Dr. Hecht was Division Director of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Loyola University Chicago and Chief of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition at University of Illinois–Chicago. She was President of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) from 2009-10, after serving as Chair of the Intestinal Disorders Section. In 2020, she became only the second woman to receive the Julius Friedenwald Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the AGA for an individual’s lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology. Her NIH and VA funded research has focused on E. coli and the impact of gut microbiome on intestinal function and health.

Dr. Mandel is an award-winning, practicing Obstetrician Gynecologist who has dedicated his life to the practice of high-quality health care and assuring access to such care. Mandel received his degrees from The Johns Hopkins University and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Mandel also serves as the President of the City of Los Angeles Health Commission, on the Board of Directors of the National Board of Physicians & Surgeons, current advisor to two sitting Senators, advised the House of Representatives serving on the National Physician’s Council for Health Care Policy and has previously served on “Obama for America Health Policy Advisory Committee” advocating for equal access to health care for women, children, the homeless and underrepresented populations. Most recently he was selected as one of the “Leaders of Influence: Top Los Angeles Doctors” by the Los Angeles Business Journal and previously one of the Top Three Gynecologists in Los Angeles. Dr. Mandel has been recognized for his leadership and public service by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, New York University School of Medicine, and The Johns Hopkins University Distinguished Alumnus Award.