The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases

3^nd year

Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
Medical Degree: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL

My main research focus is to design a study using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in patients with refractory IBD under the hypothesis that MSCs can repair intestinal mucosal damage. An additional study goal is to elucidate the immunologic pathways that lead to altered mucosal immunity in IBD. In addition, I am working on describing the GI complications that occur in Behcet’s disease which can lead to IBD-like manifestations that respond to typical IBD therapy. Furthermore, I am examining the use of the wireless SmartPill© capsule as a novel tool to measure gastric pH for use in patients with gastric acid hypersecretory conditions and to evaluate its potential application for use in the management of patients with GERD. Finally, I am documenting the GI complications of various hyper IgE syndromes which lead primarily to eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus and am also describing the GI manifestations of cystinosis patients who develop varying degrees of pancreatic insufficiency.

3^nd year

Residency: Harbor Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Medical Degree: Saba University School of Medicine, Netherlands-Antilles

My gastrointestinal research focuses on studying the immunopathogenesis of food allergy and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis). In addition, my other projects include hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, and novel therapies for hepatitis C and D.

2^rd year

Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
Medical Degree: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA

One of my research projects involves studying the effects of an experimental gastrin receptor blocker in patients with gastric carcinoid tumors. In this study, we are evaluating the safety and efficacy of this investigational drug on gastric carcinoid tumors and gastric enterochromaffin-like cells in patients with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Additionally, I am also involved in a study utilizing the wireless SmartPill© capsule as a novel tool in the measurement of gastric acid in patients with gastric acid hypersecretion. The goal of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the SmartPill© in the management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

2^rd year

Residency: West Virginia Univerisity Hospital, Morgantown, WV
Medical Degree: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV

My primary research focus is in the study of familial midgut gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. Sporadic carcinoid tumors are a rare type of tumor arising from neuroendocrine cells. We study a familial form of these malignancies transmitted by autosomal dominant inheritance, affecting two or more members within a given family. Our goals are to evaluate the presentation and natural history of familial midgut carcinoid and determine the most optimal methods for diagnosing and following the disease over time through our use of sophisticated imaging and serum tests. Also under investigation is the search for and analysis of the genes responsible for these familial tumors. We believe the information acquired from our work will also assist in the diagnosis and management of other neuroendocrine tumors and familial malignancies.

Assistant Professor – Clinical Department of Medicine
Division of Digestive Diseases, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

Assistant Professor – Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
Department of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare, Killeen, TX

Practicing Gastroenterologist, Decatur, AL

Staff Physician, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA

Transplant Hepatologist, Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX

Chief, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program, Washington Hospital Center

Chief, Gastroenterology Section, VA Maryland Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs
Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Practicing Gastroenterologist, Pensacola, FL

Staff Clinician, Mucosal Immunity Section, Laboratory of Host Defenses, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health

Practicing Gastroenterologist, Los Angeles, CA