DDW Diversity Travel Award

The Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Diversity Award is founded on one of the priorities of the ASGE Diversity Equity and Inclusion Action Plan to promote diversity in the gastroenterology healthcare workforce pipeline. One of the vehicles to achieve this goal is by reaching US medical and osteopathic students underrepresented in medicine (per AAMC definition) through this pathways initiative. Supported by the ASGE Diversity and Inclusion Committee’s Pathways Subcommittee, two medical students will have an opportunity to attend the annual DDW conference and experience the conference along with gastroenterologists from around the world.

Award

Two travel awards of up to $2,000 each will be provided to support expenses for travel, lodging, and meals. Conference registration will be arranged, and award recipients are expected to attend the majority of the conference to maximize this unique opportunity.

Selection Criteria

Students from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group must be enrolled in an accredited medical school and in good standing. Applicants will complete an application, submit a good standing letter from their institution, a curriculum vitae and short essay.

Submission

  • Completed ASGE Digestive Diseases Week (DDW) Diversity Travel Award Application
  • Letter from Dean of your institution verifying good academic standing (PDF or DOC file)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • 500-word limit essay (PDF or DOC file) on how attending an international gastroenterology conference help you achieve your career goals?
  • Complete the online application and upload all supporting documents using the link below.
  • Contact Michelle Akers at 630-570-5613 or dei@asge.org if you have questions

Submission Deadline: Monday, February 2, 2026

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Testimonials

Receiving the Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Diversity Travel Award was an invaluable opportunity that enhanced my professional growth. Attending DDW allowed me to network with leading professionals and mentors within the field of gastroenterology, providing insights into diverse career paths and research opportunities. Engaging in discussions with researchers and physicians further solidified my passion for pursuing a career as a gastroenterologist.

Kaylah Walton MD/MS in Genomic Medicine Student, 2025
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Supported by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Diversity and Inclusion Pathways Subcommittee.