The IFFGD Latin Ambassadors Program was created to increase awareness of IFFGD’s mission among physicians outside the United States. In 2019, a pilot program was launched in conjunction with the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (LASPHGAN) and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPHGAN) for pediatric gastroenterologists in Latin America.
The Ambassador program is currently being overseen by Dr. Miguel Saps in collaboration with Drs. Jose Garza, Samuel Nurko, Leonel Rodriguez and Reinaldo Pierre Alvarez (LASPHGAN President). The primary responsibilities of the Ambassadors are to give lectures on functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIDs) for pediatrics and distribute information about IFFGD and the resources we have for patients. The committee appoints only one Ambassador per country per every 2 years.
IFFGD Latam Twitter and Facebook accounts have been created to increase awareness about the program. The social media accounts help to share Spanish summaries of important articles, information about events, and to get connected to other societies, local family physicians, pediatric residents, and local patient associations. In conjunction with this program, a Spanish translation of the About Kids GI website has been launched as www.losninosygi.org.
“I really appreciate this opportunity to contribute in my country to improve the awareness and care of patients with FGIDs.”
– Dra. María Francisca Jaime. 2019 Latin American Ambassador
Ambassador Program Committee
- Dr. Miguel Saps
- Dr. Jose Garza
- Dr. Samuel Nurko
- Dr. Leonel Rodriguez
- Dr. Reinaldo Pierre Alvarez
