Having recently joined the University of Arizona as division chief, I am excited by the potential for growth and advancement within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Most important, we are investing in our people. The division is currently reviewing faculty applicants that can continue to improve our delivery of health care to increasing numbers of patients that seek us out for treatment of a variety of liver related disorders...

Juanita L. Merchant, MD, PhD
Chief, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology provides comprehensive resources for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. These include disorders of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, gall bladder, liver and bile ducts. We are committed to excellence in patient care, education and research in digestive diseases (gastroenterology) and liver disorders (hepatology).

Our division has an outstanding group of renowned physicians and researchers with expertise in diseases of the esophagus, liver, pancreas and colon. Our primary clinical teaching facilities are the Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and South hospitals. The division is involved in liver transplantation and works closely with the University of Arizona Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center in the state, to provide innovative, cutting-edge treatments for cancers of the gastrointestinal system.

Also within the college is the Thomas D. Boyer Liver Institute, which is dedicated to the advancement of liver-related research. The institute provides a foundation from which physician-scientists can do basic and translational research related solely to liver disorders. The hepatology residents and fellows are mentored by experienced faculty within the institute.  Disciplines represented in the center include biomedical engineering, nursing, pharmacology, endocrinology, pathology, pharmacy, surgery, molecular biology and radiology.

In our Endoscopy Lab, we perform both routine and advanced procedures that are not offered by others in the region. We function as a center for the development of new and advanced imaging techniques, working closely with some of the best biomedical researchers and optical engineers in the nation.

With our diverse research activities and our dedication to the education of future physicians in this field, we are able to provide a breadth of expertise that is unparalleled in the region. As we expand our services, we will create new centers of excellence that will not only provide state-of-the-art care but also facilitate new discoveries.

News

Prepping for respiratory illness season: Key insights on RSV, flu and COVID-19

Respiratory illnesses surge in winter months, aligning with colder weather, increased indoor gatherings and seasonal travel. This prompts health officials such as Dr. Mohanad Al-Obaidi, Division of Infectious Diseases associate professor, to urge people to adopt proactive measures to limit their spread.


Lupus Research Alliance Celebrates U of A’s Dr. Kent Kwoh for Native American Heritage Month

A story published online by the Lupus Research Alliance spotlights the Rheumatology division chief and U of A Arthritis Center director’s involvement with indigenous populations in Southern Arizona. Coming during Native American Heritage Month, this recognition serves as a wonderful tribute to the work being done to advance arthritis care throughout Native American populations.


Study identifies potential new drug for Parkinson’s-related cognitive decline, dementia

Parkinson’s disease causes difficulty in movement and balance, but its cognitive symptoms receive less attention and have no good treatments. A U of A College of Medicine – Tucson team, including Lalitha Madhavan, MD, PhD, a neurology associate professor with a dual appointment in the Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine, hopes to change that.


Events

Dec
02
DOM Research Career Development Workshop: Finding Mentors
Workshop or Class
Department of Medicine Research Career Development Workshop

Dec
02

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