The American Gastroenterological Association Academy of Educators: Creating a Home for Medical Educators in a National Specialty Organization

The formation of the AGA Academy of Educators is an example of a successful creation of a unique entity within a national physician organization. To be successful, an academy must have a well-defined role in the organization that focuses on support of educators and does not duplicate or infringe on the other education functions of the organization. The mission and goals must be clearly determined at the outset. There must be buy-in from the parent organization. In this regard, it is important that the organizers have credibility within the organization and that the short- and long-term goals of the academy are clearly stated, both with regard to benefit to members of the future academy and the potential benefit of the academy back to the parent organization. Thorough planning will help to ensure the success of the academy and will enable it to become a vital asset to support the education mission of the organization.