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November 2024 INTRODUCING THE NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE DIGESTIVE HEALTH INSTITUTEFeaturing: John Pandolfino, MD
As of November 1, 2024, the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine has officially designated its name to be Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Institute. This change reflects our position as a comprehensive service line at Northwestern Medicine, dedicated to advancing medicine and patient care in gastroenterology.
Systemwide Advances Under the leadership of John Pandolfino, MD, the Digestive Health Institute offers a range of advanced services and technologies. One significant achievement was the launch of the liver transplant service at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in January 2023. This initiative has improved access for patients needing advanced liver care and increased the liver transplant volume, helping Northwestern Memorial Hospital reach a record 138 liver transplants last year. In May 2023, every endoscopy suite across Northwestern Medicine was equipped with GI Genius, an AI technology. This leading-edge equipment helps physicians detect and remove more polyps in patients, reducing the risk of colon cancer development. In May 2024, we introduced a program that ensured a dedicated inpatient GI physician is available 24/7. This improves patient access and allows physicians to focus on clinic and lab duties during their service weeks. We began offering advanced interventional GI care across Northwestern Medicine in September 2024. This expansion included adding interventionalists at various locations, further enhancing our capabilities. Additional Developments Over the past few years, we have developed uniform credentialing across Northwestern Medicine hospitals to ensure standardized requirements for gastroenterologists. The transition to a fully employed GI practice model in the south and northwest suburbs has resulted in over 100 physicians being part of the Digestive Health Institute. The interventional program had a robust year, highlighted by the approval of $25 million to build an advanced interventional program. Donor funding has also led to the naming of the Northwestern Medicine Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center, and the Digestive Health Foundation Gala raised funds to support the Northwestern Medicine Hanauer Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. Additionally, Kenneth C. Griffin has graciously donated another $5 million in support of the Northwestern Medicine Ikuo Hirano Eosinophilic Esophagitis Program. The institute continues to build upon its Center of Excellence Bariatric programs, ensuring high-quality care across the health system. Looking to the Future We’re excited to continue our work, focusing on several key areas:
The Digestive Health Institute is making significant strides in medicine and patient care. By leveraging leading outcomes, research and coordinated care, we aim to create a world-class destination for digestive care for patients from across the Chicago area and from around the world. For the past decade, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has had the highest-ranked gastroenterology and GI surgery program in Illinois, per U.S. News & World Report, 2024 – 2025. Building off this long history of excellence, we’re committed to improving patient care and advancing the field of gastroenterology. |
John Pandolfino, MD, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Northwestern Medicine
Refer a PatientNorthwestern Medicine welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with you in caring for your patients.
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