The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has named Colleen M. Schmitt, MD, MHS, FASGE, its new president and announced its 2014 to 2015 board members. Here are five things to know about the ASGE President and board. 1. Dr. Schmitt practices with the Galen Medical Group in Chattanooga, Tenn. "I am honored and proud to lead ASGE as president. One of the greatest benefits of becoming an ASGE leader is the ability to mentor and provide opportunities for young people who are just starting out," she said in a news release. Kenneth K. Wang, MD, FASGE, turned over the presidency to Dr. Schmitt during Digestive Disease Week in Chicago.
2. During the first year of her presidency, Dr. Schmitt will initiate the Leadership Education and Development program to provide GI physicians with enhanced leadership and career development skills. "At the other end of the practice spectrum, ASGE is filling a gap in education by growing the Skills, Training, Assessment and Reinforcement program, which focuses on a rigorous approach to teaching a new skill set to experienced endoscopists," she said in the news release. Dr. Schmitt will also work with the ASGE's sister GI societies to advocate for transparency in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rate setting process.
3. Douglas O. Faigel, MD, FASGE, has been named president-elect of the ASGE. Dr. Faigel practices in the gastroenterology and hepatology department of Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz.
4. The governing board also includes:
• Secretary: Kenneth R. McQuaid, MD, FASGE, of the VA Medical Center in San Francisco
• Secretary-elect: John J. Vargo II, MD, MPH, FASGE, of Cleveland Clinic
• Treasurer Steven A. Edmundowicz, MD, FASGE, of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
• Past President: Kenneth K. Wang, MD, FASGE, of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
• Past President: Thomas M. Deas, MD, MMM, FASGE, of Gastroenterology Associates of North Texas in Fort Worth
5. Councilors for 2014 to 2015 include:
• Ian M. Gralnek, MD, MSHS, FASGE
• Brian C. Jacobson, MD, MPH, FASGE
• Bret T. Petersen, MD, FASGE
• Douglas K. Rex, MS, FASGE
• Sarah A. Rodriguez, MD
• William M. Tierney, MD, FASGE
Robert A. Ganz, MD, FASGE, will serve as the ASGE foundation chair.
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