We are pleased to announce an exciting new program – the First Annual Investing in the Future: Attracting MD/PhD Students into Gastroenterology designed to encourage future physician-scientists to pursue a career in gastroenterology (GI). The program is open to students who have already committed to thesis research in GI and those who would like to learn more about research opportunities in GI.

A distinguished faculty of GI researchers will lead discussions on the wide range of research possibilities in GI, how to successfully combine a research and clinical career in GI, and the career-enhancing resources available through the AGA Institute. The program will also include ample time for students to network with senior and junior GI faculty attending a concurrent AGA workshop on Academic Skills. The program covers lodging, air/ground transportation, and group meals.

We hope that you will share this exciting program with your students and interested applicants to take advantage of this unique opportunity. (Please note that no more than one student may be selected per institution). Interested students should submit the attached application, along with the following:

§ The student’s and advisor’s (if applicable) CV or Biosketch
§ A short statement from the student describing how the workshop will advance their career goals
§ Letter of support from their MSTP Director.

Applications are due to the AGA Institute no later than Monday, October 30, 2006. Notifications will be emailed to the applicants by Wednesday, November 15, 2006. Questions may be directed to Ethel Anagnoson, Training Coordinator at (301) 654-2055, ext. 672 or by email at eanagnoson@gastro.org.

Sincerely,

Course Directors,

Gail Hecht, MD
Chief, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
University of Illinois

James M. Anderson, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair of Physiology
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Ethel Anagnoson
Training Coordinator
AGA Institute
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 654-2055, ext 672
(301) 652-3890 Fax