Awards

ACG DEI Award

Awarded to Sonali Paul, MD

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.

Healio Disruptor Innovator Award

Awarded to Christopher Vélez, MD

Congratulations, Christopher Vélez, MD, on being the 2024 Health Equity award winner. Vélez is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ and other historically marginalized patient groups, laying the groundwork for health care providers to better care for these patients. He is not only outspoken in regard to this need but publishes research and backs his advocacy with science.

He speaks from his own experiences as an early career GI where he found his identity intersecting with his career, realizing he could become a voice for patients and health care professionals alike.

Vélez proudly worked with our 2023 winner, Sonali Paul, MD, to create a safe space for gastroenterologists in the LGBTQ+ community.