Recognizing challenges, expanding horizons: Doing what is required

The American College of Gastroenterology has never been stronger, more in touch with its membership, or more aware of the needs of their patients; while its mission to serve the practicing gastroenterologist must remain front and central in its activities, I call on the College to take advantage of its preeminent position to extend its commitments in other areas: to foster the future of the academic clinician, to develop and enshrine codes of conduct with industry across the range of physician-industry interactions, and to engage with the world of gastroenterology through a partnership with the WGO and its own international membership. In these challenging times we must retain sight of our mission, retain hope for the future, and strive to overcome obstacles.