Embracing the Past, Present, and Future:
Celebrating Black Excellence in Gastroenterology

by Dr. Corlan Eboh, Dr. Mazer Ally & Dr. Mohammad Ali; ACG Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The American College of Gastroenterology celebrates Black History Month by recognizing Black professionals’ rich legacy and vibrant presence in gastroenterology. The celebration is an active recognition of ongoing contributions and a forward-thinking vision.

We will spotlight trailblazing individuals and organizations from the Black medical community weekly. These features are narratives of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to medical excellence and patient care. We aim to showcase the diverse talents and perspectives that enrich our field.​

As we honor the exceptional contributions of Black leaders, we also focus on the future; they are driving action and fostering continual growth in diversity and inclusion. The ACG strives to cultivate an inclusive environment for all gastroenterologists, where diverse voices are heard and essential to our collective progress.

This month is a time to celebrate our achievements and anticipate the ongoing work to ensure equity and representation in gastroenterology. We invite you to engage with our weekly features, find inspiration in these stories, and contribute to the dialogue on creating a more inclusive future in healthcare.

Join us in recognizing Black gastroenterologists’ remarkable contributions and embracing the ongoing effort to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field.


Weekly Spotlight

GastroCares
gastrocares.org

L-R: Josh Hurley Bruno, Ron Sandell, Dr. Aamir Ali, Dr. Julio Salcedo, Dr. Dominique Howard, Dr. Henry Bell, Dr. Marvin Lawrence, Dr. Olanma Okoji, Dr. Roderick Kreisberg, Larry Leins, and Tavain Hargrove.

This Black History Month, the ACG is proud to spotlight GastroCares, an organization dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to gastroenterological care for underserved communities. Led by Dr. Dominique Howard as Chair, GastroCares was founded on the principles of equity, education, and outreach, focusing on making high-quality care accessible to those who need it most.

Through innovative programs such as free community health screenings, patient education initiatives, and culturally informed care models, GastroCares is reducing barriers to care and addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately impact marginalized populations.

In addition to its commitment to patients, GastroCares invests in the future of gastroenterology by mentoring future medical trainees from underrepresented backgrounds. By fostering diversity within the field, the organization ensures that the next generation of gastroenterologists reflects the communities they serve.

GastroCares exemplifies the impact that thoughtful, community-focused initiatives can have in bridging gaps in care. Under Dr. Howard’s leadership, their work aligns closely with ACG’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an inspiring example of how organizations can make a meaningful difference in advancing health equity.

We are honored to celebrate GastroCares and Dr. Howard this Black History Month and to share their important work with the ACG community.


Cultivating a Diverse Pipeline in Gastroenterology

Current ACG Institute Leadership Training Program Participants

Adjoa Anyane-Yeboa, MD, MPH
Clinical Research Leadership Program

Cristal Brown, MD, MHS
Clinical Research Leadership Program

Veronica Jarido, MD
Early Career Leadership Program

Ross McMillan, MD, PhD
Emerging Leadership Program

ACG Summer Scholars (2024)

Chioma Stephanie Owo, UT Health San Antonio – Long School of Medicine

Marquise Soto, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University


Educational Resources

ACG Logo. ACG Virtual Grand Rounds Thursday 12 Noon Eastern

ACG Racism in Medicine Webinar Series

Health Equity and DEI Module Graphic

Health Equity & DEI Module on the ACG Education Universe

ACG’s Health Equity & DEI Module features a comprehensive educational program dedicated to providing updates on diversity, equity and inclusion topics. The modules include content specifically designed to allow the learner to increase knowledge and develop strategies that can be implemented into practice.


Leonidas Berry Health Equity Research Award

The ACG Institute proudly designated its Health Equity Research Award to honor the life and legacy of Leonidas H. Berry, MD, MACG. The College and the ACG Institute recognize his contributions to gastroenterology, and tireless efforts to end discrimination in medicine and medical schools. Dr. Berry was a pioneering gastroenterologist, inventor of the Eder-Berry biopsy attachment for the Eder gastroscope, and President of the National Medical Association from 1965 to 1966, among many career distinctions. He joined the College in 1946 and was ACG’s first African American member. ACG bestowed its inaugural Clinical Achievement Award to Dr. Berry in 1987.

Tips for Applying for the Leonidas Berry Health Equity Research Award

This two-year award, with funding of up to $75,000 (50k year-one, 25k year-two based on progress), supports actionable science that will translate to reducing health and/or healthcare disparities.

Applications for ACG Institute Research Awards, including the Leonidas Berry Health Equity Research Award, will open this fall. Look for more information this summer or read last year’s grant announcement.


Further Resources

Intersociety Group on Diversity (IGD) – The purpose of the IGD is to advise, assist and support the sponsoring societies (AASLD, ACG, AGA, ASGE and NASPGHAN) in furtherance of their collective objectives on diversity, equity and inclusion. The IGD aims to increase diversity in gastroenterology among our societies’ members, our pipeline of trainees, and leadership; and eradicate health disparities in the patients and populations our members serve. Leadership of the IGD rotates among the GI societies and the current IGD chair is Dennis Spencer, MD, PhD (NASPGHAN). 

In 2022, the IGD developed a digital guide highlighting the five GI societies’ individual DEI initiatives, research opportunities, pipeline development programs, education, and awards in a helpful at-a-glance format with links to learn more.

The Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) – blackingastro.org  ABGH exists to promote health equity in Black communities, advance science and develop the careers of Black gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and scientists.