AGA announces 10 early career physician-scientists for new FORWARD Program

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is pleased to announce the 10 early career physician-scientists selected as "Scholars" for the 2019-2020 AGA FORWARD Program: Fostering Opportunities Resulting in Workforce and Research Diversity, supported by NIH (1R25DK118761-01). These 10 Scholars will embark on a year-long training and mentorship program designed to provide concrete skills to promote underrepresented minorities in the pursuit of successful careers as physician-scientists.

"AGA is thrilled to launch the FORWARD Program, which underscores our commitment to promoting diversity in the field of gastroenterology," said project director Byron Cryer, MD, associate dean for the Office of Faculty Diversity & Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center. "Our inaugural class of Scholars includes 10 of the most promising underrepresented minority leaders who are shaping the future of academic medicine."

AGA FORWARD Program Scholars

• Yelina Alvarez, MD, PhD, University of Pennsylvania Health System
• Dominique Bailey, MD, Columbia University Medical Center
• Veroushka Ballester, MD, MSc, Columbia University Medical Center
• Oriana Damas, MD, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
• Patricia Jones, MD, MSCR, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
• Antonio Mendoza-Ladd, MD, Texas Tech University at El Paso
• Folasade (Fola) May, MD, PhD, MPhil, University of California at Los Angeles, VA Health Administration
• Akinbowale (Akin) Oyalowo, MD, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
• Nneka Ufere, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital
• Eric J. Vargas, MD, Mayo Clinic

Each Scholar has been paired with a top GI investigator for the duration of the program who will provide mentorship and help in developing the Scholar's leadership skills and strengthening their research and management skills to ensure continued success in their careers.