E-mail pageWhy Choose Us for Gastroenterology and Nutrition Care?
International Reputation
We were the first institution to establish a full-time department of gastroenterology -- in 1927. Since then, our physicians have earned an international reputation. Our staff members are on the faculty of international congresses dedicated to gastroenterology. And one of our physicians was recently president of the American Gastroenterological Association.
History of Innovation
In the 1940s, doctors at the University of Chicago Medical Center discovered that acid was the cause of ulcer pain and developed an operation to reduce acid production. This procedure is still used now. Today, we are continually providing the best care for ulcers, using the most proven medicines, lifestyle modifications, and treatment for complications.
Advanced Endoscopic Procedures
Each year, our doctors perform about 9,000 endoscopic procedures in our state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, our physicians are making exciting advances in interventional endoscopy, which is a less invasive alternative to surgery for some patients. We also offer endoscopic ultrasound, now considered the most accurate imaging technology for staging tumors of the digestive tract--eliminating the need for staging surgery.
A Leader in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care
We treat more than 5,000 patients with mild to complex cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) each year. Our staff provides the latest medical treatments, as well as disease education, dietary counseling, and other support services to help patients achieve the best quality of life. We are continuing to research the causes and treatments of this disease, and are internationally recognized for our discoveries. Recently, our experts discovered the first gene that increases the risk of Crohn’s disease. We also have tested several promising treatments, including a monoclonal antibody and thalidomide for Crohn’s disease.
» Learn more about our IBD care
Renowned Multidisciplinary Team of Experts
Many patients with gastrointestinal conditions will require surgical as well as medical treatment. Our entire multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses and other professionals is recognized for its extensive expertise.
- Our gastroenterologists are nationally and internationally recognized for providing breakthrough care of complex digestive diseases. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us among the top 10 gastroenterology programs in the nation.
- Our colorectal surgeons are known for their skill and leadership in using minimally invasive techniques to effectively treat patients while preserving quality of life. In fact, our surgeons perform more laparascopic colorectal surgeries than any other academic medical center in Illinois. Our volume ranks among the top 5 percent of academically affiliated hospitals in the country.
- Members of our gastroenterology nursing team hold leadership positions in national organizations. Our nurses are active educators, and have contributed to journal articles and textbooks.
Research
Our physicians continue to be at the forefront of research in digestive diseases, bowel diseases, and nutrition--and offer the benefits of this research to our patients. Our Digestive Disease Research Core Center, one of only 12 in the country, is supported by the National Institutes of Health. In addition, we recently launched the Center for Research into Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases, where physicians from many disciplines work together to find new treatment options for these diseases.
