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

GI brings back Holiday Photo Booth for reprise on sharing seasonal cheer

The Division of Gastroenterology is reprising its Holiday Photo Booth, which made its debut last year as a way to add a lighter moment of joy during the end-of-year holiday season. All in the Department of Medicine are welcome to come shoot selfies and share them – or just keep them for personal pleasure. Sharing’s been made easier via a simple app accessible with a QR code.


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.


Nine promoted faculty feted at DOM dinner hosted at Arizona Inn

The careers of faculty members — Drs. Mohanad Al-Obaidi, Tara Carr, Michel Corban, Sima Ehsani, Justin Hayes, Olivia Hung, Neha Jaswal, Elizabeth Juneman and Bijin Thajudeen — were lauded at the Faculty Promotion Celebration event. See the mini-photo gallery.