What does AGAF mean in SOCIETIES

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is a professional organization of over 15,000 physicians and researchers dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with digestive diseases. The AGA works to improve patient care by promoting research, education, advocacy, and practice in gastroenterology.

AGAFs are members of the AGA who have achieved higher levels of professional excellence and recognition in their field. They provide leadership within the membership and help advance AGA's mission to promote research, education, advocacy, and practice in gastroenterology.

Membership as an AGAF requires a minimum of five years of active membership with the AGA, meaningful contributions to the advancement of AGA's mission including presenting educational sessions at meetings or publishing papers in medical journals; satisfactory completion of peer review conducted by an independent committee; exemplary participation in community and activities; voluntary compliance with ethical standards; and other criteria outlined by the association's Board of Directors.

Any individual who has been an active member with the AGA for 5 years or more may be eligible for Fellowship within this association. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful contributions to advancing AGA's mission through scientific research or educational activities. All applicants are subject to peer review conducted by an independent committee.

Benefits include access to exclusive resources such as professional development opportunities, networking events with fellow AGAFs, publications such as GI News & Trends magazine and upcoming lectures from experts in gastroenterology. Additionally, there are discounts on continuing medical education programs offered by the association.

Requirements include but are not limited to active membership for a minimum period of five years prior to applying for Fellowship status; contributing significantly towards advancing AGA's mission through activities such as presenting educational sessions at meetings or publishing papers in medical journals; satisfactory completion of peer review conducted by an independent committee; exemplary participation in community activities; voluntary compliance with ethical standards and other criteria outlined by Board directors.

It typically takes between 6-12 months once you have submitted your application materials until you receive approval or denial letter from AGAF Committee Members/Board Directors. This timeline may vary depending on how quickly applications can be reviewed during that time frame or if your application needs additional documents or information before it can be considered complete.

Becoming an AGAF allows you access special resources such as discounts on continuing medical education programs offered by the association along with networking events specifically designed for Fellows that provide mentorship opportunities that can help you grow professionally within your field.

Yes, applicants must pay an annual maintenance fee which covers costs associated with maintaining fellowship status — such as sending certificates acknowledging your Fellowship status plus continued access to exclusive resources provided only those selected as AFGs.

Yes - those who were initially denied may reapply after two years if they feel their qualifications have improved during that time period or they believe their initial application did not accurately reflect their achievements.