Friday Courses
Receive in-depth updates on the latest in GI and hepatology, endoscopy, and practice management when you attend one or more of the optional Friday courses. Six courses are offered: four half-day courses, the GI Pathology & Imaging Course, the Practice Management Summit, the ACG Advanced Practice Provider Leadership Summit, and the Women’s Initiative for Success & Empowerment in Gastroenterology Leadership Course; one evening course, the Guide to the Guidelines Course; and one full-day course, the ASGE/ACG Endoscopy Course.
Please note: The What's New in GI Pharmacology course will be offered ONLY as an ON-DEMAND course. View the agenda here.
Women’s Initiative for Success and Empowerment in Gastroenterology (WISE GI)
Leadership Strategies for Success and Sustainability
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 5:50 pm, Central Time (CT)
Course Co-Directors: Calley H. Levine, MD, FACG, and Alana B. Persaud, MD
Course Description:
This course will focus on the professional development of female gastroenterologists at various stages in their careers, from attendings to senior fellows, and is relevant to practitioners in both private and academic settings. The course is designed to: provide insights and guidance on navigating challenges specific to female gastroenterologists; equip attendees with leadership skills and practical strategies to advance their careers; provide actionable tips for achieving better work-life balance; empower attendees with the knowledge and resources to thrive personally and professionally in their gastroenterology careers; and foster networking opportunities and community support for female gastroenterologists.
| Friday, October 9, 2026 | All events are offered in Central Time (CT) * The WISE GI Course will not be livestreamed, but will be recorded and available as on-demand content after the meeting. |
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| 1:00 pm | Welcome and Introductions by Course Co-Directors Calley H. Levine, MD, FACG, and Alana B. Persaud, MD |
| Session A | Everyday Communication for Clinical Leaders Moderator: Anita Afzali, MD, MPH, MHCM, FACG |
| 1:05 pm | How to Run a Successful Meeting Anita Afzali, MD, MPH, MHCM, FACG Define elements of a focused meeting structure. Provide techniques that improve participation and decision making. |
| 1:25 pm | Making Your Point: How to Give Your Most Impactful Presentation David A. Johnson, MD, MACG Describe key strategies that enhance clarity and audience engagement and use storytelling principles to strengthen message retention. |
| 1:45 pm | Strengthening Your Leadership Presence with Emotional Intelligence Millie D. Long, MD, MPH, FACG Identify components of emotional intelligence relevant to leadership and discuss how to integrate practical behaviors that enhance presence and rapport into your daily interactions. |
| 2:05 pm | Q & A Session |
| 2:20 pm | Break |
| Session B | Strategies for Navigating Challenges and Growth Moderator: Jill K. J. Gaidos, MD, FACG |
| 2:35 pm | Impostor Phenomenon: Recognizing and Reframing Jill K. J. Gaidos, MD, FACG Identify factors that contribute to self-doubt, and provide cognitive and behavioral tools to build confidence. |
| 2:55 pm | Turning Conflict into Constructive Dialogue Nicholas J. Shaheen, MD, MPH, MACG Discuss common conflict patterns in clinical teams and review strategies to reach productive resolutions. |
| 3:15 pm | Q & A Session |
| 3:25 pm | Break |
| 3:35 pm | Roundtable Discussion |
| 4:15 pm | Break |
| Session D | Practical Tools for Sustainable Success Moderator: Elizabeth R. Paine, MD, FACG |
| 4:30 pm | Recognizing and Preventing Burnout: Wellness Strategies for Long-Term Career Success Elizabeth R. Paine, MD, FACG Identify early warning signs of burnout and review targeted strategies that promote resilience and long-term engagement. |
| 4:50 pm | Optimizing Your Time at Work Using EHR and Technology Andy Tau, MD, FACG Discuss how to use EHR tools and workflows to reduce administrative time, provide practical tips on using technology to streamline clinical tasks. |
| 5:10 pm | Achieving Financial Independence Vonda G. Reeves, MD, MBA, FACG Explain key steps that strengthen your financial future. Explore actionable approaches to saving, investing, and creating a path to financial independence. |
| 5:30 pm | Q & A Session |
| 5:45 pm | Closing Remarks Calley H. Levine, MD, FACG, and Alana B. Persaud, MD |
| 5:50 pm | Course Adjourns |
