Bethesda, MD (Oct. 18, 2022) — A task force of GIs from the four major U.S. gastroenterology (GI) societies – American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) – have released a multi-society strategic plan outlining goals and milestones the GI specialty needs to achieve to reduce the environmental impact of the practice.
Key takeaway: As a procedure intense subspecialty, gastroenterology, and in particular endoscopy, is a major contributor to health care’s carbon footprint and other environmental impacts. Endoscopy is the third largest generator of medical waste in a hospital (2 kg total waste per procedure) with most ending in landfills. With this strategic plan, the participating societies are committed to promoting and supporting a sustainable, high-quality GI practice.
The U.S. GI multi-society strategic plan, which has also been endorsed by 23 GI societies globally (see below), is a collaborative effort that invites members to undertake initiatives to establish an environmentally sustainable, high-quality practice and promote planetary health. Each society will prioritize and adapt their initiatives in accordance with their individual societal goals. Some initiatives may be undertaken by a single society, whereas other objectives and initiatives maybe approached jointly. It is a five-year plan that covers seven major domains:
- Clinical setting
- Education
- Research
- Society efforts
- Intersociety efforts
- Industry
- Advocacy
The plan was developed by the U.S. Multi-GI Society Task Force on Climate Change, which is comprised of leading experts from AASLD, ACG, AGA and ASGE.
For more information, view the full publication: GI multisociety strategic plan on environmental sustainability, published in Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, HEPATOLOGY and The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Endorsing Societies of the Strategic Plan of the U.S. Multi-GI Society Task Force on Climate Change
- African Middle East Association for Gastroenterology
- American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association
- American Pancreatic Association
- Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology
- Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists
- British Association for the Study of the Liver
- British Society of Gastroenterology
- Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
- Digestive Health Physicians Association
- European Association for the Study of the Liver
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers
- Indian Society of Gastroenterology
- Iranian Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Israeli Association for the Study of the Liver
- Malaysian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
- Norwegian Gastroenterology Society
- Pan American Organization of Gastroenterology
- Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates
- Women in Endoscopy
- World Endoscopy Organization
- World Gastroenterology Organisation
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Media contact:
Courtney Reed, [email protected], 301-272-0025
About the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease
AASLD is the leading organization of clinicians and researchers committed to preventing and curing liver disease. The work of our members has laid the foundation for the development of drugs used to treat patients with viral hepatitis. Access to care and support of liver disease research are at the center of AASLD’s advocacy efforts. News releases and additional information about AASLD are available online at www.aasld.org.
About the American College of Gastroenterology
Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of over 17,000 individuals from 86 countries. The College’s vision is to be the preeminent professional organization that champions the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive disorders, serving as a beacon to guide the delivery of the highest quality, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care. The mission of the College is to enhance the ability of our members to provide world-class care to patients with digestive disorders and advance the profession through excellence and innovation based upon the pillars of Patient Care, Education, Scientific Investigation, Advocacy and Practice Management. www.gi.org.
About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org.
About the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 14,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. www.asge.org
