AGA Equity Project
AGA has committed to a multi-year effort spanning all aspects of our organization to achieve equity and eradicate disparities in digestive diseases.
A six-point commitment to equity
In July 2020, we introduced the AGA Equity Project to make a significant impact on the goals enumerated in our diversity policy. The project’s advisory board is working through a multi-year strategic plan to achieve the following aims:
- A just world free of health disparities in digestive diseases and free of inequities in access and effective health care delivery.
- State-of-the-art and well-funded research that aligns with the realities of the current multicultural patient population and disease states to achieve health equity for all.
- A world where it is expected and normal that both members and society leadership structures are diverse, and people of color and women are included in organizational decision making.
- Recognition of accomplishments of diverse leaders. In addition, all leaders recognize, inspire and cultivate the next generation of prominent, diverse leaders.
- An engaged AGA membership and staff educated about unconscious bias and committed to the eradication of racism and prejudice towards patients, colleagues, and communities.
- The existence of a diverse, culturally and socially aware, large and vocal early career membership that leads the field towards achieving the vision.
Members doing the work
Learn more about the creation and vision of the AGA Equity Project
AGA's stance on equity in GI
We commit to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where staff are comfortable as their authentic selves and know that success is based on their contributions.
We condemn the recent acts of intimidation and violence in the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.
AGA is concerned by the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping issued on Sept. 22, 2020. This order, while confirming that training of the federal workforce to create an inclusive workspace is beneficial, also leads to a misguided perception of the purpose and outcomes of this type of training. In addition, it may have unintended ramifications on institutions receiving federal research funding.
ABGH’s mission focuses on promoting health equity in Black communities, advancing science and developing the careers of Black gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and scientists.
Official statement on diversity, approved by the AGA Governing Board, February 2016.
Catch up on past events
Explore some of our past Equity Project events including roundtables, town halls and podcasts.
AGA Past President Bishr Omary, MD, PhD, invited Byron Cryer, MD, and Sandra Quezada, MD, MS, leaders of the AGA Equity Project advisory board, for an open discussion on AGA’s action plan to combat racism and health disparities in gastroenterology.
Hear an update on the work of the Equity Project Advisory Board and learn about the new Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) in this town hall with AGA past president Bishr Omary.
In this episode of Small Talk, Big Topics, our hosts are joined by Drs. Sandra Quezada and Carlos Diaz to discuss their experience and insights related to equity and diversity and provide actionable tips to help you become a better doctor.
Take a look back at “Bridging the Gap: Where are we in Achieving Diversity and Inclusion in Gastroenterology” – a community roundtable where DEI experts led a transparent conversation about strategies and efforts to help achieve diversity and inclusion in GI.
Advisory board
CO-CHAIRS
Byron Cryer, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Sandra Quezada, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
MEMBERS
John M. Carethers, MD, AGAF, Professor and Chair, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan
Rotonya Carr, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania Health System
Lukejohn Day, MD, AGAF, Associate Professor, University of California, San Francisco
Carlos R. Diaz, MD, Fellow, University of Miami
Lynn Grone, Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness, AGA Institute
Wendy Henderson, PhD, Professor, University of Connecticut
Antonio Mendoza-Ladd, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Texas-Tech University
Craig A. Munroe, MD, Associate Chief for Clinical Innovation, University of California, San Francisco
Kimberly M. Persley, MD, AGAF, Gastroenterologist, Texas Digestive Disease Consultants
STAFF LIAISON
Celena NuQuay, Senior Director, Member Relations and Constituency Programs, AGA Institute
