ACG Awards and Special Lecturers
Over the last eighty-nine years, the American College of Gastroenterology has developed a comprehensive program to acknowledge contributions made to the College and to GI patient care by outstanding individuals. Both the College’s Awards program and its special invited lectureships serve to recognize some of the leaders in the field of clinical gastroenterology.
Past and current awardees and special lecturers have made significant and lasting contributions to the profession of gastroenterology, as well as contributions to the quality of patient care that is available to persons afflicted with various GI conditions.
The Awards Committee solicits recommendations from the ACG membership for all awards. In May, the Awards Committee meets and develops its recommendations based upon those nominations and other recommendations that are received. In turn, the recommendations of the Awards Committee are discussed and acted upon by the ACG’s Board of Trustees. Similarly, invited guest lecturers are suggested by the President and the Chair(s) of the Annual Postgraduate Course. The prospective nominees are evaluated both by the Educational Affairs Committee, and subsequently, by the entire Board of Trustees. The appreciation and admiration of one’s peers is one of life’s finest honors, and the caliber of the awardees and special guest lecturers that have been selected each year certainly reflects the highest level of quality in the GI field.
This section will serve to generate both a fuller awareness and appreciation by all ACG members of the contributions made by each of our awardees and lecturers. We hope you will join with the College’s Board and Officers, and the countless GI patients who have benefited from their knowledge, in offering a hearty congratulations and thank you to this year’s honorees, whose careers and contributions are highlighted below.
2022 Leadership Awards Ceremony
On October 22, 2022, ACG’s leadership gathered to celebrate the recipients of the College’s highest honors. Dr. Samir A. Shah hosted this tribute to winners of the Samuel S. Weiss Award, Berk/Fise Clinical Achievement Award, Distinguished Mentorship and Teaching Award, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, International Leadership Award, Community Service Award, and NP/PA Award for Clinical Excellence, and introduced the newest Masters of the American College of Gastroenterology. To learn more about each winner and the 2021-2022 College leadership, click here to view the ACG Awards and Leadership brochure.

Awards
ACG President’s Special Recognition Award
The ACG President’s Special Recognition Award is presented periodically to recognize outstanding contributions that have advanced public health, the practice of medicine, clincial science, patient care or the College. Recipients are chosen by the President and subject to the approval of the ACG Board of Trustees.
Past Recipients:
2020 | Sophie M. Balzora, MD, FACG |
Darrell M. Gray, II, MD, MPH, FACG |
Berk/Fise Clinical Achievement Award
The Berk/Fise Clinical Achievement Award (formerly the ACG Clinical Achievement Award) is presented to a Member/Fellow and is made in recognition of distinguished contributions to clinical gastroenterology over a significant period of time. Specific criteria include, in addition to a career of distinguished clinical practice of gastroenterology, contributions in patient care, clinical science, clinical education, technological innovation, and public and community service.
2022 Recipient: Sunanda V. Kane, MD, MSPH, FACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | Nicholas J. Talley, AC, MD, PhD, MACG |
2020 | William D. Chey, MD, FACG |
2019 | Jamie S. Barkin, MD, MACG |
2018 | Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, FACG |
2017 | Eamonn M. M. Quigley, MD, MACG |
2016 | Linda Rabeneck, MD, MPH, MACG |
2015 | Peter A. Banks, MD, MACG |
2014 | Edgar Achkar, MD, MACG |
2013 | Philip O. Katz, MD, FACG |
2012 | David A. Johnson, MD, FACG |
2011 | Douglas K. Rex, MD, FACG |
2010 | Roy K.H. Wong, MD, FACG |
2009 | Christina M. Surawicz, MD, MACG |
2008 | Rowen K. Zetterman, MD, MACG |
2007 | Joel E. Richter, MD, MACG |
2006 | Seymour Katz, MD, MACG |
2005 | David B. Sachar, MD, MACG |
2004 | Alvin M. Zfass, MD, MACG |
2003 | Arthur H. Aufses, MD, MACG |
2002 | Cyrus E. Rubin, MD, MACG |
2001 | Jerome D. Waye, MD, MACG |
2000 | Bergein F. Overholt, MD, MACG |
1999 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG |
1998 | Leslie H. Bernstein, MD, FACG |
1997 | Sidney J. Winawer, MD, MACG |
1996 | Burton I. Korelitz, MD, MACG |
1995 | David Y. Graham, MD, MACG |
1994 | Howard M. Spiro, MD, FACG |
1993 | F. Warren Nugent, MD, MACG |
1992 | Henry Janowitz, MD, FACG |
1991 | John T. Galambos, MD, MACG |
1990 | Leon Schiff, MD, FACG |
1989 | James L.A. Roth, MD, FACG |
1988 | J. Edward Berk, MD, MACG |
1987 | Leonidas Berry, MD, MACG |
Community Service Award
The Community Service Award is bestowed upon an ACG Member who has initiated or has been involved in numerous volunteer programs/activities or has provided significant volunteer service post-training. The service must have been performed on a completely voluntary basis and not for the completion of training or position requirements. Such service may include, but is not limited to, community educational programs (e.g. colon cancer awareness), working in free clinics, mentoring advocacy groups or local government committees, teaching in under-served schools related to health education, political work on committees for comprehensive health insurance or other issues. Nominations are solicited and reviewed by the Awards Committee with input from the Board of Governors. The recipient must be approved by the ACG Board of Trustees. The award will be given when appropriate at the ACG Annual Meeting and may not necessarily be given annually.
2022 Recipient: Jean S. Wang, MD, PhD, FACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | V. G. Mohan Prasad, MD |
2020 | Hari S. Conjeevaram, MD, FACG |
2019 | Seshadri T. Chandrasekar, MD, DM, D.Sc, FACG |
2018 | Louis J. Wilson, MD, FACG |
2017 | Amar R. Deshpande, MD, FACG |
2016 | David J. Hass, MD, FACG |
2015 | Darrell M. Gray, II, MD, MPH |
2014 | Timothy B. Gardner, MD, FACG |
2013 | Richard T. McGlaughlin, MD, FACG |
2012 | March E. Seabrook, MD, FACG |
2011 | Joseph D. DiMase, MD, FACG |
Distinguished Mentorship and Teaching Award
The Distinguished Mentorship and Teaching Award recognizes an ACG Member who has provided meaningful and sustained contributions to trainees/colleagues in gastroenterology. Such contributions could include mentorship or teaching to help develop the mentees’: (1) overall scientific growth and career or life planning; (2) practice of high-level clinical gastroenterology; (3) skills to perform high quality clinical research; (4) skills to present and publish results of clinical research, or quality improvement; (5) involvement in professional society, healthcare organization or leadership development. This award was given for the first time in 2021.
2022 Recipients: Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG
Christina M. Surawicz, MD, MACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, MACG | Dawn T. Provenzale, MD, FACG | Satish S. C. Rao, MD, PhD, FACG |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (formerly the Minority Digestive Health Care Award 2007-2020) recognizes an ACG Member whose work in the areas of clinical practice, research, teaching and/or leadership has demonstrated an emerging or sustained commitment to the values of diversity, health equity and inclusion. These efforts are demonstrated by the awardee’s significant contributions to promote diversity, inclusion, and/or cultural competency including, but not limited to, the development of educational programs or curricula, community engagement initiatives, research, or promotion of pathways or programs to support individuals from racial, ethnic, and/or gender groups that are under-represented in medicine. Such endeavors may be through mentorship, sponsorship or cultivation of partnerships that advance the diversity, equity or inclusion within medicine.
2022 Recipient: Rachel B. Issaka, MD
Past Recipients:
2021 | Darrell M. Gray, II, MD, MPH, FACG |
2018 | Renee L. Williams, MD, FACG |
2017 | Darwin L. Conwell, MD, MS |
2016 | Maria T. Abreu, MD |
2014 | Fritz Francois, MD, MSc, FACG |
2013 | Frank A. Hamilton, MD, MPH, MACG |
2008 | Abbasi J. Akhtar, MD, FACG |
2007 | LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr., MD, FACG |
International Leadership Award
The International Leadership Award is given to an ACG Member in recognition of outstanding and substantial contributions to gastroenterology, to the College and to the international gastroenterology community. Substantial contributions internationally may include, but are not limited to, the training of individuals from other countries who have gone on to become leaders in gastroenterology in their community, leadership in international organizations that has resulted in improvement in the care of patients, and participation in humanitarian efforts. Nominations are solicited and reviewed by the Awards Committee with input from the International Affairs Committee and the Board of Governors. The recipient must be approved by the ACG Board of Trustees. The award will be given when appropriate at the ACG Annual Meeting and may not necessarily be given annually.
2022 Recipient: Seshadri T. Chandrasekar, MD, FACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | Nalini M. Guda MD, FACG |
2020 | Mahesh K. Goenka, MD, FACG |
2019 | Manoop S. Bhutani, MD, FACG |
2018 | Francis K. L. Chan, MD, FACG |
2017 | Mark D. Topazian, MD, FACG |
2015 | Guilherme G. Macedo, MD, PhD, FACG |
2014 | Henry Cohen, MD, FACG |
2013 | Toshifumi Hibi, MD, PhD, FACG |
2012 | Flavio Steinwurz, MD, FACG |
2011 | Eamonn M. M. Quigley, MD, FACG |
Master of the American College of Gastroenterology
Because of their recognized stature and achievement in clinical gastroenterology and because of their contribution to the College in service, leadership, and education, the following individuals have been recommended by the Awards Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees for designation as Master.
2022 Master Recipients:
Neena S. Abraham, MD, MSc (Epid), MACG
Qiang Cai, MD, PhD, MACG
W. Elwyn Lyles, MD, MACG
Guilherme Macedo, MD, PhD, MACG
Mitchell L. Shiffman, MD, MACG
Stuart J. Spechler, MD, MACG
Past Recipients:
Sami R. Achem, MD, MACG Edgar Achkar, MD, MACG James L. Achord, MD, MACG Arthur H. Aufses, MD, MACG Bruce R. Bacon, MD, MACG John Baillie, MB, ChB, MACG Luis Balart, MD, MACG Simmy Bank, MD, MACG Peter A. Banks, MD, MACG Jamie S. Barkin, MD, MACG K. Orrin Barrow, MBBS, MACG Ivan T. Beck, MD., MACG Gerald Becker, MD, MACG Robert L. Berger, MD, MACG J. Edward Berk, MD, MACG Harold Bernhard, MD, MACG Leslie H. Bernstein, MD, MACG Leonidas H. Berry, MD, MACG H. Worth Boyce, Jr., MD, MACG Eugene M. Bozymski, MD, MACG S. Philip Bralow, MD, MACG Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG W. Scott Brooks, MD, MACG Michael Camilleri, MD, MACG William D. Carey, MD, MACG Donald O. Castell, MD, MACG Sarkis J. Chobanian, MD, MACG Sita S. Chokhavatia, MD, MACG Delbert L. Chumley, MD, MACG Harris R. Clearfield, MD, MACG Edwin M. Cohn, MD, MACG Henry Colcher, MD, MACG Juan R. Colon-Pagan, MD, MACG Michael D. Crowell, PhD, MACG Angelo E. Dagradi, MD, MACG Jack A. Di Palma, MD, MACG David Dreiling, MD, MACG Douglas A. Drossman, MD, MACG Sudhir K. Dutta, MD, MACG Grace H. Elta, MD, MACG Atilla Ertan, MD, MACG Richard G. Farmer, MD, MACG Francis A. Farraye, MD, MSc, MACG Sidney M. Fierst, MD, MACG Warren Finkelstein, MD, MACG Joseph F. Fitzgerald, MD, MACG Ira L. Flax, MD, MACG Martin H. Floch, MD, MACG P. Gregory Foutch, DO, MACG Amy E. Foxx-Orenstein, MD, MACG James T. Frakes, MD, MACG Barbara B. Frank, MD, MACG Martin L. Freeman, MD, MACG Gerald Friedman, MD, MACG John T. Galambos, MD, MACG Martin D. Gelfand, MD, MACG Lauren B. Gerson, MD, MSc, MACG Franz Goldstein, MD, MACG David Y. Graham, MD, MACG Victor W. Groisser, MD, MACG Frank A. Hamilton, MD, MPH, MACG Stephen B. Hanauer MD, MACG Jorge L. Herrera, MD, MACG Theodore Hersh, MD, MACG Chesley Hines, MD, MACG Basil I. Hirschowitz, MD, MACG Richard H. Hunt, MD, MACG Walter H. Jacobs, MD, MACG Wasim Jafri, MD, MACG David A. Johnson, MD, MACG Robyn G. Karlstadt, MD, MACG Philip O. Katz, MD, MACG Seymour Katz, MD, MACG John J. Kelly, MD, MACG Ali Keshavarzian, MD, MACG James F. King, MD, MACG Burton I. Korelitz, MD, MACG Robert E. Kravetz, MD, MACG Shiu-Kum Lam, MD, MACG Frank L. Lanza, MD, MACG Eric R. Lee, MD, MACG Sum P. Lee, MD, PhD, MACG |
Suzanne Lemire, MD, MACG Joseph W. Leung, MD, MACG Myron Lewis, MD, MACG Charles J. Lightdale, MD, MACG Arthur E. Lindner, MD, MACG G. Richard Locke, III, MD, MACG Richard P. MacDermott, MD, MACG Willis C. Maddrey, MD, MACG Nirmal S. Mann, MD, MS, PhD, DSc, MACG John McMahon, MD, MACG Peter R. McNally, DO, MACG George W. Meyer, MD, MACG William A. Millhon, MD, MACG H. Juergen Nord, MD, MACG Timothy T. Nostrant, MD, MACG F. Warren Nugent, MD, MACG Bergein F. Overholt, MD, MACG Joel F. Panish, MD, MACG John P. Papp, MD, MACG Peter M. Pardoll, MD, MACG Moses Paulson, MD, MACG Daniel Pelot, MD, MACG David A. Peura, MD, MACG C. S. Pitchumoni, MD, MACG John W. Popp, Jr., MD, MACG Daniel H. Present, MD, MACG Eamonn M. M. Quigley, MD, MACG Linda Rabeneck, MD, MACG George B. Rankin, MD, MACG Douglas K. Rex, MD, MACG Joel E. Richter, MD, MACG Arvey I. Rogers, MD, MACG William S. Rosenthal, MD, MACG David B. Sachar, MD, MACG Michael A. Safdi, MD, MACG Richard E. Sampliner, MD, MACG Harry E. Sarles, Jr., MD, MACG Melvin Schapiro, MD, MACG Eugene R. Schiff, MD, MACG Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, MACG Edward S. Schneir, MD, MACG Bernard M. Schuman, MD, MACG Marvin M. Schuster, MD, MACG Ashok N. Shah, MD, MACG Nicholas J. Shaheen, MD, MPH, MACG Jerome H. Siegel, MD, MACG E. Marvin Sokol, MD, MACG Mitchell A. Spellberg, MD, MACG Howard Spiro, MD, MACG Radhika Srinivasan, MD, MACG Frederick Steigmann, MD, MACG Flavio Steinwurz, MD, MACG Christan M. Surawicz, MD, MACG Albert C. Svoboda, Jr., MD, MACG Nicholas J. Talley, MD, MBBS, PhD, MMedSci, MACG Juan T. Tomasini, MD, MACG Esther A. Torres, MD, MACG Fumiaki Ueno, MD, MACG Jorge E. Valenzuela, MD, MACG Santhi S. Vege, MD, MACG Ronald J. Vender, MD, MACG Arnold Wald, MD, MACG Joseph E. Walther, MD, MACG Jerome D. Waye, MD., MACG Richard L. Wechsler, MD, MACG William E. Whitehead, PhD, MACG C. Noel Williams, MD, MACG David W. Williams, MD, MACG Sidney J. Winawer, MD, MACG Roy K. H. Wong, MD, MACG Rowen K. Zetterman, MD, MACG Alvin M. Zfass, MD, MACG David E. Bernstein, MD, MACG R. Bruce Cameron, MD, M.A.T., MACG Kenneth R. DeVault, MD, MACG Ronnie Fass, MD, MACG Francisco C. Ramirez, MD, MACG |
NP/PA Award for Clinical Excellence
The NP/PA Award for Clinical Excellence recognizes a distinguished nurse practitioner or physician assistant who is an ACG APP Member and has shown long-standing contributions to advancing clinical practice in the field of gastroenterology (GI) and hepatology. These efforts are demonstrated by the awardee’s substantial contributions in GI in the areas of practice expertise, leadership, mentoring, and collaborative activities that have an impact at the state, regional, national or international level. This award was given for the first time in 2022.
2022 Recipients:
Monica Nandwani, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Kimberly D. Orleck, PA-C
Samuel S. Weiss Award
The Samuel S. Weiss Award was established as a service award in commemoration of the founding father of the College, Samuel S. Weiss, whose efforts and initiative resulted in the establishment of the College in 1932. It is presented periodically, and not necessarily annually, to a Fellow or Master of the College in recognition of outstanding career service to the American College of Gastroenterology. Nominations are solicited and reviewed by the Awards Committee and the recipients must be approved by the ACG Board of Trustees.
2022 Recipient: Delbert L. Chumley, MD, MACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | David A. Johnson, MD, MACG |
2020 | Eugene M. Bozymski, MD, MACG |
2019 | Alvin M. Zfass, MD, MACG |
2018 | Peter A. Banks, MD, MACG |
2017 | John W. Popp, Jr., MD, MACG |
2016 | Richard G. Farmer, MD, MS, MACG |
2016 | Burton I. Korelitz, MD, MACG |
2016 | Sidney J. Winawer, MD, DrSc (hon), MACG |
2015 | Christina M. Surawicz, MD, MACG |
2014 | Jamie S. Barkin, MD, MACG |
2013 | Jack A. Di Palma, MD, FACG |
2012 | Martin H. Floch, MD, MACG |
2011 | Frank L. Lanza, MD, FACG |
2008 | Robert E. Kravetz, MD, MACG |
2006 | William D. Carey, MD, MACG |
2005 | David Y. Graham, MD, MACG |
2004 | Edgar Achkar, MD, FACG |
2002 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG |
2001 | Joel E. Richter, MD, FACG |
2000 | Seymour Katz, MD, FACG |
1998 | Rowen K. Zetterman, MD, FACG |
1997 | Arthur H. Aufses, Jr., MD, MACG |
1996 | Arvey I. Rogers, MD, MACG |
1995 | Jerome D. Waye, MD, MACG |
1994 | J. Edward Berk, MD, MACG |
1993 | Arthur E. Lindner, MD, MACG |
1992 | Franz Goldstein, MD, MACG |
1991 | James L. Achord, MD, MACG |
1990 | Robert L. Berger, MD, FACG |
1989 | Angelo E. DaGradi, MD, MACG |
1987 | Joseph E. Walther, MD, MACG |
1986 | Richard L. Wechsler, MD, MACG |
1984 | John P. Papp, MD, MACG |
1982 | Daniel Weiss, BS, MA |
1980 | David A. Dreiling, MD, MACG |
1978 | Henry Colcher, MD, MACG |
1976 | Murrel H. Kaplan, MD, FACG |
1974 | Robert R. Bartunek, MD, FACG |
1972 | Milton J. Matzner, MD, FACG |
Special Lectures
Baker Presidential Lectureship
This lectureship was established by the family of the late Dr. Henry Baker, President of the College from 1960-1961. The lecture, which was given between 1974-2003, was intended to recognize a College member with a distinguished career in teaching and investigation. The final presentation of this lectureship was given by Dr. Loren Laine in 2003 at the ACG Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2004, a new lectureship, The David Y. Graham Lecture, was established by the College to replace the Baker Lecture.
Past Lecturers:
2003 | Loren A. Laine, MD, FACG: Reducing NSAID-Induced GI Injury: Keeping the Gastroenterologist Home at Night |
2002 | David A. Lieberman, MD, FACG: Colonoscopy for Cancer Screening and Surveillance: Do We Have the Resources to Do Both? |
2001 | Bruce R. Bacon, MD, FACG: Hereditary Hemochromatosis: Implication of Gene Discovery on Pathophysiology & Clinical Practice |
2000 | Nicholas J. Talley, MD, FACG: Irritable Bowel Syndrome 2000: New Concepts, New Therapies, New Hope |
1999 | Sum P. Lee, MD, FACG: A Tale of Two Opossums and a Discussion on Gallstones |
1998 | Willis C. Maddrey, MD, MACG: Reflections on the Emergence of Hepatology |
1997 | Joseph B. Kirsner, MD, PhD, FACG: The Impact of Research on Clinical Gastroenterology During the 20th Century |
1996 | Barry J. Marshall, MD, FACG: H. pylori in the Year 2000 |
1995 | Donald O. Castell, MD, MACG: Reflections of an Esophagologist |
1994 | Peter A. Banks, MD, MACG: Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis |
1993 | Daniel H. Present, MD, MACG: Immunosuppressive Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
1992 | Sidney J. Winawer, MD, MACG: The Prevention of Colorectal Cancer: Progress and Prospects |
1991 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG: Colitis in the Elderly |
1990 | Paul D. Webster, III, MD, FACG: Pancreatic Function and Disease at the Cellular Level |
1989 | David B. Sachar, MD, FACG: IBD — Back to the Future |
1988 | Melvin Schapiro, MD, MACG: The Community Hospital Gastroenterologist: Survival of the Species |
1987 | James L. Achord, MD, MACG: Nutrition, Alcohol and the Liver |
1986 | H. Worth Boyce, Jr., MD, MACG: Peroral Esophageal Dilation: Historical Perspective and Current Implications |
1985 | Jerome D. Waye, MD, MACG: The Colon Polyp — Promises, Problems, Prospects |
1984 | Burton I. Korelitz, MD, MACG: Pregnancy, Fertility and IBD |
1983 | David Y. Graham, MD, MACG: The Role of the Clinical Gastroenterologist in Research |
1982 | Bergein F. Overholt, MD, MACG: Socioeconomic and Political Future of Gastroenterology |
1981 | Frank P. Brooks, MD, FACG: Cortical Control of Gastrointestinal Function |
1980 | Richard G. Farmer, MD, MACG: Factors in the Long-term Prognosis of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
1979 | Charles S. Lieber, MD, FACG: Potentiation of Drug-Induced Liver Injury by Chronic Alcohol Consumption |
1978 | John T. Galambos, MD, MACG: Surgery, Enzyme Kinetics and a Way of Life |
1977 | Francisco Villardel, MD, FACG: Cytological Diagnosis of Digestive Cancer |
1976 | William M. Lukash, MD, FACG: Experiences of a White House Physician |
1974 | F. Warren Nugent, MD, MACG: Crohn’s Colitis Comes of Age |
The J. Edward Berk Distinguished Lecturer
The J. Edward Berk Distinguished Lecturer, formerly known as The Stuart Lecturer, is a person prominent in gastroenterology or a related area. This individual is nominated by the President and the appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
This lectureship was established in recognition of the significant contributions made by J. Edward Berk, MD, MACG, to clinical gastroenterology during his long and distinguished clinical and academic career. A nationally and internationally renowned physician and teacher, Dr. Berk also served as ACG President from 1975-1976.
2022 Lecturer: Bruce E. Sands, MD, MS, FACG – The Promise and Progress of New Approaches to Treating the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Past Lecturers:
2021 | William D. Chey, MD, FACG – The End of the Beginning: Megatrends in Gastroenterology |
2020 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG – A Septuagenarian’s Evolving Reflections on the Practice of Medicine |
2020 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG – A Septuagenarian’s Evolving Reflections on the Practice of Medicine |
2019 | Linda Rabeneck, MD, MPH, MACG: Post-Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer: How Are We Doing? |
2018 | Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, FACG: Fake News and Alternative Facts on Personalized Medicine in IBD |
2017 | John J. Vargo, II, MD, MPH, FACG: Are Our Patients Sleeping Safely and Soundly? The State of Endoscopic Procedural Sedation in 2017 |
2016 | Kenneth K. Wang, MD, FACG: Endoscopy 2020: Preparing for the Future |
2015 | David A. Johnson, MD, MACG: Sleep Effect on GI Health and Disease: Eyes Wide Open? |
2014 | Richard A. Kozarek, MD, FACG: GI and Endoscopic Training for the Future Gastroenterologist |
2013 | Christina M. Surawicz, MD, MACG: Avoiding Burnout: Finding Balance Between Work and Everything Else |
2012 | Mark Feldman, MD, FACG: Is Gastric Secretion Still Relevant? |
2011 | Seymour Katz, MD, MACG: Management of the Elderly IBD Patient: A Wake Up Call |
2010 | Donald O. Castell, MD, MACG: Academic Mentoring |
2009 | Michael F. Sorrell, MD, FACG: Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist: Identical or Complementary? |
2008 | Douglas K. Rex, MD, FACG: Advances in Colonoscopy: New Platforms, New Techniques, New Imaging Technology: What Do They Mean? |
2007 | M. Brian Fennerty, MD, FACG: Alice in Wonderland: The Endoscopist of the Future and the Gastrointestinal Mucosa Through the “New” Looking Glass |
2006 | Joel E. Richter, MD, MACG: Eosinophilic Esophagitis – New Disease or Old Friend in Disguise? |
2005 | Bruce R. Bacon, MD, FACG: Hereditary Hemochromatosis: What We Have Learned Since the Discovery of HFE |
2004 | Brian P. Saunders, MBBS, MD, MRCP: Colonoscopy in Evolution |
2003 | Eamonn M.M. Quigley, MD, FACG: Demystifying Motility: Gut Motor Dysfunction in Clinical Practice |
2002 | Roger Williams, CBE, MD: Improved Treatments for Decompensated Liver Disease Including Liver Support Devices |
2001 | Richard P. MacDermott, MD, FACG: Immunology and Therapy of IBD |
2000 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG: Patients’ Attitudes and Apprehensions About Endoscopy: Calming Troubled Waters |
1999 | Marcia Angell, MD: Evaluating Media Stories of Health Risk |
1998 | Kees Huibregtse, MD, PhD: The Endoscopic Approach to Benign Bile Duct Strictures and Leaks |
1997 | David L. Wingate, MD: Small Bowel Motility Out of the Closet and into the Clinic |
1996 | Guido N. Tytgat, MD: Conditions Mimicking Crohn’s Disease |
1995 | David Y. Graham, MD, MACG: Peptic Ulcer Disease: The Rest of the Story |
1994 | Eugene R. Schiff, MD, MACG: Long Term Treatment of Chronic Viral C Hepatitis |
1993 | Jerome P. Kassirer, MD: Making Decisions With Patients: Finding and Fixing the Flaws |
1992 | Willis Crocker Maddrey, MD, MACG: Chronic Liver Disease – 1992 |
1991 | Robert H. Blank: Rationing Medicine: Hard Choices in the 1990’s |
1990 | Vay Liang Go, MD: Brain-Gut Interaction: Relevance to Clinical Gastroenterology |
1989 | Professor Dame Sheila Sherlock: Liver Disease: The Next Decade |
1988 | Thomas Almy, MD (Hon.): The Gastroenterologist and the Graying of America |
1987 | John Fordtran, MD, FACG (Hon.): Recent Insights into the Pathogenesis of Chronic Diarrhea |
1986 | Henry D. Janowitz, MD, FACG: The Natural History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Therapeutic Decisions |
1985 | Norton J. Greenberger, MD, FACG: (Hon.): Pathophysiological Approach to the Patient with a Diarrheal Disorder |
1984 | Henri Sarles, MD: Management of Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis |
1983 | Denis P. Burkitt, MD: The Role of Fibre in the Prevention of Common Intestinal Disease |
1982 | Howard M. Spiro, MD, FACG: From Parsnips to Pomegranates – A Look Back at Gastroenterology |
1981 | Basil I. Hirschowitz, MD, FACG: Clinical Perspectives of Gastric Secretion |
1980 | Charles E. Code, MD, FACG (Hon.): The InterDigestive Gastrointestinal Housekeeper |
1979 | Baruch S. Blumberg, MD, FACG (Hon.): The Relation Between HbsAG and Hepatic Carcinoma |
1978 | Charles S. Lieber, MD, FACG: Alcohol and the Liver – Progress Through 1978 |
1977 | Joseph B. Kirsner, MD, FACG (Hon.): The Biomedical Problems Presented by Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
1976 | Basil C. Morson, MD, FACG (Hon.): Biopsy of the Colon and Rectum in Inflammatory Disease |
1975 | Thomas C. Chalmers, MD, FACG (Hon.): What Should Distinguish a Gastroenterologist? |
1974 | Lloyd M. Nyhus, MD, FACG (Hon.): New Frontiers in Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer |
1973 | Henry L. Bockus, MD, FACG: (Hon.): The Doctor Image |
1972 | Henry Colcher, MD, MACG: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 1972 |
1971 | Irving M. Arias, MD, FACG (Hon.): Jaundice – 1972 |
1970 | Hans Popper, MD, FACG (Hon.): The Problem of Hepatitis |
1969 | Richard Marshak, MD, FACG: Ulcerative Granulomas and Ischemic Colitis |
1968 | David A. Dreiling, MD, MACG: Basic Mechanism in Pancreatic Secretion |
Emily Couric Lecturer
The Emily Couric Annual Lecture was developed by the ACG, the Virginia Gastroenterogical Society and the Old Dominion Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates to honor Virginia State Senator Emily Couric, who died of pancreatic cancer in October of 2001. Senator Couric was a strong advocate for healthcare issues, particularly in her instrumental work to pass the nation’s first legislation mandating health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening. The Emily Couric Lecturer is someone prominent in the field of GI cancer related topics. This individual is nominated by the President and the appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.
2022 Lecturer: Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, FACG – Colon Cancer Screening: What Do We Need to Build and Who Will Come?
Past Lecturers:
2021 | Darrell M. Gray, II, MD, MPH, FACG – Changing the Narrative on Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Translating Stories to Partnership, Policy, and Practice |
2020 | Katie Couric – From Grief to Advocacy to Activism |
2019 | Suresh T. Chari, MD, FACG: Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: Problems, Promise, and Prospects |
2018 | David A. Greenwald, MD, FACG: 80% Colorectal Cancer Screening by 2018: How Did We Do and Where Do We Go From Here? |
2017 | Mark B. Pochapin, MD, FACG: Colon Cancer: Polyps, Prevention and Progress |
2016 | David E. Fleischer, MD, FACG: Why the Esophageal Health of a Masai Tribesman in Kenya Matters to GI Docs in the U.S. |
2015 | Irving M. Pike, MD, FACG: National Registry Benchmarking for Colonoscopy Quality: The “High Road” Toward Improving the Performance of Colonoscopy and Cancer Prevention |
2014 | Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, FACG: Cancer in IBD: The Colon and Beyond |
2013 | Nicholas J. Shaheen, MD, MPH, FACG: Can We Prevent Cancer in Barrett’s Esophagus? |
2012 | Carol A. Burke, MD, FACG: Optimizing the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Hereditary Colorectal Cancer |
2011 | Robert H. Hawes, MD, FACG: Current Diagnosis and Management of Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas |
2010 | David A. Johnson, MD, FACG: Colon Cancer Screening: Evolution to Eradication… |
2009 | Dennis J. Ahnen, MD: The Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence Revisited – Has the Era of Genetic Tailoring Finally Arrived? |
2008 | Kenneth E.L. McColl, MD, FRSE: Why has Adenocarcinoma Moved from the Stomach to the Esophagus and Where Does Sex Come In To It All? |
2007 | Peter A. Banks, MD, MACG: Pancreatic Cancer: Present Understanding and Future Prospects |
2006 | Douglas K. Rex, MD, FACG: What is Needed to Transform Colonoscopy into a Truly Protective Strategy Against Colorectal Cancer? |
David Y. Graham Lecturer
The David Y. Graham Lecturer is a distinguished individual in the field of gastroenterology. The presenter is chosen by the President and is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. This named lectureship was established in 2004 in recognition of the many contributions to clinical gastroenterology by David Y. Graham, MD, MACG. The lectureship was made possible through a donation by Otsuka America, Inc., and Meretek Diagnostics, Inc. Dr. Graham gave the inaugural presentation.
2022 Lecturer: Emeran A. Mayer, MD – Why Do All Diseases Start in the Gut?
Past Lecturers:
2021 | Marla C. Dubinsky, MD – Navigating the Road From Precision to Prevention in IBD |
2020 | Ira M. Jacobson, MD, FACG – From Hepatitis C to COVID-19: Can We Triumph Again? |
2019 | Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, FACG: Mentoring Mentors |
2018 | Carol A. Burke, MD, FACG: Management of Patients With Colorectal Polyps: A Personalized Approach Based on Etiology |
2017 | Sunanda V. Kane, MD, MSPH, FACG: On Becoming a Successful Leader: An Amazing Journey or the Path to Nowhere? |
2016 | Philip O. Katz, MD, FACG: A View From the Other Side of the Bed: Lessons Learned |
2015 | Ikuo Hirano, MD, FACG: Eosinophilic Esophagitis 2015: From Acid Reflux to Food Allergy |
2014 | Naga P. Chalasani, MD, FACG: Idiosyncratic Drug-induced Liver Injury: What Have We Learned in the Last Decade? |
2013 | Eamonn M. M. Quigley, MD, FACG: Leadership in Medicine 2013: Do We Need a New Approach? |
2012 | John S. Fordtran, MD, FACG: Factitious Disease |
2011 | Irving Waxman, MD, FACG: Endotherapy for Barrett’s Esophagus: Cure or Quagmire |
2010 | Grace H. Elta, MD, FACG: GI Training: Where is it Headed? |
2009 | Peter J. Kahrilas, MD, FACG: Esophageal Motor Disorders in Terms of High Resolution Pressure Topography: What Has Changed? |
2008 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG: Colon Ischemia: Respice, Adspice, Prospice |
2007 | Walter L. Peterson, MD, FACG: Evidence-Based Medicine: What Does it Mean for Gastroenterology – Present and Future? |
2006 | Amnon Sonnenberg, MD, MSc, FACG: The “Incredibly Simple” Solution to the Cohort Phenomenon of Peptic Ulcer |
2005 | Francis K.L. Chan, MD, FACG: Use of NSAIDs In A COX-2 Restricted Environment |
2004 | David Y. Graham, MD, MACG: Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Cancer: The Problem – The Solution |
David Sun Lectureship in Postgraduate Education
The David Sun Lectureship in Postgraduate Education was established by Mrs. Sun in memory of her husband, Dr. David Sun, who died at the peak of his career. He was an outstanding gastroenterologist and investigator.
The Lecturer, with a distinguished background in gastroenterology or an allied field, is chosen by the Course Directors of the Postgraduate Program subject to the approval of the Educational Affairs Committee and the Board of Trustees.
2022 Lecturer: Sanjiv Chopra, MD – The Two Most Important Days: Reflections on Lasting Happiness and Living With Purpose
Past Lecturers:
2021 | Jerome D. Waye, MD, MACG – Colon Polyps: Going and Gone |
2020 | Neena S. Abraham, MD, MSc (Epid), FACG – Cardiogastroenterology: Intersectional Thinking to Meet New Clinical Needs |
2019 | Miguel D. Regueiro, MD, FACG: The IBD Medical Home and Neighborhood: It Takes a Village |
2018 | David A. Johnson, MD, MACG: Translational Approaches to Common GI Diseases…Thinking Outside of the Box…The Future is Now! |
2017 | Gary W. Falk, MD, MS, FACG: Screening and Surveillance of Barrett’s Esophagus: Where Are We Now and What Does the Future Hold? |
2016 | Nicholas J. Talley, MD, MBBS, PhD, MMedSci, FACG: Functional Disease of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Is There a Light at the End of the Tunnel? |
2015 | William D. Chey, MD, FACG: Food: The Main Course to Disease and Wellness |
2014 | Thomas A. Scully, JD: The Cloudy Future for Physicians: Reimbursement and Practice Changes in the Post-ACA Era |
2013 | Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH: Gastroenterology and Public Health in the Era of Health Reform |
2012 | Douglas A. Drossman, MD, MACG: Helping Your Patient by Helping Yourself: How to Improve the Patient-Physician Relationship |
2011 | Gregory B. Haber, MD, FACG: Challenges in ERCP: Lessons Learned |
2010 | Tom R. DeMeester, MD, FACG: Détente in the Therapy of GERD |
2009 | Fergus Shanahan, MD, FACG: Gut Microbes: From Bugs to Drugs |
2008 | William J. Sandborn, MD, FACG: The Future Direction of IBD Care |
2007 | H. Worth Boyce, Jr., MD, MACG: Esophageal Dilation: A Perspective of 45 Years of Experience: Pearl, Peril and Pitfalls |
2006 | Anthony N. Kalloo, MD, FACG: Natural Orifice Transgastric Endoscopic Surgery – Dawn of a New Era |
2005 | Douglas K. Rex, MD, FACG: Optimizing the Impact and Safety of Colonoscopy in Colon Cancer Prevention |
2004 | Richard E. Sampliner, MD, FACG: Current Controversies in Barrett’s Esophagus |
2003 | Lawrence J. Brandt, MD, MACG: Superior Mesenteric Arterial Emboli and Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: An Update |
2002 | Christina M. Surawicz, MD, FACG: The Differential Diagnosis of Colitis |
2001 | Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, FACG: Chronic Diarrhea |
2000 | Teresa Wright, MD: Hepatitis C in the Next Decade |
1999 | Stephen B. Hanauer, MD, FACG: New Therapies for the Treatment of IBD |
1998 | David Y. Graham, MD, MACG: Treatment of H. pylori |
1997 | Rowen K. Zetterman, MD, FACG: Alcoholic Liver Disease |
1996 | Rodger Haggitt, MD, FACG: Dysplasia in Ulcerative Colitis: A Twenty-Year Odyssey |
1995 | David B. Skinner, MD: Esophageal Surgery |
1994 | Thomas Starzl, MD: Gastrointestinal Organ Transplantation for the 1990’s: An Outcome Analysis. Can We Afford the Technology in the Era of Cost Containment? |
1993 | Cyrus E. Rubin, MD, FACG: Small Bowel Pathology |
1992 | Peter B. Cotton, MD, FACG: Malignant Obstructive Jaundice: A Real Challenge |
1991 | Sum P. Lee, MD, FACG: Pathophysiology of Gallstone Formation: Romancing the Stone |
1990 | Marvin Sleisenger, MD: GI Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host |
1989 | Laszlo Safrany, MD, FACG: Bile Ducts, Common Duct Stones, and Pancreatitis |
1988 | Scott J. Boley, MD: Colon Ischemia: The First Twenty-Five Years |
1987 | William Y. Chey, MD, FACG: Ulcerogenic Tumor Syndrome |
1986 | David H. Van Thiel, MD, FACG: Liver Transplant – The Role of the Gastroenterologist |
1985 | James W. Freston, MD, FACG: The Therapy of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Where Are We? |
1984 | Henri Sarles, MD: Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Chronic Pancreatitis – A Secretory Concept |
1983 | Thomas C. Chalmers, MD, FACG: The Clinical Trial |
1982 | Sidney J. Winawer, MD, MACG: Surveillance of GI Cancer |
1981 | Paul D. Webster, III, MD, FACG: Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis |
1980 | Paul Sherlock, MD, FACG: Current Concepts of the Epidemiology and Etiology of Colorectal Cancer |
1979 | I. N. Marks, MD, FACG: Crossroads in Peptic Ulcer Therapy |
1978 | Rosalyn S. Yalow, PhD: Radioimmunoassay in Gastroenterology |
1977 | J. Edward Berk, MD, MACG: New Dimensions in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Pancreatic Disease |
Governor’s Awards
The following three awards, presented for the first time in1996, are given by the Board of Governors in recognition of outstanding service and commitment to the Board and to the College.
Junior Governors’ Award
To be eligible to receive the Junior Governors’ Award the nominee must be in the first or second year of the first term of service as Governor. Nominees must demonstrate a clear commitment of service to the Board and show potential for future growth within the organization. Level of involvement in Board activities will be assessed, such as service on committees, national affairs, local and state legislative efforts, recruitment, correspondence with constituents, participation in regional meetings, speakers bureau or other special projects.
2022 Recipient: Vonda G. Reeves, MD, MBA, FACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | Alyn L. Adrain, MD, FACG |
2020 | Anne G. Tuskey, MD, FACG |
2019 | Harish Gagneja, MD, FACG |
2018 | Tauseef Ali, MD, FACG |
2017 | David A. Schwartz, MD, FACG |
2016 | Tedd P. Cain, MD, FACG |
2015 | Neil H. Stollman, MD, FACG |
2014 | Douglas G. Adler, MD, FACG |
2013 | Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, FACG |
2012 | David T. Rubin, MD, FACG |
2011 | Caroll D. Koscheski, MD, FACG |
2010 | Costas H. Kefalas, MD, FACG |
2009 | James S. Leavitt, MD, FACG |
2008 | Immanuel K. H. Ho, MD, FACG |
2007 | March E. Seabrook, MD, FACG |
2006 | Flavio Steinwurz, MD, FACG |
2005 | Edward L. Cattau, Jr. , MD, FACG |
2004 | Myron H. Brand, MD, FACG |
2003 | Samir A. Shah, MD, FACG |
2002 | R. Bruce Cameron, MD, FACG |
2001 | Jay J. Mamel, MD, FACG |
2000 | Warren Finkelstein, MD, FACG |
1999 | Massimo Crespi, MD, FACG |
1998 | Rashad Dabaghi, MD, FACG |
1997 | Peter M. Pardoll, MD, FACG |
1996 | Peter F. Purcell, MD, FACG |
Senior Governors’ Award
To be eligible to receive the Senior Governor’s Award nominees must be in the second or third term of service as Governor. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to the Board of Governors in various areas such as service on committees, national affairs, local and state legislative efforts, recruitment, correspondence with constituents, participation in regional meetings, speakers bureau or other special projects.
2022 Recipient: Tauseef Ali, MD, FACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | Jeffry L. Nestler, MD, FACG |
2020 | Wilmer Rodriguez, MD, FACG |
2019 | Stephen T. Amann, MD, FACG |
2018 | Aasma Shaukat, MD, MPH, FACG |
2017 | Whitfield L. Knapple, MD, FACG |
2016 | Vivek Kaul, MD, FACG |
2015 | David H. Cort, MD, FACG |
2014 | Kenneth J. Chang, MD, FACG |
2013 | David E. Bernstein, MD, FACG |
2012 | James S. Leavitt, MD, FACG |
2011 | March E. Seabrook, MD, FACG |
2010 | John R. Saltzman, MD, FACG |
2009 | Daniel J. Pambianco, MD, FACG |
2008 | David A. Greenwald, MD, FACG |
2007 | Scott M. Tenner, MD, FACG |
2006 | Barbara B. Frank, MD, FACG |
2005 | R. Bruce Cameron, MD, FACG |
2004 | Joseph W. Leung, MD, FACG |
2003 | Warren Finkelstein, MD, FACG |
2002 | Martin D. Mark, MD, FACG |
2001 | Timothy J. Nostrant, MD, FACG |
2000 | J. Mark Lawson, MD, FACG |
1999 | Florian M. Cortese, MD, FACG |
1998 | William H. Hall, MD, FACG |
1997 | John W. Popp, Jr., MD, FACG |
1996 | Delbert L. Chumley, MD, FACG |
The William D. Carey Award
Dr. William D. Carey was elected Governor for Northern Ohio in 1987 and served as Chairman of the Board of Governors from 1988-1990. He has served the College as Treasurer and Trustee, and has chaired numerous College Committees. Dr. Carey is the first Chairman of the Board of Governors to be elected as President of the American College of Gastroenterology (1993). In honor of his years of distinguished service and because of the example he has set for other Governors an award will be given in his name.
This award will be reserved for an exceptional individual who has served the Board and the College with distinction. Nominees must show clear demonstration of outstanding contribution to the College such as service within leadership positions, participation in educational efforts, committee service or participation in research related activities. Governors serving their final term or those emeritus Governors who have completed service will be eligible to receive the award. Nominees must have a strong history of meritorious service to the Board of Governors.
2022 Recipient: James C. Hobley, MD, MSc, FACG
Past Recipients:
2021 | Costas H. Kefalas, MD, MMM, FACG |
2020 | Whitfield L. Knapple, MD, FACG |
2019 | Immanuel K. H. Ho, MD, FACG |
2018 | Caroll D. Koscheski, MD, FACG |
2017 | Daniel J. Pambianco, MD, FACG |
2016 | Brooks D. Cash, MD, FACG |
2015 | David A. Johnson, MD, MACG |
2014 | Flavio Steinwurz, MD, FACG |
2013 | David A. Greenwald, MD, FACG |
2012 | Samir A. Shah, MD, FACG |
2011 | W. Elwyn Lyles, MD, FACG |
2010 | Edgar Achkar, MD, MACG |
2009 | Francis A. Farraye, MD, MSc, FACG |
2008 | Peter M. Pardoll, MD, MACG |
2007 | R. Bruce Cameron, MD, FACG |
2006 | Roy K.H. Wong, MD, FACG |
2005 | Harry E. Sarles, Jr., MD, FACG |
2004 | John W. Popp, Jr., MD, FACG |
2003 | Ronald J. Vender, MD, FACG |
2002 | Douglas K. Rex, MD, FACG |
2001 | Jack A. DiPalma, MD, FACG |
2000 | Delbert L. Chumley, MD, FACG |
1999 | P. Gregory Foutch, DO, FACG |
1998 | Luis A. Balart, MD, FACG |
1997 | Rowen K. Zetterman, MD, FACG |
1996 | Christina M. Surawicz, MD, FACG |
SCOPY Awards

Service Award for Colorectal Cancer Outreach, Prevention & Year-Round Excellence (SCOPY)
ACG’s SCOPY Awards recognize the achievements of ACG members in their community engagement, education and awareness efforts for colorectal cancer prevention. ACG members are invited to submit examples of projects and programs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and commitment to spreading the potentially lifesaving message of the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
Projects and activities eligible for consideration include: any events, materials and outreach efforts sponsored, implemented or created between January 1 and May 31 to raise colorectal cancer awareness. The annual deadline for submissions is May 31. The College challenges you to rally your office staff, colleagues, fellows and your most creative ideas in support of the ACG SCOPY Awards.
Abstract Awards
Join the community of GI clinicians and submit your research or case report for presentation at ACG’s Annual Scientific Meeting. Thousands of poster presentations, and a selection of oral presentations, will be delivered over four days. There are 17 Categories with more than 40 Awards – many for GI fellows-in-training only.