Gastroenterology

The Division of Gastroenterology at the Washington University School of Medicine represents one of the finest examples of an academic training program, dedicated to the study of digestive and liver diseases. The balance of outstanding faculty, exemplary facilities and a cohesive philosophy ensure consistent excellence across the missions of maintaining national prominence in research, teaching and patient care.

News Stories & Tip Sheets:

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Named professorship Stenson named Costrini Professor Oct. 9, 2007 -- William F. Stenson, M.D., has been named the Dr. Nicholas V. Costrini Professor of Gastroenterology & Inflammatory Bowel Disease at the School of Medicine. Washington University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton made the announcement with Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.

Toxic tummy Belly fat may drive inflammatory processes associated with disease March 8, 2007 -- An abdominal MRI scan showing the locations of subcutaneous and visceral fat As scientists learn more about the key role of inflammation in diabetes, heart disease and other disorders, new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that fat in the belly may be an important promoter of that inflammation. It's well known that excess fat is associated with disease, but the researchers have confirmed that fat cells inside the abdomen are secreting molecules that increase inflammation. It's the first evidence of a potential mechanistic link between abdominal fat and systemic inflammation. More...

Multitasking A three-tiered career: doctor, scientist, professor Feb. 28, 2007 -- Photo by Robert Boston Robert Rothbaum (left) with patient Jordan Allard They simply call him "Dr. Bob." Referring to him in a more familiar style is a testament to how comfortable Robert Rothbaum makes his patients feel. The same demeanor also makes him popular with first-year medical students who are adjusting to their new setting. Rothbaum divides his 25-year tenure at the School of Medicine into three "careers." His first career focused on cystic fibrosis, and his second career centered on gastroenterological disorders. His third — and current — career is teaching medical students.

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Faculty Experts:

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Jeffrey I. Gordon The Dr. Robert J. Glaser Distinguished University Professor and Head of the Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology and Professor of Medicine Gordon Gordon is internationally known for his research on gastrointestinal development and how gut bacteria affect normal intestinal function and predisposition to health and to certain diseases. Expertise: molecular biology, pharmacology, gut biology, microbes, bacteria, intestines, gastrointestinal development, … Media assistance: (314) 286-0109 / reckessg@wustl.edu

Samuel Klein Danforth Professor Klein The Danforth Professor of Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, Samuel Klein is an internationally renowned expert on obesity and weight loss. Expertise: Obesity, nutrition, weight loss Media assistance: /

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Related News Clips:

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Scientists Look to Vaccines in the War on E. Coli The New York Times and 1 others May 1, 2007 -- Vaccines for people and for cattle are just two approaches under development to prevent or treat food poisoning by the strain E. coli O157:H7. Right now, scientists can do little medically to fight the pathogen, which was responsible for two severe outbreaks last fall. WUSTL pediatrics professor Phillip Tarr, a gastroenterology specialist, comments on the difficulty of treatment.

Officials consider spinach labeling plan Associated Press and 32 others Sept. 22, 2006 -- Federal health officials said Thursday that more explicit labeling was just one proposal under consideration for allowing fresh spinach back on the market. Others include stepped-up regulation of how spinach is grown and processed. WUSTL pediatrics gastroenterology professor Phillip Tarr describes the illness and what people should do if they think they have the illness.

Duodenal ulcers like mayor's likely due to bacteria, not stress Associated Press State & Local Wire and 6 others July 10, 2006 -- The type of ulcer for which Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor has been diagnosed is likely caused by bacteria, not stress, according to doctors. Normally, the gastrointestinal system protects itself against acid imbalance, but bacteria can cause an infection that interferes with acid regulation, said WUSTL gastroenterologist Matthew Ciorba. It was long thought that stress or diet caused ulcers, but that's no longer the case.

Bucking the mainstream on Crohns Newsday (NY) May 16, 2006 -- Crohn's disease is marked by inflammation that can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus and is characterized by bloody diarrhea, severe cramping and intestinal blockages - fistulas - that require doctors to surgically remove portions of the intestines. Reporting a year ago in the New England Journal of Medicine, Korzenik and co-theorist Dr. Brian Dieckgraefe, a gastroenterologist at Washington University in St. Louis, found that after one Leukine injection a day for 56 days, patients' quality of life improved and Crohn's symptoms dramatically retreated. Korzenik said additional studies are planned.

Effective and safe minimally invasive surgery Forbes and 15 others May 12, 2004 -- James W. Fleshman, professor of surgery at the School of Medicine, participated in a trial program for a minimally invasive colon cancer procedure in the United States. Patients who had the less-invasive operation spent an average of five days in the hospital, compared to six days for those who had conventional surgery. And laparoscopic patients needed injected narcotic painkillers for three days and oral painkillers for one day, compared to four days and two days, respectively, for those who had conventional surgery.

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