Representation by Gender of Recognition Award Recipients from Gastroenterology and Hepatology Professional Societies.

Recognition awards from professional medical societies play an important role in physicians' career advancement. Our aim was to evaluate the gender representation of award recipients from gastroenterology and hepatology societies. We analyzed the lists of award recipients from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and determined the gender of these award recipients.

Increase in female faculty in American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy-sponsored programming over time.

Background And Aims: Female representation in medicine is increasing across all levels of medical training, yet women hold fewer senior leadership positions than men. National recognition, including participation as faculty in society-sponsored programs, is one component of academic advancement. The aim of this study was to characterize female representation among faculty in courses sponsored by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).

View from the Top: Perspectives on Women in Gastroenterology from Society Leaders.

Women are making great strides at all levels of medicine, including gastroenterology. The proportion of women members in gastroenterology societies has increased nearly 2-fold and the percent of women trainees is 36%. Although there continue to be challenges for women in academic and community practice, the American Gastroenterological Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and other gastroenterology societies have dedicated substantial resources to foster careers of women in gastroenterology and develop women as leaders in our societies.

Impact of gender on requests for ASGE leadership assignments.

Background And Aims: Committee membership in gastroenterology national societies is considered prestigious, opening the door for leadership roles and professional advancement. Some have hypothesized that women ask for leadership opportunities less frequently than men. Our aim was to examine the gender representation of requests for placement on an American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) committee.

Effect of endoscopic stenting of malignant bile duct obstruction on quality of life.

Background And Goals: Endoscopic stent insertion is considered the method of choice for palliation of malignant bile duct obstruction (MBDO). However, it can cause complications and requires periodic stent exchanges. Although endoscopic stenting is clearly indicated for relief of cholangitis or refractory pruritus, its role in patients with jaundice alone is less clear.

Research in clinical practice.

Clinical research in the practice setting can be a rewarding experience. The atmosphere of research is changing, however, with tighter budgets, more oversight, increasing litigation risks, financial pressures, and increased competition. Sites must be increasingly careful to negotiate appropriate study budgets and contract language that is not overly burdensome or risky for the site.

Clinical research.

Opportunities for clinical research should be explored carefully. Sites should evaluate potential areas of success, and focus on developing a quality center that can provide accurate data. Although there are numerous challenges to building a successful and productive research center, the rewards are great.