Gail A. Hecht, MD, MS, AGAF, Takes Helm of AGA Institute
Bethesda, MD (June 2, 2009) – The AGA Institute is pleased to announce that Gail A. Hecht, MD, MS, AGAF, of the University of Illinois, Chicago, today assumes the presidency of the organization. The AGA Institute conducts education, practice and research programs for the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), one of the oldest medical specialty societies in the United States. Dr. Hecht’s presidency begins on June 2, 2009 in Chicago, during Digestive Disease Week® (DDW®), the largest international conference devoted to the science and practice of gastroenterology.
As she takes the lead of AGA Institute, Dr. Hecht is energized by the fact that the organization serves many vital constituencies, including researchers and clinicians, for whom AGA will address many important trends – from research funding and health-care reform to emerging technologies for patient care.
Dr. Hecht, who is professor of medicine and microbiology/immunology and chief of digestive diseases and nutrition in the department of medicine at the University of Illinois, Chicago, said her leadership approach for the next year will be focused on refining and advancing the organization’s strategic plan.
“The tough economic times will require us to refocus the organization. In times of difficulty, you have to make tough decisions. I plan to lead an examination of our strategic plan to ensure that we’re serving the GI community in an inclusive and comprehensive manner that’s also financially expedient,” said Dr. Hecht.
Dr. Hecht has long had a voice at the AGA. As an active member for nearly 20 years, she has served on committees focused on research and education, was elected to the AGA Council as Chair of the Intestinal Disorders Section, and was subsequently elected to the AGA Institute Governing Board as a basic science counselor. As a board member, she helped reinvigorate AGA’s focus on female members, supporting the formation of the Women’s Committee. She was recognized by the AGA Foundation in 2008 as one of 24 outstanding women scientists who have made exemplary contributions to digestive disease science.
“All avenues are open to women in gastroenterology,” said Dr. Hecht.
About the AGA Institute
The AGA is dedicated to the mission of advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology. Founded in 1897, the AGA is one of the oldest medical-specialty societies in the U.S. The AGA’s more than 17,000 members include physicians and scientists who research, diagnose and treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. For more information, visit www.gastro.org.
About DDW
DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the AGA Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, DDW takes place May 30 - June 4, 2009, at the McCormick Place Convention Center. The meeting showcases approximately 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. For more information, visit www.ddw.org.
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