March is Women’s History Month, with International Women’s Day taking place March 8, making this month a great time to recognize the importance of women in medicine. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the sessions and events taking place during Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2022 that address the challenges women working in GI can face and how we can diversify the field.
The sessions below are taking place in person in San Diego and are included with the cost of registration. These sessions will be captured and available to view on demand. Discounted registration rates are available through March 30, and sponsoring society member postdoctoral fellows, trainees and students receive complimentary registration through this date.
Gastroenterology Women’s Coalition (GWC) Symposium
Sunday, May 22, 8–9:30 a.m.
This session will discuss strategies and opportunities for promoting female leaders in gastroenterology. Salient themes will be covered regarding barriers and tactics to overcome challenges that are relevant to women across fields. Attendees will learn tools for helping to promote their selves and female colleagues, as well as opportunities for leadership positions and training for women in GI. The keynote speech will be followed by a panel discussion with female leaders from AASLD, AGA and ASGE, and a Q&A forum, where speakers will share their experiences and strategies for ascending to leadership positions.
Focus on GI Career: An ASGE Women in Endoscopy Symposium
ASGE Special Interest Group Sponsored Session
Monday, May 23, 10–11:30 a.m.
Hear from “the successful GI woman” during this symposium and get an international perspective on women in GI from the Asia Pacific region. This session will also provide attendees of any gender with useful information — such as how to set boundaries in your professional and personal life. Topics related to leadership will be covered including how to promote diversity, equity and inclusion while leading a GI professional society, and whether or not to get a master’s degree. The session will conclude with a Q&A.
Winning Strategies for Working and Living in a Post-COVID Era: Personal Branding, Effective Communication and Balancing Life With Work
Sponsored by the AGA Women’s Committee
Monday, May 23, 10–11:30 a.m.
Adapting to change through the COVID-19 challenges and in the post-COVID era requires new tactics. Hear other gastroenterologists in clinical, educational and research settings share their experiences and describe what worked for them.
Embracing the LGBTQI+ Community: Overcoming Health Disparities and Creating an Inclusive Environment for Our Patients, Providers and Trainees
Monday, May 23, 2–3:30 p.m.
The LGBTQI+ population faces unique challenges. In this symposium, a diverse panel will bring innovative perspectives and strategies for how to create more inclusive clinical, work and learning environments for our LGBTQI+ patients, trainees and colleagues.
DDW Diversity Symposium: Current Issues and Initiatives in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Digestive Diseases
Sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
Monday, May 23, 4–5:30 p.m.
A more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment is the way forward to create a workplace environment where providers can thrive and burnout is reduced. Learn how to implement strategies that promote workplace equity, including policies such as parental leave. This session will conclude with a panel discussion.
DDW Diversity Reception
Monday, May 23, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Jointly sponsored by all four societies, this reception takes place immediately following the DDW Diversity session for attendees to learn more about what each society is doing to promote diversity in GI. This is a great opportunity to discuss relevant issues, network and meet potential mentors.
