College of MedicineNewsAlumniStudents Take Home Awards at Gastroenterology Conference, Connect with WSU College of Medicine Alumni

Students Take Home Awards at Gastroenterology Conference, Connect with WSU College of Medicine Alumni

A group of five individuals standing in front of a colorful backdrop featuring mountains and a sunset gradient. They are holding large signs with text and logos related to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). The signs include phrases such as “#ACG2025,” “WeAreGI,” and the ACG logo. In the foreground, large yellow letters spell out “ACG” next to “2025,” with a stylized cactus graphic incorporated into the design. The setting appears to be an indoor conference or event space with tables and banners visible in the background.
From left to right, Harneet Sangha (MS3), Evelyn Rowe (MS3), University of Miami internal medicine resident Cathy Zheng, MD, WSU alum and Mayo Clinic internal medicine resident Pierce Claassen, MD, Lulu Duffy (MS3), and Xiang Yu “Vincent” Gao (MS3). Courtesy of Evelyn Rowe.

Several medical students from the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine took by storm last month’s American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, presenting research, winning awards, and connecting with MD alumni.

Third-year students Evelyn Rowe, Harneet Sangha, Lulu Duffy, and Xiang Yu “Vincent” Gao presented their research and met with Pierce Claassen, MD, a Class of 2024 graduate and current internal medicine resident at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Vincent Gao, who presented several abstracts, won Outstanding Poster Presenter awards for two posters and was selected as the only medical student alongside five physicians to give an oral presentation in the endoscopy video forum category. Presenter awards are given to those best able to communicate their key findings and the potential impact of their work for clinicians and patients.

Two individuals stand in front of a large research poster mounted on a gray display board, featuring text and charts in red and white. The setting is an indoor exhibition hall with carpeted floors and overhead lighting.
WSU alum Pierce Claassen, MD, and Harneet Sangha (MS3) 

“Presenting at ACG as a third-year student was a truly incredible opportunity, and only possible with the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Divyanshoo Kohli, for providing me with these projects and support. I cannot thank him enough for his mentorship,” Gao said. Divyanshoo Kohli, MD, FACG, is a Spokane interventional gastroenterologist and WSU College of Medicine community faculty member. “I also want to thank Dr. Claassen for his guidance and support during my presentation. He is a great inspiration!” 

Harneet Sangha also presented multiple research posters at the conference, conducted under the mentorship of Seattle gastroenterologist and College of Medicine community faculty member Mohit Girotra MD, FASGE, FACG, AGAF, FACP. One project was completed in collaboration with Dr. Claassen.