The American Foregut Society proudly honors our distinguished members with the Fellow of the AFS (FAFS)

fellow of the foregut society

2026 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

APPLY TODAY

 

The Fellow designation recognizes members who demonstrate sustained excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing multidisciplinary collaboration in foregut care.

The American Foregut Society brings surgeons and gastroenterologists together to advance science and improve treatment paradigms. Advancement to Fellow status acknowledges professional achievement and dedication to improving care for patients with foregut disorders, with Fellows serving as ambassadors for the Society and leaders within the field.

Applicants should have at least five years of clinical or academic practice following training, maintain specialty certification and licensure, and show meaningful engagement with AFS through meetings, leadership, education, service, or research. The application includes a personal statement, CV, board certification documentation, and two letters of recommendation from current AFS Fellows representing both surgical and gastroenterology disciplines. A one-time $100 application fee applies, and applicants must be active members in good standing. 

About FAFS

Unique by design, the American Foregut Society codifies the multidisciplinary standard to which we all strive. Becoming a Fellow of the AFS requires the expected commitment to excellence and a track record of leadership, but also requires the practitioner to move outside the silo in which they practice.

The AFS seeks to promote both academic and clinical collaboration from all those working within the foregut space; being designated a Fellow of the American Foregut Society therefore demonstrates the ultimate commitment to caring for patients with foregut disorders.

 Congratulations to our Past Recipients

Class of 2025:

  • Shahin Ayazi
  • Walter Chan
  • Scott Corbett
  • Jen Kolb
  • Sumeet Mittal
  • Caroline Newberry
  • Alejandro Nioponice
  • John Pandolfino
  • Mark Shachner
  • Brian Smith

Class of 2024:

  • Barham Abu-Dayyeh, MD, MPH
  • Michael Awad, MD, PhD
  • John Clarke, MD
  • Ronnie Fass, MD
  • Leena Khaitan, MD, MPH
  • Abraham Khan, MD
  • Brian Louie, MD
  • Ninh Nguyen, MD
  • Stuart Spechler, MD
  • Roger Tatum, MD
  • Michael Ujiki, MD
  • Thomas Watson, MD

Class of 2023:

  • Dr. Luigi Bonavina
  • Ken Chang, MD
  • Kerry Dunbar, MD, PhD
  • Christy Dunst, MD
  • C. Prakash Gyawali, MD, MRCP
  • Ikuo Hirano, MD
  • Philip O. Katz, MD
  • David A. Katzka, MD
  • Cory Richardson, MD
  • Joel Richter, MD
  • Lee L. Swanstrom, MD
  • Rena Yadlapati, MD

Class of 2022:

  • Reg Bell, MD
  • Tripp Buckley, MD
  • Peter Kahrilas, MD
  • John Lipham, MD
  • Dan Lister, MD
  • Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD
  • Michael S. Smith, MD

 

Application Information

Applications are now being accepted - the deadline to apply is July 1, 2026

The American Foregut Society (AFS) brings Foregut Surgeons and Gastroenterologists together to advance science in the field, guide and foster collaboration, and positively impact treatment paradigms. Advancement to Fellowship within the society represents a commitment to high standards and continued progress. The title of Fellow acknowledges a Member’s prior achievements and dedication to improving care for patients with foregut disorders. Fellows will therefore serve as liaisons to the community, fellow practitioners, and patients as well as paragons of the modern practitioner.

To advance to Fellow status, Members must demonstrate:

  • Five years of active clinical or academic practice following successful completion of training at an accredited academic institution.*
  • Certification in respective specialty with full license to practice in state, province, region, or country, as applicable.*
  • Attendance or participation in three Annual AFS Meetings or other AFS courses during the previous five years.
  • A statement demonstrating excellence within applicant’s field, with particular focus on foregut experience and interdisciplinary achievements, and including the following: 
    • Participation in AFS activities
    • Leadership roles in their institution and/or hospital
    • Dedication to teaching, particularly as it relates to foregut anatomy, physiology, or management
    • Recognition for community service
    • Contribution to research, particularly where representatives from multiple specialties are involved
  • Applicants must be able to provide:
    • Two letters of recommendation from current AFS Fellows
      • One letter must come from a foregut surgeon and the other a gastroenterologist
      • For individuals submitting a letter of recommendation separately please send directly to [email protected]. 
    • Curriculum vitae
    • Board certification documentation

There is a one-time application fee of $100, in addition to active membership in good standing.

*Emeritus and Honorary member status do not require active clinical practice, but a distinguished career is considered prerequisite.