Get Involved with AGA

AGA Institute Chairs and Vice Chairs

AGA maintains a council to address the diverse needs and specialties of its members. The AGA Institute Council is comprised of elected representatives from 13 special interest groups — called sections — within AGA membership. Each section is led by a chair and vice chair who serve two-year terms in each position. Nominations for vice chair and nominating committee members are held within six to seven sections each year. Nominations are due by Nov. 1 and elections are held the upcoming spring.

AGA Institute Council Section Nominating Committees

The winners of the election for Nominating Committee meet by teleconference to finalize the ballot of the nominated candidates for vice chair and for the nominating committee in the following section election. It is chaired by the immediate past chair of the section.

AGA Abstract Review for DDW

Each year the AGA Council invites members and nonmembers to review the submitted science and help the council identify the science that should be presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) as either oral or poster presentations, as well as which submissions are not appropriate for presentations either due to quality or previous publication/presentation. You can express your interest via this survey or email AGACouncil@gastro.org and list your area of expertise. Invitations for reviewers goes out in August and the review happens in early December.

Poster Visitors at DDW

This initiative, which started in 2018, asks AGA leaders to engage with poster presenters and encourages continued, active participation in the meeting, as well as with AGA membership. Those interested can fill out this survey. This event only takes place at DDW; those interested must attend the meeting.

Each year, we select approximately 80 new members to join approximately 20 committees and center advisory boards. Nominations from other members are accepted but not required — self-nomination is very common. Committee membership terms are two years, with a potential third-year renewal. Applications are due by Nov. 1 each year for terms beginning at the next DDW (May).

The AGA Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting members to serve on the governing board and the following year’s committee. Two committee positions are designated for early-career members, defined as members in practice or research who are less than 10 years out of fellowship. Another eight members are selected for an election slate. Four of the eight are then elected by AGA membership to serve the following year. Nominations are open from June 1 to Oct. 1 each year. Terms are for one year only.

Each year, depending on the year, a vice president and two or three councillors are selected to serve on the governing board. Every five years, a secretary-treasurer elect is also selected. There are currently 13 positions on the AGA Institute Governing Board. These positions are eligible for self-nomination. Nominations are open from June 1 to Oct. 1 each year. Most terms are three years.

AGA’s Congressional Advocate Program creates a national grassroots network of engaged gastroenterologists interested in advocating for our profession and patients. Congressional Advocates are mentored and receive advocacy training by AGA leadership and staff. New members are accepted on a rolling basis — sign up to become a Congressional Advocate.