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Committees

SSCD Committees

The Society for the Study of Celiac Disease is comprised of membership committees. These committees meet virtually on an as needed basis and have representation at the monthly SSCD executive meeting. Committees present their accomplishments at the annual SSCD meeting. Each committee is led by a member of the executive committee.  

If you are interested in joining a committee or have an idea for a new committee, please contact sscd@celiac.org

Membership Committee

The Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) Membership Committee is dedicated to enhancing the experience and value of SSCD membership. We are committed to expanding membership benefits, offering forums for members to discuss clinical, scientific, and dietary topics related to celiac disease. Our initiatives include providing the latest research and advocacy updates, sharing information on clinical trials, and fostering a collaborative environment among clinicians, scientists, researchers, and dietitians.

Committee Members:

  • Dawn Adams (Chair)
  • Vahe Badalyan
  • Alice Bast
  • Patricia Beirly
  • Erwin Brooke
  • Jennifer Iscol
  • Stephanie Moleski

To join the Membership Committee, please email sscd@celiac.org 

Research Committee

The Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) Research Committee is dedicated to advancing celiac disease research and supporting emerging scholars in the field. The committee actively engages in addressing controversial topics, exemplified by our recent publication of the SSCD position statement on vaccinations in April 2024. We are developing a recurring series to explore the clinical implications of basic research, with a goal of biannual publications. Additionally, we have established a partnership with the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) to create joint clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on the treatment of asymptomatic celiac disease, utilizing the GRADE approach. Our committee also offers grant review services for SSCD-sponsored grants, ensuring high-quality research contributions to the field.

Current Committee Members:

  • Maria Ines Pinto Sanchez (Co-chair)
  • Benjamin Lebwohl (Co-chair)
  • Osama Altayar
  • Healter Galipeau
  • Joanna Perl
  • Jennier Sealey-Vokysner
  • Jocelyn Silvester

To join the Research Committee, please email sscd@celiac.org

Education Committee

The Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) Education Committee is dedicated to providing valuable educational resources and programs to the celiac disease community. In January 2024, we released a comprehensive statement on gluten-sniffing dogs, and we are currently developing essential resources, including “Facts and Figures in Celiac Disease” and a White Paper on Dietitian Assessments. Our popular webinar series continues to offer insightful sessions, with recent topics covering underrepresented populations in celiac disease (February 2024) and the SSCD Annual College Summit (April 2024). This fall, we will address critical issues such as advocating for patients, including social work, nutrition visits, and online and federal advocacy, as well as tackling food insecurity in celiac disease. Our committee remains committed to educating and empowering all those affected by celiac disease.

Current Committee Members:

  • Marisa Stahl (Co-Chair)
  • Vanessa Weisbrod (Co-Chair)
  • Vahe Badalyan
  • Catherine DeGeeter
  • Meghan Donnelly
  • Andrew Ford
  • Mark Qulczynski
  • Ashley Snyder

To join the Education Committee, please email sscd@celiac.org

Health Equity Committee

The Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) Health Equity Committee is dedicated to promoting health equity within the celiac disease community. In collaboration with the Celiac Disease Foundation, we have established the Improving Health Equity in Celiac Disease Through Disparities Research Grant, awarding $100,000 over two years to support impactful research. Our committee actively engages in policy advocacy, exemplified by our recent submission of comments on the FDA draft guidance for reporting race and ethnicity in clinical trials. Additionally, we are developing culturally tailored food guides to help specific ethnic groups adhere to a gluten-free diet, ensuring that all individuals with celiac disease have the resources they need to maintain their health and well-being.

Current Committee Members:

  • Vanessa Weisbrod (Chair)
  • Amanda Cartee
  • Anne Lee
  • Debra Silber
  • Marisa Stahl
  • Amelia Terrien
  • Ritu Verma
  • Javier Vilafuerte
  • Haley Zylberberg

To join the Health Equity Committee, please email sscd@celiac.org