Membership Policies
The Association of West Indian Gastroenterologists (AWIG) values the diverse contributions of its members and associate members. Both categories are vital to the organization’s mission to advance the field of gastrointestinal care through education, collaboration, and professional development.
Members are typically physician specialists engaged in higher-level gastrointestinal care, either directly or indirectly. They enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, including full voting rights, directory access, and exclusive invitations to members-only events. Membership is designed for those deeply involved in specialized gastrointestinal practices, providing them with significant opportunities for professional growth and networking within the field.
Associate Members include GPs, GI Fellows, GI Nurses, and other Allied Healthcare Professionals involved in Gastroenterology care , Gi Clinical Managers and Academic Colleagues such as PhDs, translational scientists and researchers with a GI focus This category allows a broader range of professionals to participate in and benefit from AWIG’s activities. While associate members do not have voting rights or directory access, they still enjoy reduced rates for events and conferences, early bird pricing, and access to Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities.
By defining these categories clearly, AWIG ensures that all participants, whether members or associate members, can engage meaningfully with the organization, contributing to and benefiting from its mission to promote excellence in gastrointestinal care.
​
Eligibility:
Prospective members must be physician specialists dealing with higher-level gastrointestinal care, either directly or indirectly.
Meeting Attendance:
Prospective members must attend two meetings before applying for membership, unless special consideration is given.
Sponsorship:
Applicants must be sponsored by an Executive Member, past Executive, or an existing Current Dues Paid Member.
Membership Fee:
The annual membership fee is $300 USD.
Registration Period:
Annual registration opens on June 15, and membership dues must be paid by September 15th to be qualified as a Current Registered Member. Membership is valid from the payment date until May 31 of the following year. For AWIG 2025 Membership Registration the registration period will be from August 1 to September 15th 2024.
Provision for Renewal:
Members must attend conferences regularly, with a minimum attendance of one conference every three years.
Member Benefits
-
Reduced rates for events and conferences compared to non-members.
-
Access to early bird pricing for events and conferences.
-
Eligibility for exclusive conference swag (registration by a predetermined date required).
-
Access to Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities.
-
Inclusion in the AWIG directory.
-
Access to a members-only directory for networking and collaboration.
-
Access to the members-only store for purchasing AWIG merchandise and resources.
-
Invitations to members-only events and networking opportunities.
​
-
Voting rights in AWIG elections and decisions.
​
​
​
Eligibility:
GPs, Fellows, Nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in gastroenterology practice are eligible for associate membership, even if they are not specialists. Academic colleagues such as PhDs, translational scientists and researchers with a GI focus.
Meeting Attendance:
Prospective associate members are encouraged to attend AWIG meetings and events to become familiar with the organization.
Sponsorship:
Associate members must be sponsored by an Executive Member, past Executive, or an existing Current Dues Paid Member.
Membership Fee:
The annual associate membership fee is $200 USD.
Registration Period:
Annual registration opens on May 1, and membership dues must be paid by June 30 to be qualified as a Current Associate Member. Membership is valid from the payment date until May 31 of the following year.
Provision for Renewal:
Associate members must attend conferences regularly, with a minimum attendance of one conference every three years.
Associate Member Benefits
-
Reduced rates for events and conferences compared to non-members.
-
Access to early bird pricing for events and conferences.
-
Eligibility for exclusive conference swag (registration by a predetermined date required).
-
Access to Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities.
-
Access to the members-only store for purchasing AWIG merchandise and resources.
Directory Access:
-
Members: Inclusion in the AWIG directory and access to a members-only directory for networking and collaboration.
​​
-
Associate Members: No inclusion in the AWIG directory or access to the members-only directory for networking and collaboration.
Events and Networking:
​
-
Members: Invitations to members-only events and networking opportunities.
-
Associate Members: No specific invitations to members-only events and networking opportunities.
Voting Rights:
-
Members: Voting rights in AWIG elections and decisions.
-
Associate Members: No voting rights in AWIG elections and decisions.
​
​
​
​
Membership and Associate Membership in AWIG are contingent upon adherence to the highest standards of professional conduct. All Members and Associate Members are expected to:
-
Act with honesty, integrity, and respect towards fellow members, colleagues, and the broader medical community.
-
Adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards governing their practice.
-
Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of patient information and sensitive organizational matters.
-
Participate actively and constructively in AWIG activities, events, and initiatives.
-
Avoid engaging in any conduct that may harm the reputation of AWIG or undermine its mission and objectives.
-
Comply with AWIG's policies, guidelines, and decisions.
​​
Violations of this code may result in disciplinary actions, including warning, suspension, or termination of membership, at the discretion of AWIG's leadership.
By applying for Membership or Associate Membership, individuals agree to abide by this code of conduct and uphold the principles of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior in their interactions within AWIG and the broader medical community.