The Section of Gastroenterology is home to an internationally renowned clinical research program in inflammatory bowel disease which includes translational efforts to identify genotypic/phenotypic correlations, epidemiology (colon cancer surveillance), environmental factors (e.g. cigarette smoking), and novel therapies for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. A 5,000 patient data base is maintained by Dr. Hanauer to provide patient material for clinical trials of conventional and novel medical therapies such that over 20 clinical trials are currently underway. Dr. Russell Cohen is undertaking outcomes research regarding cost-effectiveness of therapies for IBD. Drs. David Rubin and Karen Kim are investigating adherence with colorectal cancer screening in high risk and underserved populations and collaborating on chemoprevention trials in IBD and spontaneous colon cancer. Dr. Irving Waxman heads the Interventional Endoscopy program and is developing novel techniques for endoscopic diagnosis and intervention

In addition to the extensive program in inflammatory bowel disease, numerous other areas of clinical research are being pursued. Interventional endoscopy is being applied to diagnosis of esophageal, gastric, pancreatic and colorectal neoplasia and mucosal resection. Hepatology research is being applied to liver transplantation, viral hepatitis and other inflammatory liver disorders. Nutrition research includes the impact of lactose intolerance in minority health outcomes, obesity and celiac disease. Clinical research into optimization of colorectal screening for average and high-risk individuals, genetic counseling and chemoprevention are currently underway.