms both before and after bariatric surgery and am particularly interested in the impact of obesity and bariatric surgery on esophageal motility. My research has led to published papers, presentations at DDW, national meetings, and other institutions; and serving as an abstract reviewer, session moderator, and poster tour guide. Given these experiences and my work on various committees within the field of esophagology, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to evaluate the nominated vice chair candidates and ensure the final nomination list represents the best in our field in terms of expertise and experience.”
Vice Chair
Bryson Katona, MD, PhD
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
“AGA has been my professional home since I was a trainee, and during my time involved with the association, I’ve seen firsthand how important DDW and DDW content is for shaping the lives and careers of trainees and early career individuals. Furthermore, DDW helps to stimulate learning, establish new collaborations, and spark novel research among established professionals. GIONC is critically important for both DDW and AGA, as the content in this section appeals to many outside of GI and has the potential to have a broad reach. I look forward to increasing interest in GI oncology among our community as well as bringing more individuals from outside of the GI community to DDW.”
Mingyang Song, MBBS, ScD
Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
“I look forward to leveraging my unique expertise in integrating population science with patient-oriented clinical research to develop transdisciplinary cancer prevention programs for DDW. As an established investigator in gastrointestinal oncology, I have a strong grasp of the field, including the cutting-edge research and technologies and the leading experts, allowing me to develop compelling scientific sessions for DDW. Finally, I have been reviewing abstracts for GIONC for more than five years and have an extensive understanding of the research topics it covers.”
Nominating Committee Member
Ashley Faulx, MD
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
“As an interventional endoscopist who is involved in diagnosing, staging, and sometimes resecting GI cancers (e.g., early esophageal cancer, colon cancer and diagnosis, esophageal and rectal cancer), I have spent most of my career involved in esophageal cancer and Barrett’s esophagus research and working closely with oncologic surgeons and medical oncology. Additionally, I’ve spent the past five years serving on the AGA abstract review committee for novel technologies, have presented or moderated at DDW for more than 20 years, and am the Associate Editor for the American Journal of Gastroenterology.”
Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
“My research spans the colorectal cancer care continuum, beginning with the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer through increased screening and surveillance after treatment. I focus on serving racial and ethnic minorities, individuals of lower socioeconomic status, and other populations that experience high disease mortality due to lack of access to healthcare and will bring these unique insights to serve in this capacity.”
Fay Kastrinos, MD, MPH
Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York City, NY
“My clinical and research interests focus on inherited gastrointestinal cancer syndromes, and I have spearheaded the GI cancer risk and prevention clinic at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center. I’ve served on several AGA committees, including the Clinical Practice Updates Committee, review abstracts and moderate sessions for DDW, and have been an invited speaker at multiple conferences and research forums.”
Jonathan Katz, MD
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
“My research is focused broadly on functional analyses of gastrointestinal epithelial proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and carcinogenesis, using both in vivo and in vitro approaches, including murine models and three-dimensional tissue culture systems. I also have a longstanding interest in biomedical research education and training.”
John Kisiel, MD
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“Serving on the nominating committee would give me the opportunity to recognize the important contributions of AGA members in the field of gastrointestinal oncology and to sponsor other servant leaders in AGA. It’s an important vehicle to promote recognition, networking, and the creativity of our rising colleagues who have shown hard work and service to our patients and the field. I have benefitted from the sponsorship and mentorship from my senior colleagues in leadership and peers, and I’m highly motivated to give back.”
Nataliya Razumilava, MD
University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
“As an academic, I am passionate about clinical and research education that can improve our patient outcomes, advance the science, and, importantly, train the new generation of top-notch physicians and scientists who will continue advancing gastrointestinal oncology. GIONC’s mission directly reflects my vision for forward-thinking leadership that reaches audiences beyond a single institution, field of research, or country. As a clinician, I strive to make an impact on the life of each of my patients. I trust that through research and education, our community can expand our reach and improve outcomes for millions of patients.”
Joel Rubenstein, MD, MS
VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
“My federally funded research has focused on the epidemiology of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma and the development and testing of strategies to reduce the burden of esophageal adenocarcinoma. I have been honored to serve AGA members as a DDW abstract reviewer and on various AGA committees. The GIONC section covers a wide range of neoplastic processes that are of interest to almost every AGA member.”
Vice Chair
Madhusudan Grover, MBBS
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“My long-standing commitment to the field, research, and leadership activities positions me strongly for this role. Through my engagement and work with the Rome Foundation, my involvement with the NIH gastroparesis clinical research consortium and, more recently, as editor-in-chief of a new journal, I’m exposed to the latest developments in the field. Additionally, I have a broad network of colleagues, clinical and research based, and have a history of effectively working with AGA’s staff, which will ensure a successful operation of the section.”
Kara Margolis, MD
New York University & NYU Langone Medical Center, New York City, NY
“The parts of medicine and research that I most enjoy are constructing and/or being parts of teams that are oriented toward similar goals of building our fields. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the NGM community and value its vision and goals to advance the field and nurture the next generation of clinicians and scientists.”
Nominating Committee Member
Subhankar Chakraborty, MD, PhD
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
“At my institution, I have led several educational initiatives, including creating a virtual manometry reading program for GI and non-GI fellows, launching a weekly case discussion series to support GI APPs in patient care, and organizing monthly virtual talks on neurogastroenterology. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to DDW by helping select speakers and moderators, participating in the abstract review process, and actively supporting the committee chair in any way needed.”
Walter Chan, MD, MPH
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
“Having been involved in NGM’s activities and other AGA educational initiatives, I have a deep understanding of the mission and initiatives of the section in clinical education and research. The NGM is uniquely comprised of members with a wide range of clinical and research interests, including both physicians and non-psychologists and dieticians. I hope to help shape future leadership teams where such diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences can be represented.”
Daniela Jodorkovsky, MD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
“As an established member in the neurogastro and motility realm and one who has worked in medication education and training, I am passionate about ensuring proper representation for our subspecialty. It’s important to have experts teaching our colleagues and trainees, but also equally important that it stems from people with diverse backgrounds (e.g., gender, race, region, practice type, stage in careers).”
Abraham Khan, MD
NYU Langone Health, New York City, NY
“My research focuses largely on the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease as well as esophageal motor disorders. I’ve served on numerous national and international working groups, including the group establishing the Chicago Classification version 4.0 of esophageal motility disorders and the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (FLIP) North American Working Group. I would like to bring that experience to the NGM section as it has a wonderful tradition of leadership, developing state-of-the art clinical and research symposia at DDW, working with other sections to drive cutting edge plenary sessions, and leading the education on neurogastroenterology and motility disorders at DDW each year.”
Leila Neshatian, MD, MSc
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
“I am deeply committed to advancing the field of neurogastroenterology and gastrointestinal motility, and this role in the NGM aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting research, education, and innovation in an area of medicine that has significant implications for patient care. The goals of the NGM resonate with some of my professional aspirations to attract speakers with cutting-edge research to present at national scientific meetings and to educate a diverse audience. Ultimately, I view this role as an opportunity to help cultivate a vibrant academic and clinical community, guide the next generation of professionals, and ensure that our work continues to impact the lives of patients positively.”
Anisa Shaker, MD
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
“Along with my role as a physician scientist with an independent laboratory focused on the role of epithelial-stromal interactions in esophageal disorders, my clinical practice has expanded to the care of patients along the spectrum of motility disorders. Additionally, as co-director of the Keck DHI Esophageal and Motility Disorders Center and director of the Keck GI motility elective, I’ve been able to fulfil my mission of educating and training our GI fellows on the latest developments in the field, which aligns with NGM’s mission.”
Kristen Smith-Edwards, PhD
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“As a neuroscientist who began my training studying pain pathways, I possess a different perspective of gastroenterology. My research program spans across multiple subfields within neurogastroenterology (e.g., ENS development, gut-brain axis, and neural circuits for visceral sensation and motility), which means that my network is broad and includes faculty that are not yet a part of AGA but should be. Because of this, I will be able to bring in new members that have much to offer AGA and NGM in particular.”
Vice Chair
Elham Afghani, MD, MPH
Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
“We know that the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is no longer done through endoscopic ultrasounds or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and more done based on a clinical and diagnostic approach. The management of pancreatic disease is a multidisciplinary approach that involves a medical pancreatologist, interventional endoscopist, radiologists, pancreatic surgeons, and oncologists or pathologists. As a medical pancreatologist, I work solely with patients with pancreatic disease and interface with other specialties in a multidisciplinary approach to care for my patients, which offers a unique perspective and network for this role.”
Shounak Majumder, MD
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“I am dedicated to treating pancreatic diseases and aim to use my clinical knowledge to improve their diagnosis and management globally. If selected for this role, I look forward to developing and advocating for informed and innovative strategies that advance the field of pancreatic diseases, promoting a national and global community of clinical, translational, and basic research in pancreatology, and working toward fulfilling the needs of AGA members by advancing their clinical, scientific, and academic aspirations as it relates to pancreatic diseases.”
Nominating Committee Member
Yan Bi, MD, PhD
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
“I look forward to helping select visionary leaders who are committed to advancing pancreatitis research. My goal is to identify candidates who possess the expertise and drive to bridge clinical practice with basic science, uniting these two research communities to foster a collaborative approach. I am particularly focused on supporting individuals dedicated to translating basic science into real-world applications that can enhance patient care and outcomes.”
Saurabh Chawla, MD
Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
“As an academic gastroenterologist and program director for a large GI fellowship program, I recognize the importance of mentoring and education and how they can develop future leaders. Through these experiences and others, I have significant administrative and research expertise and look forward to helping leaders in the field develop more robust programs.”
Tamas Gonda, MD
NYU Langone Health, New York City, NY
“As an advanced endoscopist and translational researcher, I oversee both the pancreas disease clinical care programs and the clinical and translational research program. My broad interest is in early detection, screening, and biomarker development for pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis with a specific clinical focus on cystic neoplasms and a basic science focus on epigenetics. My time is split between a translational lab and a pancreatobiliary clinical practice, and these experiences allow me to bring an unusual perspective that would benefit PAN and our members.”
Nagaraj Nagathihalli, PhD
University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
“In this role, I would bring a blend of professional expertise, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing the field. My background includes being actively involved in various pancreas disease committees to extensive experience in presenting, moderating, and publishing research in high-impact journals. As an extramurally funded researcher with a focus on complex pancreatic diseases, I am committed to both the advancement of scientific knowledge and the translation of research findings into clinical practice. My vision for this role is to support a selection process that values excellence, curiosity, and a commitment to elevate the organization, ensuring it remains at the forefront of gastroenterology and pancreatology.”
Nadav Sahar, MD
TriHealth, Montgomery, OH
“I’ve spent six years working with a pancreaticobiliary service with a special interest in necrotizing pancreatitis, screening for pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cysts, and hereditary GI cancers. If selected for this role, I would contribute to ongoing research support and would collaborate on developing stronger guidelines in the field.”
Don’t forget, we’re also holding elections for the Governing Board and Nominating Committee.
Learn more about the following candidates.
Governing Board
Michael Kochman, MD, AGAF, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Fasiha Kanwal, MD, MSHS, AGAF, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Brijen Shah, MD, AGAF, Mount Sinai, New York, NY
Russ Arjal, MD, AGAF, WovenX Health, San Luis Obispo, CA
Nominating Committee
Mohammad Bilal, MD, UCHealth, Anschutz, Denver, CO
Victor Chedid, MD, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Meenakshi Bewtra, MD, PhD, MPH, University of Pennsylvania, Penn Valley, PA
Peter Liang, MD, MPH, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
Declan McCole, PhD, AGAF, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
Shivan Mehta, MD, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Penn Valley, PA
Carol Murakami, MD, AGAF, Kaiser Permanente, Bainbridge Island, WA
Brian Riff, MD, AGAF, Associated Gastroenterology Medical Group, Anaheim, CA
Help shape the future of AGA's leadership
For questions about the Governing Board and Nominating Committee elections, email us at executiveoffice@gastro.org. Direct Council Section inquiries to agacouncil@gastro.org.
