Program Goal
The Junior Academicians Program, launched in 2019, is a strategic initiative created by IFFGD that is designed to advance quality care for patients living with functional gastrointestinal (GI) and motility disorders.
Our goals are:
- To identify and engage the interest of providers within the GI field.
- Help raise awareness of IFFGD resources
- To retain and nurture the best and brightest clinicians and researchers, ensuring a strong, informed, and compassionate healthcare community for generations to come.
Physician Involvement: Program Structure
The Junior Academicians are placed into three groups:
- Fellows on the Rise
Fellows currently in training who have expressed a strong interest in functional GI and motility disorders. These individuals are eager to contribute to IFFGD projects and gain exposure to advocacy, research, and clinical initiatives. - Beginning Career Stars
Early-career clinicians and researchers (within 5–7 years post-fellowship) who are already demonstrating leadership, commitment, and impact in the field. - Future Thought Leaders
Prominent young professionals (within 7–10 years post-education) who have established themselves as key voices in functional GI and motility research or care. These individuals are on a clear path toward becoming global leaders in the space. - Distinguished GI Leaders
An honorary category recognizing those who have “graduated” from the Junior Academicians program after years of outstanding contribution to the field and to IFFGD’s mission. These individuals serve as advisors, mentors, and champions of quality care—continuing to shape the field through leadership, advocacy, and innovation.
Engagement Opportunities
Junior Academicians are given meaningful roles that foster growth and connection, including:
- Participation in IFFGD Projects: Members collaborate on initiatives alongside established experts, contributing their skills and perspectives while gaining valuable mentorship.
- Research Support: IFFGD shares funding opportunities, grant notices, and collaborative research possibilities to help support the next generation of discoveries.
- Program Innovation: Junior Academicians contribute to program planning, strategy sessions, and content development—ensuring their voices shape the future of patient support and care.
- Mentorship & Leadership:
Distinguished GI Leaders will have the opportunity to mentor our Junior Academicians, providing guidance, career development support, and strategic insights.
- Networking & Visibility: Whenever possible, IFFGD organizes exclusive Junior Academicians luncheons at major conferences such as DDW and ACG. These events provide valuable face-to-face opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships across all stages of a GI career. These opportunities have included luncheons with NIH leaders and a Collaboration Ball with key industry representatives. We will continue to plan special engagements as the opportunities arise.
By cultivating excellence in early- and mid-career GI professionals—and honoring those who have become leaders—we are building a lasting foundation of compassionate, well-informed experts who will continue to drive awareness, research, and innovation. Together, we are working to ensure every patient has access to the highest standard of care—and that the field of functional GI and motility disorders continues to grow with strength, empathy, and expertise.
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in joining this initiative, please email us at iffgd@iffgd.org
WATCH NOW: 5 Minutes in GI
Watch our new series brought to you by our Junior Academicians called, “5 Minutes in GI” where we try and answer the most frequently asked GI questions in just under 5 minutes.