Dr Anita Afzali

08/03/2025

Another year. Another evolution. 🙌

This past year brought deep challenges - my parents’ health struggles, my sister’s battle with breast cancer, my own health, painful losses, and major professional transitions. Through it all, I chose to rise.

These moments didn’t break me - they shaped me. They sharpened my focus, expanded my compassion, and reminded me of what truly matters.

Growth rarely comes easy, but it brings power, clarity, purpose.

I’m especially grateful for those whose presence - in big and small ways - made the load a little lighter. Your kindness mattered.

In a year that tested so many of us, I’m reminded of the power of humanity and community, our collective care and moral responsibility to stand up when it matters, to speak up when it’s hard, and to act when it’s needed. Silence is not always neutral. And growth without purpose is incomplete.

I step into this next chapter with strength, intention, and joy.

~The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why~ Mark Twain

Blessed to have another birthday - and to the continued becoming. Let’s go! 🥊

07/15/2025

*Memo*
After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as President & Board Director of . As a Co-Founder, I remain proud of what we’ve built over the years. Unfortunately, the organization’s current direction no longer aligns with my values or vision. I remain deeply committed to advancing education, equity, and innovation in IBD and look forward to continuing that work through new and aligned platforms. With appreciation to all who have supported this journey 🤲
Anita Azali, MD, MPH, MCM, FACG, AGAF

07/04/2025

Early Registration Extension!! ⏳️



🔗 wgo-agw25.gesa.org.au

📩 DM & let's meet at our WGO World Café ☕️

Join myself, President G. Metz, our Inspiring Incoming President 🎉 & The Entire Governing Council in 🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia

Register now and can't wait to meet you!


🌎

07/03/2025

Graduated. Grateful. Growing. 🎓 (late post!)

I’m honored to share that I’ve completed the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine/Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH) Fellowship through Drexel University.

This year has been truly transformational - both professionally and personally.

From deepening my leadership philosophy, to expanding my strategic lens as a Physician Executive, this fellowship pushed me to think bigger, lead bolder, and stay rooted in values that matter: authenticity, impact, and integrity.

To my ELH Learning Community: Thank you for being a source of support, reflection, challenge, and inspiration. Drs. Sabrena Noria Jennifer Helderman, Leigh Cantrell, Kathryn Carlson, Abeer Azzuqa, and Madhu Mazumdar (amazing advisor!)

Thank you, Nancy D. Spector, MD for your encouragement, strength, grace, and inspiration, and Sara Jo Grethlein, MD MBA, for your support and dedication.

To the many authentic, brilliant, and like-minded leaders I've met through this experience, including my APHSU group, you’ve become more than colleagues - you are collaborators and lifelong friends. You have reaffirmed my belief that leadership isn’t a title - it’s an act of service.

This journey sharpened my ability to build teams, drive operational change, and influence systems in ways that prioritize people and purpose. I step forward even more committed to lifting others as I climb - and to always leading with a growth mindset.

Leadership is not about having the answers - it's about building the conditions where bold ideas and people can thrive.

I’m ready for what’s next. Let's go! 🥊

05/08/2025

While we recognize Emily as this year’s healthcare hero, her journey with IBD started long before earning her degree and career in this field. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 16. While it is important to acknowledge some of the challenges she has faced with Crohn's, this disease does not define her. Instead, it sparked her desire to pursue a career helping people who are fighting the same disease and grow a deeper empathy for each patient along the way.
She is a proud team member of University of Cincinnati’s IBD Program. Their team knows that IBD is not “one size fits all”. She is excited to come to work each day, impacting patient stories, knowing they are advancing the field of IBD through quality care, clinical trials, crucial research, and continuing education.
Support Emily: https://bit.ly/44S6Bo9

05/06/2025

Register for ACG’s 2025 Endoscopy School and Eastern Regional Postgraduate Course, featuring Dr. David Hudesman on Updates on Newly Approved Therapies for IBD and Where They Fit in Practice

June 6-8 in Washington, DC
➡️ gi.org/acg-2025-eastern

01/25/2025

01/18/2025

Congratulations to all of the incredible UC Health physicians who have been recognized on this year's Cincinnati Magazine Top Doctors list! Pictured here are just a few of the team who received this honor.

Your dedication, expertise, and compassionate care make a lasting impact on countless lives. We are grateful for all you do to provide boundless care for our patients, perform research that is changing the future of medicine, and invest in educating the next generation of healthcare providers.

Discover why our physicians are rated among the region's best: https://www.uchealth.com/

01/12/2025

✨ Happy New Year 2025 ✨
  
A year for growth, honoring boundaries, living your truths, and advocating for what matters most  
👋 Let go of anything that conflicts with your values, diminishes your worth, or disrespects you  
🤝 Embrace what aligns with your purpose and community
 ⏩ Move forward with courage and intention  
Wishing you empowerment, meaningful connections, and fulfillment.  
  
🇦🇫 I remain committed to standing with my Afghan sisters to end gender apartheid, advance global education and equitable healthcare, and create change.  
  
The quality of your life is shaped by the quality of people around you.  
  
Let’s go! 🥊             

01/11/2025

Congratulations to all new members of the American College of Gastroenterology ALP 👏🏼👏🏼

Introducing the 2025 Advanced Leadership Program cohort!

These exemplary physicians will develop key leadership skills, confer with College leaders, and convene with the other programs at in June 2025.

🎉Congratulations!

01/08/2025

Congratulations to all members of the fantastic American College of Gastroenterology ECLP 👏🏼👏🏼

Introducing the Early Career Leadership Program 2025 cohort!

These promising GI physicians will complete training in leadership and policy skills and convene with the other programs at in June 2025.

🎉Congratulations!

01/06/2025

Join us for the 8th Annual IBDHorizons Midwest Symposium, a free all-day event full of learning and networking! This in-person symposium will be held at The Hilton Downtown Columbus and brings together experts in the field of IBD to share their knowledge and insights with a focus on the latest advancements and treatments.
Register Here ▶️ https://bit.ly/4a0ecSm