IntroductionThe Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and the Strategic Alliance for Intercultural Advocacy in GI (SAIA) have received a sponsorship from Sanofi to assist in Improving Health Outcomes for South Asian Patients living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The initiative is aimed at increasing knowledge, awareness and comfort discussing clinical trials and increasing engagement among historically underserved communities. In 2027, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and SAIA will focus on educating the South Asian Community on the importance of clinical trials through hosting an education program in Central New Jersey.
Multidisciplinary Advisory Committee DescriptionThe Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and SAIA believe strongly that patients, caregivers, and other community members should have a voice in guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of awareness and education activities. We are seeking IBD patients, caregivers, community leaders and healthcare professionals from Central New Jersey to guide and support the awareness and educational efforts. We recognize that individuals of all experience levels offer valuable perspectives and expertise to contribute, so no experience or scientific knowledge is necessary to apply. Additionally, we are seeking participants who reflect geographic, racial, ethnic, gender, age, and disease-experience diversity. Successful applicants will be asked to serve on the multidisciplinary advisory committee for one year. Advisors on the committee will be compensated for their time. In addition, advisors will review and respond to emails and attend routine, one-hour virtual meetings for the duration of the position.
Applicant Eligibility & RequirementsAll eligible applicants must:
- Be a patient with IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis), a caregiver, family/friend of someone diagnosed with IBD or a healthcare professional who works with IBD patients/caregivers.
- Demonstrate a strong personal commitment to:
- Advancing the effort to improve awareness of IBD
- Ensure education of patients with the ultimate goals of improving access to care along with increased knowledge and skills in managing IBD
- Educate and support patients and families affected by IBD
Selected advisory committee members are expected to:
- Participate in bi-monthly (every other month) virtual meetings, not to exceed 1 hour
- Provide constructive feedback on improving existing awareness resources, create new ones, and advise on educational activities for patients.
- Be comfortable sharing your personal IBD story, if requested
- Attend and support local awareness and education events to be scheduled with the multidisciplinary advisory committee members.
- Commit 1 year to the advisory committee
Application Review ProcessCompleted applications are due on October 15, 2026. All applications will be reviewed, and final decisions will be announced by November 30, 2026 via email. Please be advised that incomplete applications are not reviewed or accepted. Applicants are welcome, but not required, to send a resume to Dr. Caneka McNeil Moore at cmcneil@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.