SLUCare Gastroenterologist Appointed ACG State Governor

09/02/2021

SLUCare gastroenterologist Christine Hachem, M.D., professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, was elected to serve as Missouri Governor for the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). 

"Hachem’s appointment inspires junior faculty and trainees who look up to leaders who are at the forefront in their field,” said Ravi Nayak, M.D., interim department chair. “We are proud of the culture of excellence in the Department of Internal Medicine and SLUCare in developing leaders and promoting diversity.” 

The ACG is the preeminent professional organization that champions the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive disorders, serving as a beacon to guide the delivery of the highest quality, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care. It currently has over 12,000 members.

The ACG Board of Governors is one of the most unique aspects of the American College of Gastroenterology. Governors are ACG Fellows that are elected from the membership of a particular state or region. There are currently 77 Governors across seven different regions in the U.S. and abroad. The Board of Governors acts as a two-way conduit between college and university leadership and the membership-at-large. 

“Because of my experiences, I have a strong foundation to serve as governor and am excited to advance our vision and engage ACG Missouri membership,” Hachem said. “I enjoy listening and engaging others in feedback as I feel a team-based approach is the best approach for a more powerful voice.”

As an ACG fellow with over 15 years of experience, Hachem has worked on a wide range of committees. She has been involved in the planning of both regional and national ACG meetings. She currently serves as chair of the ACG Patient Care Committee, CME editor for the American Journal of Gastroenterology, and editor for the ACG Self-Assessment Test guide.

As governor, Hachem said she will continue to build and promote ACG excellence and innovation. She plans to optimize provider and patient care needs, address the educational needs of members, identify strategic scientific investigation opportunities, continue advocacy efforts, and expand practice management tools to enhance the success of ACG members. 

Hachem begins a three-year term in October 2021. 

About SLUCare Physician Group

SLUCare Physician Group is the academic medical practice of Saint Louis University, with more than 500 health care providers and 1,200 staff members in hospitals and medical offices throughout the St. Louis region. SLUCare physicians are among the most highly trained in their fields - more than 50 specialties in all - and are national and international experts, renowned for research and innovations in medicine.

About Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health care on a local, national and international level. Research at the school seeks new cures and treatments in five key areas: cancer, liver disease, heart/lung disease, aging and brain disease, and infectious diseases.