By Victoria Gómez, MD, FASGE, chair, ASGE Diversity and Inclusion Committee
April marks Minority Health Month, a time to reflect on the importance of health equity and the collective effort needed to ensure all communities have access to quality care. At the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are not just values—they are integral to our mission and vision for the future of GI.
Championing Representation and Inclusion
ASGE is committed to ensuring that its leadership, speakers and educational programs reflect the diverse landscape of the GI workforce. Through purposeful recruitment for committees, increased representation in speaker lineups and diverse content offerings, we continue to amplify underrepresented voices and foster a more inclusive environment across all ASGE activities.
Strengthening the Pathways for the Next Generation
ASGE is actively cultivating the next generation of diverse GI leaders through mentorship, exposure and education.
- Programs like the ASGE Beyond the Scope Mentorship Program provide support and guidance to early-career professionals from established leaders in the field.
- The ASGE Elevate Leadership Retreat focuses on early career GI physicians who are underrepresented in medicine, providing leadership coaching, mentoring opportunities and support in navigating the first five to seven years out of fellowship.
- The ASGE Roadmap to Gastroenterology webinar series, presented annually for internal medicine residents, brought together GI program directors for a candid panel discussion with internal medicine residents on how to successfully navigate the GI fellowship application process.
- The DDW Diversity Travel Award allowed two exceptional medical student recipients to attend Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) and connect with mentors, and several additional applicants were sponsored to attend and engage with ASGE members.
- The annual DDW High School Outreach Event introduced high school students to hands-on GI workshops and career pathways. ASGE also hosted a similar event at Howard University College of Medicine, offering hands-on endoscopy training and mentorship.
- ASGE committee members and fellows conducted impactful sessions at national student conferences hosted by the Association of American Indian Physicians and the Latino Medical Student Association, providing students underrepresented in medicine with exposure to GI careers and skills.
Advancing Equity Through Education
DEI-focused topics are embedded throughout ASGE’s educational offerings:
- The GI Unit Leadership Course and Elevate Leadership Retreat incorporated key sessions on inclusive leadership and health disparities.
- The ASGE's Skills, Training, Assessment and Reinforcement (STAR) Certificate Program in Costa Rica offered global engagement on GI training and care delivery.
- A Thursday Night Lights session tackled implicit bias in the workplace.
These learning opportunities equip our members with the tools to foster equitable practices in their institutions and improve outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Expanding Impact Through Community Outreach
ASGE is proud to drive equity beyond the GI suite. The ASGE Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Project exemplifies this commitment—providing stool-based DNA tests, arranging follow-up colonoscopies and offering financial support to overcome transportation barriers for underserved patients. These efforts not only improve access but also save lives.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Minority Health Month, ASGE reaffirms its commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive GI community where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered.
Read more in the ASGE Annual Report on Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Gastroenterology
"Celebrating Minority Health Month reminds us that our strength as a society lies in the diversity of our members and the communities we serve. ASGE’s efforts help ensure everyone has a seat at the table - and the opportunity to thrive."
~ Ken Obi, MD, FASGE, ASGE Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member
Victoria Gómez, MD, FASGE, has a focus and expertise in interventional endoscopy and bariatric endoscopy. Dr. Gómez is an associate professor of medicine and co-program director for the Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship program at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. She is the director of bariatric endoscopy at Mayo Clinic and is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). She previously served as an associate editor for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, has over 150 publications and currently serves as chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the ASGE.