Jean S. Wang, MD, PhD, FACG, is a Professor of Medicine at WashU where she serves on the Community Outreach and Engagement Leadership Team and the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities Leadership Team at the Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Dr. Wang was the recent recipient of the American College of Gastroenterology’s Community Service Award – this national award is bestowed upon one gastroenterologist each year who has initiated or has been involved in volunteer programs or has provided extensive volunteer post-training.
The service must have been performed on a completely voluntary basis and not for the completion of training or position requirements. Such service may include, but is not limited to, community educational programs (e.g. colon cancer awareness), working in free clinics, mentoring advocacy groups or local government committees, teaching in under-served schools related to health education, political work on committees for comprehensive health insurance or other issues.
I am so grateful to receive this national recognition for my efforts. Working in the community and seeing our impact on underserved populations has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
Over the years, I have unfortunately seen many patients with colorectal cancer that could have been prevented had they undergone the recommended screening. Seeing this inspired me to co-found the Missouri Colorectal Cancer Roundtable to bring together all of the organizations across the state of Missouri that are actively working to increase access to colorectal screenings to reduce the burden of this terrible cancer.
Dr. Jean. S. Wang
Dr. Wang was invited to meet with Missouri Governor Mike Parson at his office in the State Capitol in an event commemorating the proclamation of March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Missouri.