Prioritizing the Greater Good
Dr. Maria T. Abreu, the AGA’s first Latina president, wants to focus on workforce issues
By Lisette Hilton
Photography by Jeffery Salter
Dr. Maria T. Abreu.
D
ue to recognition of her extensive background as a physician, scientist and educator, Maria T. Abreu, B.S. ’87, M.D. ’90, is taking on yet another challenge. Currently the director of the Miller School’s Crohn’s and Colitis Center, as well as a professor of medicine, and microbiology and immunology, she was recently appointed president of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).
The American-born daughter of Cuban immigrants, Dr. Abreu is the first Latina to helm the AGA, whose 16,000 gastroenterologists have been dedicated to eradicating digestive diseases since its founding in 1897. While she brings a wealth of medical experience and leadership skills to her new role, Dr. Abreu wants to focus on workforce issues as a way to further advance the GI profession.
“I’ve given a lot of thought to the things that are important to the AGA and the continued success of its members as caring and productive gastroenterologists,” she said. “Professional societies such as ours have an opportunity to eliminate barriers so that every member can have a rewarding career. The solutions are multipronged.”
One of those prongs is to improve the working conditions of female gastroenterologists, Dr. Abreu said. That includes being more thoughtful about how to help private and academic practices offer adequate parental leaves, flexible schedules for physicians with young families and improved career development.
Dr. Abreu also points to the need for better integration of advance practice providers (APPs) — nurse practitioners or physician assistants — many of whom are women. She recognizes how standardizing training can transition APPs from graduation to jobs. “We need to get them ready to take care of GI patients as quickly and effectively as possible,” she said. APPs, in turn, can alleviate gastroenterologists’ patient backlogs, allowing them more time to provide GI procedures and treat chronic illnesses.
Dr. Abreu — who is also an accomplished dancer, triathlete and chef — believes that her strength as a leader lies in her ability to connect with people and prioritize the greater good. “I am able to work collaboratively to get things done,” she said. “I always want what’s best for the group.” 
