David Lieberman, MD, began his term as the 113th president of the American Gastroenterological Association Institution June 5, at the conclusion of Digestive Disease Week.
Here are six things to know about him:
1. Dr. Lieberman is a colorectal cancer screening expert.
2. He has helmed the gastroenterology division at Portland-based University of Oregon Health Sciences Center for the last two decades. He referred to the position as "one of the biggest joys and learning opportunities of my career."
3. Dr. Lieberman also has served as a professor of medicine at the same institution.
4. His research was instrumental in influencing CMS to cover screening colonoscopies through Medicare. He also influenced the American Cancer Society to include colonoscopy as an average-risk screening option in its guidelines.
5. In his three years of AGA advocacy, Dr. Lieberman has served in approximately 30 roles with the AGA Institute. He served on the AGA Institute's governing board from 2012 to 2015 and became vice president in 2016.
He said, "I’ve seen firsthand the greatest challenges and opportunities facing today’s gastroenterologists. During my presidency, I will work tirelessly for the AGA members across the globe who are working to advance the practice, care and science of gastroenterology."
Digestive Disease Week was June 2 to June 5 in Washington, D.C.