September 15, 2019 marked the conclusion of the 54th Florida Gastroenterologic Society’s Annual Meeting. Over 475 Gastroenterologists, Advanced Practice Providers, GI Nurses and Techs converged on the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek for the largest turn-out in FGS history! If you missed the conference, here are some of the highlights:
  1. Top-Notch Lectures
  2. Fellow and Medical Student Competitions
  3. Awards
  4. Social & Networking Events
  5. Hands-On Endoscopy Labs

Nationally-Rated Lectures

This year’s faculty boasted speakers from around the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Attendees heard from experts, such as Maria Abreu, MD, Carl Berg, MD, Luis Carlos Sabbagh. MD, Michael Vaezi, MD, Francis Farraye, MD, Alison Schneider, MD,  Michael Wallace, MD, and many others!

Fellow & Medical Student Competitions

Fellow Poster Presentation

This year, we received over 20 submissions for our poster presentation competition! Unfortunately, we could only take the top 12 to showcase their research to attendees and our judges alike.

1st Place: Tara Keihanian, MD,
University of Miami

2nd Place: Sakiv Sethi, MD
University of South Florida

3rd Place: Joydeep Chakraborty, MD
University of Florida

Tara Keihanian, MD. 2019 FGS Annual Meeting Fellow Poster Presentation 1st Place Wiiner

Tara Keihanian, MD, Univ. of Miami,
took home 1st Place in the 2019 FGS Annual Meeting Fellow Poster Presentation Competition.

Fellow Jeopardy Competition

Six fellows from Florida’s top institutions went head-to-head to test their GI knowledge in a Jeopardy-style competition moderated by FGS Past President, Herbert Wolfsen, MD.

1st Place: Leah Katta, MD
University of Miami

2nd Place: Asad Ur Rahman, MD
Cleveland Clinic

3rd Place: Shruti Mony, MD
University of South Florida

2019 FGS Annual Meeting Jeopardy Winners

Leah Katta, MD, Univ. of Miami,
won 1st Place in the 2019 FGS Annual Meeting Fellow Jeopardy Competition.

We want to give a special thanks to all the fellows and medical students who took part in these competitions. Needless to say, we are proud, and lucky to have such amazing and talented individuals such as yourselves, involved in our Florida GI training programs.

Awards

No annual meeting would be complete without the recognition of several outstanding individuals in our GI community.

This year, several individuals were recognized for their hardwork and dedication to the the field of Gastroenterology.

Yaseen Perbtani, MD, from University of Florida was recognized as the recipient of the James Johnson Scholarship Award.

Outgoing FGS President, Michael Wallace, MD, from Mayo Clinic received this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award  for his dedication and contributions to the FGS throughout his term as FGS President.

Past President of the Florida Gastroenterologic Society and the Florida Medical Association, David Becker, MD, was recognized for his contributions to the field of GI and his exceptional community service by receiving the 2019 FGS Distinguished Service Award.

Socials & Networking Events

It is our goal to make as much education into a weekend as possible, but still leave enough space for some fun. 

Our social functions were at max capacity this year! The weekend kicked off with our Welcome Reception followed by our President’s Reception on Friday night. Attendees arriving late Friday or early Saturday also had another opportunity to network with their friends and colleagues at the Networking Luncheon held on Saturday afternoon following the General Session.

Hands-On Endoscopy Lab

This year’s hands-on lab was another great success! With over 20 stations, attendees had the rare chance to get hands-on time with some of the latest equipment in gastroenterology while watching and learning from some of the top Advanced Endoscopists from the U.S, Latin America and the Caribbean.

This year’s course directors, Jodie Barkin, MD, Andres Gelrud, MD, and Victoria Gomez, MD, working with past course director, Jose Nieto, MD, continued to raise the bar, making this hands-on event the largest, most diverse hands-on lab found at a regional course throughout the country.

A Special Thank You...

…To Our Members

For your desire for knowledge, continuing your education, and taking great pride in your profession.

…To Our Faculty

For your passion to teach and pass your expertise onto others.

…To Our Sponsors

For sharing our vision on the the importance of continuing education, and supporting our growing educational events.

This conference could not have happened without all of you. 

Thank you.

Sincerely,

FGS Leadership