MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

AN HISTORIC MOMENT

for Gastroenterology and Hepatology

AT DDW 2017, IN CHICAGO, I WAS PROUD TO REPRESENT THE ACG

and join the three Presidents of our sister societies to celebrate an historic milestone. At DDW, Dr. Sheila E. Crowe, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and Dr. Karen L. Woods, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), joined Dr. Anna S. Lok, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, and me to lead our respective organizations. This is the first time that all four societies are under the simultaneous auspices of female leadership.

In Chicago, the excitement in the air was palpable, as many of the current and past female Presidents, society leaders and hundreds of female members of our societies joined together at the sold-out Annual Women in GI Luncheon hosted by AGA. In addition, a standing roomonly crowd attended the ASGE LEAD Fireside Chat with the Presidents for a lovely reception. Both events solidified the respected place that women in GI and hepatology hold in the profession.

As a proud participant, I witnessed an incredibly talented pool of young, bright and energetic women currently serving or eager to serve their professional societies. Friendship, networking and heartfelt stories of the challenges and opportunities for personal and professional satisfaction and success were exchanged. Many women were encouraged to witness that all sister societies value and reward the hard work and commitment by members to their society regardless of gender, ethnicity, country of origin or type of practice.

It was clear that all societies actively encourage and promote the development of women leaders by specific leadership training programs and courses. I reminded the women in the rooms that, in our success, we are standing on the shoulders of many women and men who have come before us.

ACG Past Presidents Dr. Christina M. Surawicz (1998–1999) and Dr. Amy E. Foxx-Orenstein (2007–2008) created a foothold for the advancement of female leaders in the College. Currently, Dr. Sunanda V. Kane is ACG Vice President. Women are engaged in the life of the College at many levels. The percentage of female ACG members is currently 21% and has increased steadily over the past decade. Women make up 26% of committee members, 24% of committee Chairs, 9% of our Governors, 16% of our officers and Trustees, and 9% of our FACGs (Fellows of the American College of Gastroenterology).

While these trends in women’s participation in the College are hopeful, our work is not done. Female gastroenterologists continue to earn less pay for equal work, bear more brunt of domestic chores and family care, have less tangible career advancement, and, sadly, if not intended, have more childless rates than their male counterparts. Women need to recognize these disparities, determine their fair market value, and demand their worth.

The ACG Women in GI Committee has always been active in researching and highlighting gender disparities in our specialty and in medicine (Am J Gastro 2004;100:259-264, Am J Gastroenterology 2008;103:1589-1595). Now more than ever, the College is creating more resources for women in GI. The offerings for women are flourishing under the leadership of Dr. Jill Gaidos, current Chair of the Women in GI Committee.

Opportunities for female ACG members to network, mentor, coach and learn by sharing stories, professional and work-life balance tips, salary facts and other resources are available through the College with the new online community, the “Women in GI Circle.” I have been impressed by the inspirational stories in the “Conversations with Women in GI” series that Jill writes for ACG MAGAZINE.

I encourage all women in the College to engage in these opportunities, but especially to consider joining the Mentoring Program or attending any of the face-to-face offerings, such as the “Navigating, Networking and Negotiating Your First Job Workshop” and the “Career Opportunities for Women in GI Luncheon” at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting. Lastly, it would give me and the other female FACGs no greater pleasure than to support applications by female gastroenterologists for advancement to fellowship in ACG. For both women and men, attaining the professional status of FACG affords a pinnacle of professional recognition and opens the way for more leadership opportunities within the College.

 L to R: Karen L. Woods, MD, FACG, Sheila E. Crowe, MD, FACG, Carol A. Burke, MD, FACG, and Anna S. Lok, MD.