Society News

The six investigators awarded AGA’s flagship research grant are working on impressive research projects that address important unmet needs for GI patients.

In partnership with generous supporters, the AGA Research Foundation provided more than $2 million in research funding to 41 investigators in 2018. The AGA Research Scholar Award was given to 6 exceptional early-career investigators who represent the future of GI research. Read about their research projects below.
 

Sarah Andres, PhD

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Project title: The mRNA binding protein IMP1 regulates intestinal epithelial exosome biology during homeostasis and metastasis

Swathi Eluri, MD, MSCR

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Project title: Improving Barrett’s esophagus screening practices in primary care

Jill Hoffman, PhD

University of California, Los Angeles

AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in IBD

Project title: Characterization of CRHR₂-mediated enteric glial cell function during colitis

Dr. Hoffman will use her AGA-Takeda funding to define a role for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling in enteric glial cell function, and determine CRHR₂-dependent crosstalk between enteric glial cells and the intestinal epithelium during inflammation. Through research aiming to understand the basic mechanisms of cell-to-cell signaling during intestinal inflammation, Dr. Hoffman hopes to determine how to harness these pathways to limit inflammation and promote repair in patients with IBD.
 

Elizabeth Jensen, MPH, PhD

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

Project title: Early life factors, gene-environment interaction, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

With this funding, Dr. Jensen will conduct the largest study to date on early life factors and EoE, using data that have been collected prospectively through population-based registries in Denmark. Ultimately, Dr. Jensen hopes her research will lead to advancements in our understanding of etiologic factors for development of immune-mediated GI diseases, such as EoE, and will lead to the identification of modifiable factors for disease prevention.
 

Sumera Rizvi, MD

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Project title: Necrosis enhances tumor immunogenicity and augments cholangiocarcinoma tumor suppression in combination with PD-L1 blockade

Niels Vande Casteele, PhD

University of California, San Diego

Project title: Identifying optimal thresholds and personalized dosing regimens of infliximab to maximize endoscopic remission rates in patients with ulcerative colitis

[email protected]

The six investigators awarded AGA’s flagship research grant are working on impressive research projects that address important unmet needs for GI patients.

In partnership with generous supporters, the AGA Research Foundation provided more than $2 million in research funding to 41 investigators in 2018. The AGA Research Scholar Award was given to 6 exceptional early-career investigators who represent the future of GI research. Read about their research projects below.
 

Sarah Andres, PhD

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Project title: The mRNA binding protein IMP1 regulates intestinal epithelial exosome biology during homeostasis and metastasis

Swathi Eluri, MD, MSCR

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Project title: Improving Barrett’s esophagus screening practices in primary care

Jill Hoffman, PhD

University of California, Los Angeles

AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in IBD

Project title: Characterization of CRHR₂-mediated enteric glial cell function during colitis

Dr. Hoffman will use her AGA-Takeda funding to define a role for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling in enteric glial cell function, and determine CRHR₂-dependent crosstalk between enteric glial cells and the intestinal epithelium during inflammation. Through research aiming to understand the basic mechanisms of cell-to-cell signaling during intestinal inflammation, Dr. Hoffman hopes to determine how to harness these pathways to limit inflammation and promote repair in patients with IBD.
 

Elizabeth Jensen, MPH, PhD

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

Project title: Early life factors, gene-environment interaction, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

With this funding, Dr. Jensen will conduct the largest study to date on early life factors and EoE, using data that have been collected prospectively through population-based registries in Denmark. Ultimately, Dr. Jensen hopes her research will lead to advancements in our understanding of etiologic factors for development of immune-mediated GI diseases, such as EoE, and will lead to the identification of modifiable factors for disease prevention.
 

Sumera Rizvi, MD

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Project title: Necrosis enhances tumor immunogenicity and augments cholangiocarcinoma tumor suppression in combination with PD-L1 blockade

Niels Vande Casteele, PhD

University of California, San Diego

Project title: Identifying optimal thresholds and personalized dosing regimens of infliximab to maximize endoscopic remission rates in patients with ulcerative colitis

[email protected]

The six investigators awarded AGA’s flagship research grant are working on impressive research projects that address important unmet needs for GI patients.

In partnership with generous supporters, the AGA Research Foundation provided more than $2 million in research funding to 41 investigators in 2018. The AGA Research Scholar Award was given to 6 exceptional early-career investigators who represent the future of GI research. Read about their research projects below.
 

Sarah Andres, PhD

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Project title: The mRNA binding protein IMP1 regulates intestinal epithelial exosome biology during homeostasis and metastasis

Swathi Eluri, MD, MSCR

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Project title: Improving Barrett’s esophagus screening practices in primary care

Jill Hoffman, PhD

University of California, Los Angeles

AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in IBD

Project title: Characterization of CRHR₂-mediated enteric glial cell function during colitis

Dr. Hoffman will use her AGA-Takeda funding to define a role for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling in enteric glial cell function, and determine CRHR₂-dependent crosstalk between enteric glial cells and the intestinal epithelium during inflammation. Through research aiming to understand the basic mechanisms of cell-to-cell signaling during intestinal inflammation, Dr. Hoffman hopes to determine how to harness these pathways to limit inflammation and promote repair in patients with IBD.
 

Elizabeth Jensen, MPH, PhD

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

Project title: Early life factors, gene-environment interaction, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

With this funding, Dr. Jensen will conduct the largest study to date on early life factors and EoE, using data that have been collected prospectively through population-based registries in Denmark. Ultimately, Dr. Jensen hopes her research will lead to advancements in our understanding of etiologic factors for development of immune-mediated GI diseases, such as EoE, and will lead to the identification of modifiable factors for disease prevention.
 

Sumera Rizvi, MD

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Project title: Necrosis enhances tumor immunogenicity and augments cholangiocarcinoma tumor suppression in combination with PD-L1 blockade

Niels Vande Casteele, PhD

University of California, San Diego

Project title: Identifying optimal thresholds and personalized dosing regimens of infliximab to maximize endoscopic remission rates in patients with ulcerative colitis

[email protected]

Whether you attended VAM18 or not, if you need more meeting, we have you covered. All things VAM are available here. For example:

• Find link to CME claim info
• Watch on-site videos and enjoy slide shows
• Find a link to the full schedule, with abstracts, moderators, faculty bios, exhibitors

VAM On Demand slides and videos will soon be available for purchase; watch Pulse and/or your inbox for the announcement!

Whether you attended VAM18 or not, if you need more meeting, we have you covered. All things VAM are available here. For example:

• Find link to CME claim info
• Watch on-site videos and enjoy slide shows
• Find a link to the full schedule, with abstracts, moderators, faculty bios, exhibitors

VAM On Demand slides and videos will soon be available for purchase; watch Pulse and/or your inbox for the announcement!

Whether you attended VAM18 or not, if you need more meeting, we have you covered. All things VAM are available here. For example:

• Find link to CME claim info
• Watch on-site videos and enjoy slide shows
• Find a link to the full schedule, with abstracts, moderators, faculty bios, exhibitors

VAM On Demand slides and videos will soon be available for purchase; watch Pulse and/or your inbox for the announcement!

The deadline to submit applications for the SVS Foundation Research Career Development Travel Award is Aug. 15. This award aims to develop strong leaders in vascular surgery. Awardees are assigned an SVS research mentor and are provided with funds to attend an establish research career development course.

The deadline to submit applications for the SVS Foundation Research Career Development Travel Award is Aug. 15. This award aims to develop strong leaders in vascular surgery. Awardees are assigned an SVS research mentor and are provided with funds to attend an establish research career development course.

The deadline to submit applications for the SVS Foundation Research Career Development Travel Award is Aug. 15. This award aims to develop strong leaders in vascular surgery. Awardees are assigned an SVS research mentor and are provided with funds to attend an establish research career development course.

The deadline for applications for the SVS International Scholars Program has been extended to Sept. 1. The program provides up to four scholarships to qualified young vascular surgeons from countries other than the United States or Canada. Awardees receive $5,000 each, to attend the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting and to visit clinical, teaching and research facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Apply today.

The deadline for applications for the SVS International Scholars Program has been extended to Sept. 1. The program provides up to four scholarships to qualified young vascular surgeons from countries other than the United States or Canada. Awardees receive $5,000 each, to attend the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting and to visit clinical, teaching and research facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Apply today.

The deadline for applications for the SVS International Scholars Program has been extended to Sept. 1. The program provides up to four scholarships to qualified young vascular surgeons from countries other than the United States or Canada. Awardees receive $5,000 each, to attend the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting and to visit clinical, teaching and research facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Apply today.

“AGA is pushing the envelope in a number of areas,” said outgoing AGA President Sheila E. Crowe MD, AGAF, during the AGA Presidential Plenary at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW). “And in a changing world, there are battlefronts where we must continue to work toward innovative solutions.”

The association continues to push reform in maintenance of certification (MOC). The Gastroenterologist-accountable Professionalism in Practice (G-APP) alternative certification pathway introduced 2 years ago created a strong platform to continue guiding the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to adapt its own MOC process to be more flexible, less costly, and more reflective of the realities of clinical practice.

“ABIM has responded to our pressure by unveiling the 2-year check-in,” Dr. Crowe said. “This is progress, but it still fails to address all the concerns we have expressed to ABIM. AGA will continue to work collaboratively, but forcefully, to make sure that recertification is convenient, relevant, and meaningful.”

AGA has successfully pushed for improvements to the Medicare Quality Payments program. Dr. Crowe said the association remains committed to reducing the regulatory hoops, red tape, and associated costs that practices must navigate.

The continuing push to ease regulatory burdens of practice is buoyed by successes in other areas.

AGA built a new partnership with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and launched the first annual Crohn’s & Colitis Congress™ earlier this year. Registration for the 2019 Congress opens later this month.

The AGA Community (community.gastro.org) became a vibrant hub for clinicians to discuss their most difficult cases. Most recently, AGA made its patient education materials freely available online through the AGA GI Patient Center (patient.gastro.org). All educational pieces are available in both English and Spanish.

Research has been a top priority since AGA was founded 121 years ago, Dr. Crowe added.

“We are proud to be part of a coalition that aggressively advocated for increases at NIH and were pleased that a $3 billion increase was secured in the budget,” she said. “It was a big win in a tough environment.”

To help bridge the continuing shortfall in federal funding, the AGA Research Foundation launched an active year of fundraising and funding. The Foundation provided $2 million in research funding to 41 young investigators in the past year. An expanded awards program provided more pilot awards and more research scholar awards (RSA).

The past year also saw the launch of the AGA Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) National Registry. The new registry will assess the short- and long-term patient outcomes associated with FMT. In addition, AGA created a clinical research registry for endoscopic suturing procedures. The annual AGA Tech Summit continues to push for innovation in all areas of GI. The ultimate goal, Dr. Crowe said, is to put the most effective innovations into the hands of clinicians as quickly as possible.

During the plenary, Dr. Crowe presented the annual Julius Friedenwald Medal to Loren Laine, MD, AGAF. In addition to a distinguished academic career, Dr. Laine helped create the AGA Center for Gut Microbiome Research and Education while he was AGA president and helped establish AGA’s guideline development process.
 

[email protected]

“AGA is pushing the envelope in a number of areas,” said outgoing AGA President Sheila E. Crowe MD, AGAF, during the AGA Presidential Plenary at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW). “And in a changing world, there are battlefronts where we must continue to work toward innovative solutions.”

The association continues to push reform in maintenance of certification (MOC). The Gastroenterologist-accountable Professionalism in Practice (G-APP) alternative certification pathway introduced 2 years ago created a strong platform to continue guiding the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to adapt its own MOC process to be more flexible, less costly, and more reflective of the realities of clinical practice.

“ABIM has responded to our pressure by unveiling the 2-year check-in,” Dr. Crowe said. “This is progress, but it still fails to address all the concerns we have expressed to ABIM. AGA will continue to work collaboratively, but forcefully, to make sure that recertification is convenient, relevant, and meaningful.”

AGA has successfully pushed for improvements to the Medicare Quality Payments program. Dr. Crowe said the association remains committed to reducing the regulatory hoops, red tape, and associated costs that practices must navigate.

The continuing push to ease regulatory burdens of practice is buoyed by successes in other areas.

AGA built a new partnership with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and launched the first annual Crohn’s & Colitis Congress™ earlier this year. Registration for the 2019 Congress opens later this month.

The AGA Community (community.gastro.org) became a vibrant hub for clinicians to discuss their most difficult cases. Most recently, AGA made its patient education materials freely available online through the AGA GI Patient Center (patient.gastro.org). All educational pieces are available in both English and Spanish.

Research has been a top priority since AGA was founded 121 years ago, Dr. Crowe added.

“We are proud to be part of a coalition that aggressively advocated for increases at NIH and were pleased that a $3 billion increase was secured in the budget,” she said. “It was a big win in a tough environment.”

To help bridge the continuing shortfall in federal funding, the AGA Research Foundation launched an active year of fundraising and funding. The Foundation provided $2 million in research funding to 41 young investigators in the past year. An expanded awards program provided more pilot awards and more research scholar awards (RSA).

The past year also saw the launch of the AGA Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) National Registry. The new registry will assess the short- and long-term patient outcomes associated with FMT. In addition, AGA created a clinical research registry for endoscopic suturing procedures. The annual AGA Tech Summit continues to push for innovation in all areas of GI. The ultimate goal, Dr. Crowe said, is to put the most effective innovations into the hands of clinicians as quickly as possible.

During the plenary, Dr. Crowe presented the annual Julius Friedenwald Medal to Loren Laine, MD, AGAF. In addition to a distinguished academic career, Dr. Laine helped create the AGA Center for Gut Microbiome Research and Education while he was AGA president and helped establish AGA’s guideline development process.
 

[email protected]

“AGA is pushing the envelope in a number of areas,” said outgoing AGA President Sheila E. Crowe MD, AGAF, during the AGA Presidential Plenary at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW). “And in a changing world, there are battlefronts where we must continue to work toward innovative solutions.”

The association continues to push reform in maintenance of certification (MOC). The Gastroenterologist-accountable Professionalism in Practice (G-APP) alternative certification pathway introduced 2 years ago created a strong platform to continue guiding the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to adapt its own MOC process to be more flexible, less costly, and more reflective of the realities of clinical practice.

“ABIM has responded to our pressure by unveiling the 2-year check-in,” Dr. Crowe said. “This is progress, but it still fails to address all the concerns we have expressed to ABIM. AGA will continue to work collaboratively, but forcefully, to make sure that recertification is convenient, relevant, and meaningful.”

AGA has successfully pushed for improvements to the Medicare Quality Payments program. Dr. Crowe said the association remains committed to reducing the regulatory hoops, red tape, and associated costs that practices must navigate.

The continuing push to ease regulatory burdens of practice is buoyed by successes in other areas.

AGA built a new partnership with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and launched the first annual Crohn’s & Colitis Congress™ earlier this year. Registration for the 2019 Congress opens later this month.

The AGA Community (community.gastro.org) became a vibrant hub for clinicians to discuss their most difficult cases. Most recently, AGA made its patient education materials freely available online through the AGA GI Patient Center (patient.gastro.org). All educational pieces are available in both English and Spanish.

Research has been a top priority since AGA was founded 121 years ago, Dr. Crowe added.

“We are proud to be part of a coalition that aggressively advocated for increases at NIH and were pleased that a $3 billion increase was secured in the budget,” she said. “It was a big win in a tough environment.”

To help bridge the continuing shortfall in federal funding, the AGA Research Foundation launched an active year of fundraising and funding. The Foundation provided $2 million in research funding to 41 young investigators in the past year. An expanded awards program provided more pilot awards and more research scholar awards (RSA).

The past year also saw the launch of the AGA Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) National Registry. The new registry will assess the short- and long-term patient outcomes associated with FMT. In addition, AGA created a clinical research registry for endoscopic suturing procedures. The annual AGA Tech Summit continues to push for innovation in all areas of GI. The ultimate goal, Dr. Crowe said, is to put the most effective innovations into the hands of clinicians as quickly as possible.

During the plenary, Dr. Crowe presented the annual Julius Friedenwald Medal to Loren Laine, MD, AGAF. In addition to a distinguished academic career, Dr. Laine helped create the AGA Center for Gut Microbiome Research and Education while he was AGA president and helped establish AGA’s guideline development process.
 

[email protected]

Applications are due by Aug. 2 for the SVS International Scholars Program, which provides up to four scholarships to qualified young vascular surgeons from countries other than the United States or Canada. Awardees receive $5,000 each, to attend the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting and to visit clinical, teaching and research facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

Applications are due by Aug. 2 for the SVS International Scholars Program, which provides up to four scholarships to qualified young vascular surgeons from countries other than the United States or Canada. Awardees receive $5,000 each, to attend the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting and to visit clinical, teaching and research facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

Applications are due by Aug. 2 for the SVS International Scholars Program, which provides up to four scholarships to qualified young vascular surgeons from countries other than the United States or Canada. Awardees receive $5,000 each, to attend the 2019 Vascular Annual Meeting and to visit clinical, teaching and research facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

In 2018, the AGA Research Foundation was proud to provide more than $2 million in research funding to 41 investigators.

AGA’s flagship award, the AGA Research Scholar Award, was given to five exceptional early-career investigators who represent the future of GI research. In addition, one researcher was awarded the AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Read about the 2018 awardees’ research projects below.
 

Sarah Andres, PhD
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Project title: The mRNA-binding protein IMP1 regulates intestinal epithelial exosome biology during homeostasis and metastasis

Dr. Rizvi’s research is focused on elucidating immunogenic cell death mechanisms and exploring novel, immune-mediated therapeutic approaches in cholangiocarcinoma. This work has the potential to open novel therapeutic avenues for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, which will ultimately improve the outcomes of patients with this devastating malignancy.



Niels Vande Casteele, PhD
University of California, San Diego

Project title: Identifying optimal thresholds & personalized dosing regimens of infliximab to maximize endoscopic remission rates in patients with ulcerative colitis

In 2018, the AGA Research Foundation was proud to provide more than $2 million in research funding to 41 investigators.

AGA’s flagship award, the AGA Research Scholar Award, was given to five exceptional early-career investigators who represent the future of GI research. In addition, one researcher was awarded the AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Read about the 2018 awardees’ research projects below.
 

Sarah Andres, PhD
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Project title: The mRNA-binding protein IMP1 regulates intestinal epithelial exosome biology during homeostasis and metastasis

Dr. Rizvi’s research is focused on elucidating immunogenic cell death mechanisms and exploring novel, immune-mediated therapeutic approaches in cholangiocarcinoma. This work has the potential to open novel therapeutic avenues for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, which will ultimately improve the outcomes of patients with this devastating malignancy.



Niels Vande Casteele, PhD
University of California, San Diego

Project title: Identifying optimal thresholds & personalized dosing regimens of infliximab to maximize endoscopic remission rates in patients with ulcerative colitis

In 2018, the AGA Research Foundation was proud to provide more than $2 million in research funding to 41 investigators.

AGA’s flagship award, the AGA Research Scholar Award, was given to five exceptional early-career investigators who represent the future of GI research. In addition, one researcher was awarded the AGA-Takeda Pharmaceuticals Research Scholar Award in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Read about the 2018 awardees’ research projects below.
 

Sarah Andres, PhD
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Project title: The mRNA-binding protein IMP1 regulates intestinal epithelial exosome biology during homeostasis and metastasis

Dr. Rizvi’s research is focused on elucidating immunogenic cell death mechanisms and exploring novel, immune-mediated therapeutic approaches in cholangiocarcinoma. This work has the potential to open novel therapeutic avenues for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, which will ultimately improve the outcomes of patients with this devastating malignancy.



Niels Vande Casteele, PhD
University of California, San Diego

Project title: Identifying optimal thresholds & personalized dosing regimens of infliximab to maximize endoscopic remission rates in patients with ulcerative colitis

If you are a current AGA trainee, medical resident, or student member, please renew your membership today to ensure the continuation of your career-enhancing benefits for the upcoming membership year. Prepare for your next chapter with the latest news and breakthroughs in the field, as well as access to educational programs, events and much more.

While renewing, please update your member profile at My AGA for news and resources tailored to your professional interests. The deadline to renew is Aug. 31, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact AGA Member Relations at [email protected] or 301-941-2651.

If you are a current AGA trainee, medical resident, or student member, please renew your membership today to ensure the continuation of your career-enhancing benefits for the upcoming membership year. Prepare for your next chapter with the latest news and breakthroughs in the field, as well as access to educational programs, events and much more.

While renewing, please update your member profile at My AGA for news and resources tailored to your professional interests. The deadline to renew is Aug. 31, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact AGA Member Relations at [email protected] or 301-941-2651.

If you are a current AGA trainee, medical resident, or student member, please renew your membership today to ensure the continuation of your career-enhancing benefits for the upcoming membership year. Prepare for your next chapter with the latest news and breakthroughs in the field, as well as access to educational programs, events and much more.

While renewing, please update your member profile at My AGA for news and resources tailored to your professional interests. The deadline to renew is Aug. 31, 2018.

If you have any questions, please contact AGA Member Relations at [email protected] or 301-941-2651.

Successful careers don’t just happen. They are made by individuals who take charge and build their own success. The alternative is burnout.

“Part of burnout is feeling overburdened, overworked, and out of control,” said Barbara Jung, MD, AGAF, professor and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, during Strategies for a Successful Career: Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership and Resilience at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) 2018. “If somebody is staying until 9 or 10 o’clock [at night] to finish notes, I have a discussion with them. It is good to be done at 5 p.m. and go home. It is all about setting your own priorities and not letting the job take over your life.”

Associations have a role to play, too. The ASGE Technology Committee reported in 2010 that up to 89% of GIs suffer musculoskeletal injuries from manipulating scopes. Colonoscopist’s thumb (left thumb tendonitis) and metacarpophalangeal joint strain were the most common injuries.

“Risk factors are part of our work,” said Mehnaz Shafi, MD, AGAF, professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. “Pinching, pushing, pulling, and awkward positions are part of what we do. This is an injury with consequences.”

Dr. Shafi chairs the AGA Task Force on Ergonomics. The group has recommended changes to endoscopic work stations that minimize injury. The most important changes include mounting monitors on flexible stands to accommodate GIs of all heights, adding straps to the control head to allow the fingers to relax, providing ergonomic training to all GIs and using patient beds that can be raised and lowered to accommodate both tall and short GIs.

“Shaping your career is one of the key principles in preventing burnout,” said Arthur DeCross, MD, AGAF, professor of medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, N.Y. “We know that more than half of gastroenterologists self-identify as being burned out. And one of the major contributors to burnout is lack of control over your work environment, your career, your colleagues. Taking control of your career can make a difference.”

Taking control can be particularly important for women. An AGA burnout survey in 2015 found that 51% of male GIs reported burnout versus 62% of female GIs.

One reason is women’s tendency to negotiate poorly on their own behalf, said Marie-Pier Tétreault, PhD, assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.

“It’s a matter of attitude,” she explained. “Men tend to believe they can and should make life happen. Women tend to believe that what you see is what you get. Even when women do negotiate, they tend to ask for 15%-30% less than their male colleagues. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.”

Simply taking the lead in negotiations can improve the outcome, she continued. Network with colleagues and mentors to find the appropriate ranges for salaries, benefits, and perks such as parking, spousal job opportunities, facilities and space, teaching expectations, administrative support, and more.

Successful careers don’t just happen. They are made by individuals who take charge and build their own success. The alternative is burnout.

“Part of burnout is feeling overburdened, overworked, and out of control,” said Barbara Jung, MD, AGAF, professor and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, during Strategies for a Successful Career: Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership and Resilience at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) 2018. “If somebody is staying until 9 or 10 o’clock [at night] to finish notes, I have a discussion with them. It is good to be done at 5 p.m. and go home. It is all about setting your own priorities and not letting the job take over your life.”

Associations have a role to play, too. The ASGE Technology Committee reported in 2010 that up to 89% of GIs suffer musculoskeletal injuries from manipulating scopes. Colonoscopist’s thumb (left thumb tendonitis) and metacarpophalangeal joint strain were the most common injuries.

“Risk factors are part of our work,” said Mehnaz Shafi, MD, AGAF, professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. “Pinching, pushing, pulling, and awkward positions are part of what we do. This is an injury with consequences.”

Dr. Shafi chairs the AGA Task Force on Ergonomics. The group has recommended changes to endoscopic work stations that minimize injury. The most important changes include mounting monitors on flexible stands to accommodate GIs of all heights, adding straps to the control head to allow the fingers to relax, providing ergonomic training to all GIs and using patient beds that can be raised and lowered to accommodate both tall and short GIs.

“Shaping your career is one of the key principles in preventing burnout,” said Arthur DeCross, MD, AGAF, professor of medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, N.Y. “We know that more than half of gastroenterologists self-identify as being burned out. And one of the major contributors to burnout is lack of control over your work environment, your career, your colleagues. Taking control of your career can make a difference.”

Taking control can be particularly important for women. An AGA burnout survey in 2015 found that 51% of male GIs reported burnout versus 62% of female GIs.

One reason is women’s tendency to negotiate poorly on their own behalf, said Marie-Pier Tétreault, PhD, assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.

“It’s a matter of attitude,” she explained. “Men tend to believe they can and should make life happen. Women tend to believe that what you see is what you get. Even when women do negotiate, they tend to ask for 15%-30% less than their male colleagues. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.”

Simply taking the lead in negotiations can improve the outcome, she continued. Network with colleagues and mentors to find the appropriate ranges for salaries, benefits, and perks such as parking, spousal job opportunities, facilities and space, teaching expectations, administrative support, and more.

Successful careers don’t just happen. They are made by individuals who take charge and build their own success. The alternative is burnout.

“Part of burnout is feeling overburdened, overworked, and out of control,” said Barbara Jung, MD, AGAF, professor and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, during Strategies for a Successful Career: Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership and Resilience at Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) 2018. “If somebody is staying until 9 or 10 o’clock [at night] to finish notes, I have a discussion with them. It is good to be done at 5 p.m. and go home. It is all about setting your own priorities and not letting the job take over your life.”

Associations have a role to play, too. The ASGE Technology Committee reported in 2010 that up to 89% of GIs suffer musculoskeletal injuries from manipulating scopes. Colonoscopist’s thumb (left thumb tendonitis) and metacarpophalangeal joint strain were the most common injuries.

“Risk factors are part of our work,” said Mehnaz Shafi, MD, AGAF, professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. “Pinching, pushing, pulling, and awkward positions are part of what we do. This is an injury with consequences.”

Dr. Shafi chairs the AGA Task Force on Ergonomics. The group has recommended changes to endoscopic work stations that minimize injury. The most important changes include mounting monitors on flexible stands to accommodate GIs of all heights, adding straps to the control head to allow the fingers to relax, providing ergonomic training to all GIs and using patient beds that can be raised and lowered to accommodate both tall and short GIs.

“Shaping your career is one of the key principles in preventing burnout,” said Arthur DeCross, MD, AGAF, professor of medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, N.Y. “We know that more than half of gastroenterologists self-identify as being burned out. And one of the major contributors to burnout is lack of control over your work environment, your career, your colleagues. Taking control of your career can make a difference.”

Taking control can be particularly important for women. An AGA burnout survey in 2015 found that 51% of male GIs reported burnout versus 62% of female GIs.

One reason is women’s tendency to negotiate poorly on their own behalf, said Marie-Pier Tétreault, PhD, assistant professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.

“It’s a matter of attitude,” she explained. “Men tend to believe they can and should make life happen. Women tend to believe that what you see is what you get. Even when women do negotiate, they tend to ask for 15%-30% less than their male colleagues. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.”

Simply taking the lead in negotiations can improve the outcome, she continued. Network with colleagues and mentors to find the appropriate ranges for salaries, benefits, and perks such as parking, spousal job opportunities, facilities and space, teaching expectations, administrative support, and more.

During Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) this year the AGA Political Action Committee (PAC) honored Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., for their support over the years in advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology on Capitol Hill.

Cassidy has been instrumental in passing legislation that reformed the broken sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula and transitioned physicians to more value-based payments in the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Cassidy was particularly helpful in creating a pathway for specialty physician–focused payment models and was helpful to AGA in communicating with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) about the need for specialty-driven health care models. Cassidy also championed our transparency campaign when the GI codes were being reevaluated and because of his help, CMS reformed the way they announce changes to the fee schedule and now provide notice so that stakeholders are able to participate in the process. Cassidy has also been a strong proponent in providing more transparency across our health care system and helping to provide regulatory relief to physicians, especially in the area of electronic health records.

Thompson has been a champion for GIs and our patients by supporting efforts to increase access to colorectal cancer screenings. He is a cosponsor of Removing Barriers to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would correct the problem of requiring patients to pay a copay when a screening colonoscopy turns therapeutic. He also played a key role in AGA’s efforts to require CMS to change its fee setting system to one that is more transparent and provides stakeholders such as AGA the opportunity to participate more meaningfully in the process. Thompson signed onto two key letters to CMS calling on the agency to change its system to a more transparent one and to heed stakeholder input into the process. He has also been a strong supporter of meaningful funding increases for the National Institutes of Health.
 

[email protected]

During Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) this year the AGA Political Action Committee (PAC) honored Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., for their support over the years in advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology on Capitol Hill.

Cassidy has been instrumental in passing legislation that reformed the broken sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula and transitioned physicians to more value-based payments in the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Cassidy was particularly helpful in creating a pathway for specialty physician–focused payment models and was helpful to AGA in communicating with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) about the need for specialty-driven health care models. Cassidy also championed our transparency campaign when the GI codes were being reevaluated and because of his help, CMS reformed the way they announce changes to the fee schedule and now provide notice so that stakeholders are able to participate in the process. Cassidy has also been a strong proponent in providing more transparency across our health care system and helping to provide regulatory relief to physicians, especially in the area of electronic health records.

Thompson has been a champion for GIs and our patients by supporting efforts to increase access to colorectal cancer screenings. He is a cosponsor of Removing Barriers to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would correct the problem of requiring patients to pay a copay when a screening colonoscopy turns therapeutic. He also played a key role in AGA’s efforts to require CMS to change its fee setting system to one that is more transparent and provides stakeholders such as AGA the opportunity to participate more meaningfully in the process. Thompson signed onto two key letters to CMS calling on the agency to change its system to a more transparent one and to heed stakeholder input into the process. He has also been a strong supporter of meaningful funding increases for the National Institutes of Health.
 

[email protected]

During Digestive Disease Week^® (DDW) this year the AGA Political Action Committee (PAC) honored Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., for their support over the years in advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology on Capitol Hill.

Cassidy has been instrumental in passing legislation that reformed the broken sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula and transitioned physicians to more value-based payments in the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Cassidy was particularly helpful in creating a pathway for specialty physician–focused payment models and was helpful to AGA in communicating with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) about the need for specialty-driven health care models. Cassidy also championed our transparency campaign when the GI codes were being reevaluated and because of his help, CMS reformed the way they announce changes to the fee schedule and now provide notice so that stakeholders are able to participate in the process. Cassidy has also been a strong proponent in providing more transparency across our health care system and helping to provide regulatory relief to physicians, especially in the area of electronic health records.

Thompson has been a champion for GIs and our patients by supporting efforts to increase access to colorectal cancer screenings. He is a cosponsor of Removing Barriers to the Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, legislation that would correct the problem of requiring patients to pay a copay when a screening colonoscopy turns therapeutic. He also played a key role in AGA’s efforts to require CMS to change its fee setting system to one that is more transparent and provides stakeholders such as AGA the opportunity to participate more meaningfully in the process. Thompson signed onto two key letters to CMS calling on the agency to change its system to a more transparent one and to heed stakeholder input into the process. He has also been a strong supporter of meaningful funding increases for the National Institutes of Health.
 

[email protected]