Amy Oxentenko, MD, FACG

Dear colleagues,

The rising number of women in medicine is providing the groundswell to advance equity, ensure inclusion and drive the future change needed in gastroenterology and hepatology. Women in gastroenterology have felt empowered to challenge the status quo and ask for the necessary transparency to those in leadership. It is exciting to see the positive forward momentum, and I am honored to be a part of it.

From outpatient clinics, hospitals, research laboratories, industry, classrooms, and the C-suite – women in medicine everywhere are making a difference in the lives of patients, trainees, other women in medicine and male allies who have supported this work. 

September is Women in Medicine Month, so I hope you will all join me this month in celebrating the accomplishments of ACG’s women in gastroenterology. Given gastroenterology has historically been a male-predominant specialty, women within the specialty have encountered challenges, including inequity in salary and opportunities, harassment, and lack of flexibility, which can make recruitment and retention into the field more difficult. While we continue to recruit into the pipeline, we need to ensure we are providing the ideal training and working environments to maintain that pipeline, removing plugs and repairing the leaks. 

How ACG is Supporting Women Gastroenterologists 

ACG’s Women in GI Committee supports women by encouraging participation and advancement of women in gastroenterology, promoting research and understanding of the gender differences in gastrointestinal diseases, and bringing greater awareness to the unique issues faced by women in the field. The committee provides information for women in gastroenterology on different practice models, work-life integration, pregnancy, gender equity, teamwork, leadership, and much more. Join the Women in GI Committee this month for a webinar on Career Opportunities for Women in GI. 

Tuesday, September 14, 2021: Career Opportunities for Women in GI 
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time 

Panelists: Lin Chang, MD, FACG, Danielle E. Marino, MD, Shireen A. Pais, MD, FACG, Kumkum S. Patel, MD, Vonda G. Reeves, MD, MBA, FACG, Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, FACG, and Lavanya Viswanathan, MD, MS 
Moderators: Jana G. Al Hashash, MD, FACG, Julie Tobak, MD 
The ACG Women in GI Committee is hosting a webinar geared toward residents, trainees, and junior faculty who are facing difficult decisions regarding the future of their medical careers. Women gastroenterologists from a variety of medical backgrounds will address the issues of being a woman in the field, balancing career and family, and growth opportunities for women in medicine. 

Circle Logo

Get More Involved and Join the ACG Women in GI Circle 

  • An expert panel of women in GI who are ready to share insights on recommendations for difficult clinical cases, offer advice regarding a promotion or negotiating for a raise, help trainees with questions about contract negotiations or selecting a practice, and much more. 
  • Access to resources so you can stay current with the latest research on disorders more commonly seen in women, and resources that support women in GI, both in their careers and outside of work. 
  • A chance to engage in discussions with colleagues and share insights, given the differing experiences and expertise we all have. 

Join Us for a Twitter Chat on “Establishing and Expanding Your Professional Social Media Presence”

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 8:00 pm EDT
twitter.com/AmCollegeGastro

Join Me in Recognizing ACG’s Women Gastroenterologists 

In honor of Women in Medicine Month, let’s recognize the achievements of #ACGWomen on Twitter! Nominate your colleagues to celebrate their role in patient care and advancement of women in medicine. 

Tag your nominee in a tweet and share why they inspire you, using the hashtags #WIMMonth and #ACGwomen, and include @AmCollegeGastro so we can share it with the GI community! Other suggested hashtags are #WomeninGI #DiversityinGI #SheLeadsGI.