With a long-standing interest in diversity,
Under the leadership of Dr. Sandra Quezada, AGA Diversity Committee chair, and Dr. Byron Cryer, director of the NIH-funded Fostering Opportunities Resulting in Workforce and Research Diversity (FORWARD Program), the AGA Equity Project task force will develop a multi-year strategic plan to achieve the following aims:
- A just world free of health disparities in digestive diseases and free of inequities in access and effective health care delivery.
- State-of-the-art and well-funded research that aligns with the realities of the current multicultural patient population and disease states to achieve health equity for all.
- A world where it is expected and normal that both members and society leadership structures are diverse, and people of color and women are included in organizational decision making.
- Recognition of accomplishments of diverse leaders. In addition, all leaders recognize, inspire, and cultivate the next generation of prominent, diverse leaders.
- An engaged AGA membership and staff educated about unconscious bias and committed to the eradication of racism and prejudice towards patients, colleagues, and communities.
- The existence of a diverse, culturally and socially aware, large and vocal early-career membership that leads the field toward achieving the vision.
The AGA Governing Board recognizes that meaningful change takes time and have committed to a multi-year effort spanning all aspects of our organization. Although our challenges are formidable, they are not insurmountable.
