ACG Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACG facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following is considered the first-line treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) according to ACG guidelines? → Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
2. Which medication class is most strongly associated as a trigger for microscopic colitis in older women presenting with chronic watery non-bloody diarrhea? → Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and NSAIDs
3. According to ACG guidelines, what is the preferred first-line regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication in regions with high clarithromycin resistance? → Bismuth quadruple therapy for 10-14 days
4. How often does ACG update its leadership through presidential elections? → Every year
5. Which ACG Annual Meeting feature provides structured networking opportunities for trainees to connect with faculty? → Mentorship Luncheons or Trainee Networking Events
6. For patients concerned about Helicobacter pylori, ACG patient education communicates that the infection is definitively treated by what? → Antibiotic-based eradication therapy ('triple' or 'quadruple' therapy regimens)
7. What credential does ACG confer on eligible gastroenterologists to recognize their commitment to the specialty? → FACG (Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology)
8. ACG provides guidance on the 'open access' colonoscopy model, which refers to what? → Direct referral for colonoscopy without requiring a prior gastroenterologist office visit
9. What is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States, according to ACG data? → Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
10. What is the typical duration of an ACG Junior Faculty Development Award? → One to two years
11. What is the first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis according to ACG guidelines? → Oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) with topical 5-ASA therapy
12. Which ACG Annual Meeting program helps international attendees participate when they cannot travel to the US? → ACG Online/Virtual Meeting Access or Hybrid Attendance Options
13. Which membership category is designed for gastroenterologists who have been in practice for many years and have made significant contributions to the field? → Fellow of the ACG (FACG)
14. What does the 'Postgraduate Course' component of the ACG Annual Meeting emphasize? → Applied clinical knowledge and case-based learning for practicing gastroenterologists
15. What distinguishes a 'pilot grant' in the context of ACG funding? → It provides modest seed funding to generate preliminary data for larger grant applications
16. The ACG Annual Scientific Meeting typically takes place in which season? → Fall (October–November)
17. What type of CME credit is typically available at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting? → AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
18. What is a 'Hands-On Training' workshop at the ACG Annual Meeting designed to teach? → Procedural techniques in endoscopy using simulators or tissue models
19. Which of the following is a key focus of ACG’s advocacy efforts related to improving patient access to care in rural and underserved areas? → Expanding telehealth and telemedicine services
20. What is the purpose of quality metrics like adenoma detection rate (ADR) in gastroenterology practice management? → To benchmark colonoscopy quality and guide performance improvement efforts
21. What is the primary purpose of the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting? → To present cutting-edge research, clinical advances, and innovations in gastroenterology
22. Which ACG initiative supports gastroenterologists in implementing quality improvement programs in their practices? → ACG Quality Improvement Initiative (QI)
23. Which federal agency is the most common source of larger research funding that ACG pilot grants help investigators pursue? → NIH (National Institutes of Health)
24. ACG collaborates with which NIH institute most closely on digestive disease research priorities? → NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
25. Which non-invasive index is recommended by ACG as the preferred first-line tool for assessing liver fibrosis stage in patients with NAFLD? → FIB-4 score
26. In gastroenterology practice, what does the term 'quality indicator' refer to? → A measurable process or outcome metric used to assess the quality of care provided
27. What is the most common cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the United States? → Acetaminophen toxicity
28. According to ACG guidelines, which of the following is the preferred test for initial evaluation of suspected celiac disease? → Anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) IgA antibodies
29. What is the purpose of the ACG's State Affiliate network? → To connect ACG members at the state level and amplify local advocacy efforts
30. Which ACG award specifically recognizes a gastroenterologist who has made seminal contributions to GI research over a career? → ACG Distinguished Research Award