PHILADELPHIA — Anil K. Rustgi, MD, AGAF, chief of Gastroenterology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has been elected President of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute. Rustgi’s appointment was announced last week at the annual Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2013. He previously served as Vice-President and President-Elect.
Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Instituteadministers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization.
“I’m honored to serve as the next President of the AGA and look forward to leading our specialty and serving its many different constituencies,” said Dr. Rustgi. "My time will be dedicated to issues surrounding NIH funding, health care reform, fund raising for our research foundation that supports young faculty investigators and trainees, supporting relationships with international societies, and promoting the interrelationship between clinical medicine and science.
As a leader in the field of GI cancer research, Dr. Rustgi has made seminal contributions to understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of several major GI cancers, notably esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. His research is funded through the NIH and other sources. He serves on the advisory boards of the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, National Pancreas Foundation and Caring for Carcinoid Foundation. Dr. Rustgi is an active clinician in the care of patients, especially with GI cancers and genetic disorders. He is also engaged in teaching, mentorship and outreach programs. Former editor-in-chief of Gastroenterology (2006-2011), he has been a member and chair of AGA committees, including the Gastrointestinal Oncology Council Section, the Education and Training Committee, and the Nominating Committee.
For more information, please see the full announcement from the AGA.
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