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
Muyiwa Awoniyi, MD, PhD
Hepatologist, Cleveland Clinic
Lerner Research Institute, Department of Inflammation, and Immunity
In celebration of Black History Month, the American College of Gastroenterology proudly recognizes the academic progress of Muyiwa Awoniyi, MD, PhD.
As a physician-scientist and transplant hepatologist at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Awoniyi is a burgeoning new investigator in his field. His clinical and research work focus on cholestatic liver disease, along with basic and translation research work on complex interactions between intestinal microbes and microbial metabolites in the context of fibro-inflammatory responses of the gut and liver in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and PSC-associated inflammatory bowel disease.
Dr. Awoniyi’s work is shaping current understanding of how gut dysbiosis and downstream metabolites contributes to PSC +/- associated IBD pathology, with the purpose of enhancing PSC patient care. With the assistance of Dr. Florian Rieder, he has established a PSC-specific biorepository and patient registry to facilitate research and potentially to develop novel PSC therapeutics. Through these efforts, he bridges basic science, translational research, and clinical practice to address unmet needs of patients with PSC.
Beyond his research, Dr. Awoniyi is deeply committed to mentorship and academic leadership. He has been recognized as an AGA Forward Program Scholar and is active in the AGA Liver & Biliary Council and AASLD Research Awards Committee. He is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in academic medicine, by mentoring students and trainees from underrepresented backgrounds through the AGA FORWARD and UNC STAHR Mentoring Program.
As a physician-scientist, Dr. Awoniyi is successfully integrating clinical practice with scientific discovery to be at the forefront of gastroenterology and hepatology. His work will help to improve patient outcomes in translational research and clinical practice, and his investment in mentorship to trainees from of all backgrounds including the underserved communities will help shape the next generation of gastroenterologists to be diverse, inclusive, and innovative.
We are honored to celebrate Dr. Awoniyi this Black History Month and to share his impactful work with our community.
Marie L. Borum MD, EdD, MPH, FACG
Director of the Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases
The George Washington University Medical Center
In honor of Black History Month, the American College of Gastroenterology proudly recognizes the remarkable achievements of Marie L. Borum, MD, EdD, MPH. Dr. Borum is the Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases and Professor of Medicine at The George Washington University Medical Center. She is a trailblazer in gastroenterology and has dedicated her career to medical education and addressing health equity.
Dr. Borum received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, her medical degree from UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School (Robert Wood Johnson Medical School), and a master’s degree in public health and a doctorate in education from The George Washington University. She completed her post-graduate medical training at The George Washington University.
Dr. Borum has published hundreds of abstracts, articles, and book chapters with a focus on women’s health, colon cancer prevention, inflammatory bowel disease, geriatric medicine, medical education and health disparities within gastroenterology.
She has dedicated her career to medical education, mentoring generations of medical trainees, including myself. When I was a second-year medical student, Dr. Borum was my first exposure to gastroenterology. Through her passion and enthusiasm, she played a major role in inspiring many young physicians to follow in her footsteps. Over the years, she has given lectures on addressing health disparities within the medical education curriculum and in the diagnosis of chronic GI diseases.
Dr. Borum is an inspiration and a pillar in our field. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of gastroenterology.
—Mazer Ally, MD, FACG
Julius Wilder, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Duke University School of Medicine
In honor of Black History Month, the American College of Gastroenterology is delighted to highlight the accomplishments of Julius Wilder, MD, PhD.
Julius Wilder, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. He has an appointment with the Duke Clinical Research Institute and a secondary appointment with the Department of Sociology at Duke University. Dr. Wilder graduated with honors as a Meyerhoff Scholar from the University of Maryland Baltimore County before matriculating to Duke University School of Medicine where he received the first MD, PhD in Medical Sociology in the history of Duke University. He then completed an internal medicine residency, a gastroenterology fellowship, and a fellowship in Advanced Hepatology and Transplantation from Duke School of Medicine.
Dr.Wilder has a national reputation as an expert in Health Disparities, Health Equity, and Social Drivers of Health in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He has authored several peer-reviewed articles dealing with these topics in journals such as JAMA, Hepatology, and Liver Transplantation. He is a principal investigator on multiple clinical trials and has received research awards for his work on social drivers of disparities in gastroenterology and hepatology.
In addition to his academic and research achievements, Dr. Wilder holds several key leadership positions emphasizing his commitment to driving change. He is the Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Duke Department of Medicine, Vice Chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Duke Division of Gastroenterology, and is Co-Director for the Duke Community Engagement Research Initiative. He serves as the Chair for the Public Policy Committee for the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD).
Beyond his own research, Dr. Wilder has mentored numerous faculty members, fellows, residents, and medical students.
Dr. Wilder has been a valuable member of the ACG community as well. He has presented in the 2023 ACG Postgraduate Course and contributed to the Health Equity and DEI Module discussing Liver Transplant Continuum Among Marginalized Minorities: Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles.
Dr. Wilder is an exemplary leader, an accomplished researcher, an excellent mentor, and a wonderful ACG member and it is our pleasure to share his groundbreaking work with our community.
GastroCares
gastrocares.org
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
Andrew Ofosu, MD
Early Career Leadership Program
Ross McMillan, MD, PhD
Emerging Leadership Program
Chioma Stephanie Owo, UT Health San Antonio – Long School of Medicine
Marquise Soto, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
Educational Resources
ACG Racism in Medicine Webinar Series
- Shifting Culture and Practice
Dr. Maria Oliva-Hemker, Brooke Abbott, Dr. Darwin Conwell, Dr. Sophie Balzora, Dr. Darrell Gray & Dr. Mark Pochapin - The Journey to Health Equity in GI
Dr. Aiya Aboubakr, Dr. Samuel Akinyeye, Dr. Chino S. Aneke-Nash & Dr. Florence Odufalu - Identifying and Eliminating Racism in Science and Healthcare: Historical Perspective and Current Opportunities
Dr. Darrell Gray
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 Sonali Paul, MD, MS, FACG (ACG).
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.