Dr. Cyrus E. Rubin, Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Pathology, and our great friend and colleague, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Monday, December 19, 2011 at the age of 90.

Dr. Rubin was a pioneer in the field of gastroenterology and gastrointestinal pathology. His long and productive career had a profound effect on the tools and practices applied in these medical specialties. The Department of Medicine at the University of Washington first established the Division of Gastroenterology in 1948, and Dr. Rubin’s many contributions in research, training and clinical practice – beginning in 1952, nearly from the Division’s inception – played a major role in establishing the Division’s academic program as one of the foremost programs in the country. He was one of the field’s most recognized researchers, sought-after teachers and widely emulated clinicians. Read More » | View Online Celiac Sprue Lecture Series »

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurs when fat builds up in the liver. This accumulation of fat damages the liver and leads to cirrhosis. NASH is rapidly increasing in the U.S. mainly related to the epidemics of obesity and diabetes. As a result, the proportion of liver transplantations performed for NASH cirrhosis rose dramatically from roughly 1% in 1997-2003 to more than 7% in 2010. However, according to new research published in Liver Transplantation, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, post-transplantation survival for NASH patients is excellent, with one-year survival rates near 88%.

Excessive fat in liver cells in the absence of alcohol is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is the most common liver disease in the U.S., affecting nearly 30% of the general population experts say. Previous research found that 15% to 20% of those with NAFLD have NASH—the most severe form of fatty liver causing inflammation and fibrosis. Primary risk factors for both NAFLD and NASH are central obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes, all of which are increasingly prevalent and could impact the future demand for liver transplantation. In fact, prior studies suggest that by 2025 more than 25 million Americans may have NASH, which may progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure in 20% of these cases. This influx of new cases has the potential to dramatically worsen the shortage of organs available for transplantation.

In the current study, Dr. Anita Afzali and colleagues from the University of Washington in Seattle investigate the proportion of liver transplantations of NASH-related cirrhosis in the U.S. and estimate survival rates of those patients following transplantation. "With the epidemics of obesity and diabetes giving rise to cases of NAFLD and NASH, it is important to understand the impact of these metabolic conditions on the outcomes after liver transplantation," says Dr. Afzali.
Read Full Press Release » | Read Journal Article in Liver Transplantation »

Dr. David Kearney was one of 30 invited speakers who participated in “A Better Welcome Home: Transformative Models to Support Veterans and Their Families,” a conference hosted by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. With large numbers of service men and women returning home from Iraq, the conference showcased a variety of innovative approaches to help veterans adjust to life after war.

“The last decade of wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq has certainly put the challenges faced by our veterans at the forefront of national concern,” said Anthony Saich, director of the Ash Center. “We were pleased to host such an inspiring group of individuals providing notable alternatives to more mainstream models of care. From service dogs to social networking sites, these participants demonstrated that all of us have a responsibility to ensure the homecoming of our veterans is more than just yellow ribbons and flashy parades.”

In a conference topic panel called “Healing Through Action,” Dr. Kearney discussed the approach and benefits of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) he leads as part of his research studying functional GI disorders and PTSD at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Results from Dr. Kearney’s study, recently published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, show that veterans experience significant improvement of their mental health and quality of life after participating in an MBSR program.

Emmy-winning Director Mark Harris filmed the conference. The five-minute presentations given by the 30 speakers about their programs will be made available to the public online soon in an effort to help educate and inspire citizens to find their own ways to help our returning service men and women.
Read Harvard Ash Center Article » | Read Journal of Clinical Psychology Article »

UWGI faculty and fellows attended the 62nd Annual AASLD Liver Meeting® from November 4th through November 8th in San Francisco, CA. The Liver Meeting® provides a forum of exchange for groundbreaking basic, translational and clinical research in diseases of the liver and biliary tract, and in liver transplantation. It is the premier event in the science and practice of hepatology, where the cutting edge in the study and treatment of liver and biliary diseases is defined. Below is a list of research UWGI shared with the AASLD scientific and clinical community.

November 5th - Poster Sessions

ID#468 | 2:00PM-7:30PM | Poster Hall | Download Abstract »
Category: H01. Health Care Delivery/Quality/Effectiveness
Evaluating Quality of Care in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
F. Kanwal; T. Hoang; J. R. Kramer; T. Chrusciel; H. El-Serag; J. Dominitz; S. Asch

ID#572 | 2:00PM-7:30PM | Poster Hall | Download Abstract »
Category: E02. Immunosuppression, Outcomes, Complications
Predictors of hospital readmission within 30 days after
deceased donor liver transplantation
A. A. Pereira; R. Bhattacharya; J. Reyes; R. L. Carithers; J. D. Perkins

ID#583 | 2:00-7:30PM | Poster Hall | Download Abstract »
Category: E02. Immunosuppression, Outcomes, Complications
Predictors for requirement of institutional care after hospital discharge for deceased donor liver transplantation
A. Pereira; R. Bhattacharya; J. Reyes; R. L. Carithers; J. D. Perkins

ID#584 | 2:00-7:30PM | Poster Hall | Download Abstract »
Elevated triglycerides are associated with recurrence of Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) after liver transplantation
A. A. Pereira; A. Afzali; V. A. Kolesnikova; M. M. Yeh; J. D. Perkins; R. Bhattacharya

November 6th - Scientific Session

ID#65 | 4:00-4:15PM | Room 2005/2007/2009 | Download Abstract »
Category: Q03. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental
Sequential utilization of prognostic models improves management of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis
A. Louvet. F. Artru; M. Colin; G. Lassailly; E. Diaz; J. G. O'Grady; J. Boursier; R. L. Carithers; S. Naveau; P. Deltenre; T. Morgan; P. Mathurin

November 8th - Poster Session

ID#1867 | 8:00AM-12:00PM | Poster Hall | Download Abstract »
Category: P02. Ascites and Other Complications
Vertebral Fracture (vFx) Prevention with Post-Transplant Bisphosphonates (BSP) in Liver Transplant (LT) Recipients: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
J. C. Lai; N. Terrault; J. M. Inadomi

UWGI faculty, Drs. William Grady, Andrew Kaz, Jason Dominitz, and John Inadomi, are among a group of researchers who will participate in prestigious, highly competitive U54 grants recently awarded from the National Cancer Institute that will support the Barrett’s Esophagus Translational Research Network (BETRNet). BETRNet consists of four multi-institutional, transdiciplinary, translational research centers and one coordinating center, all collaborating to develop an understanding of the basis of Barrett’s esophagus and its conversion to esophageal carcinoma. Researchers will also work to determine the role genetics and environmental factors play in the development and progression of these diseases, with the ultimate goal of reducing the mortality associated with this deadly cancer.

Drs. William Grady and Andrew Kaz will participate in the 5-year, $5.4M BETRNet grant awarded to the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University, led by Principal Investigator, Dr. Amitabh Chak. Dr. Grady, who serves as Co-Principal Investigator on the project, will be assessing, along with Dr. Kaz, the use of epigenetic alterations, specifically methylated genes, as biomarkers for the early detection of Barrett’s esophagus and for monitoring the response to treatment of Barrett’s esophagus with radiofrequency ablation.

“Dr. Chak has assembled a world-class group of investigators,” said Grady. “I am honored to be a part of this group, and I am looking forward to the progress we will make in understanding and treating Barrett’s esophagus.”

Drs. John Inadomi and Jason Dominitz will participate in the 5-year, $5.8M BETRNet grant awarded to the University of Michigan, led by Principal Investigators, Dr. David Beer and Dr. Thomas Wang, and the University of Washington, led by Principal Investigator, Dr. Eric Seibel. Research conducted by this center will focus on multi-spectral targeted imaging for the early detection of cancer in Barrett's esophagus. Dr. Dominitz will serve as a consultant on this project, and Dr. Inadomi will be conducting comparative effectiveness research to determine the incremental value of using this novel technology to image neoplasia associated with Barrett's esophagus. With the current emphasis on endorsing strategies that produce benefit in an environment with resource constraints, Dr. Inadomi will also conduct formal cost-effectiveness analyses of this innovative strategy compared with current care.

The BETRNet overall objective is to achieve a better understanding of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) biology, improve EA cancer risk stratification and prediction, provide strategies for EA prevention, and better define individuals at risk.

Dr. David Hockenbery, Professor of Medicine and Head of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is the principal investigator for a new 5-year, $1.9M R01 grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences titled, Biomarker Discovery for Mitochondrial Toxicants Using Metabolic Footprinting. This project will discover metabolic signatures of BDE-47 toxicity. BDE-47, most commonly used as a flame retardant in consumer products, is emerging as one of the major persistent organic pollutants in the US. Preliminary data indicates that BDE-47 impairs mitochondrial function in cell lines. This project will also examine two recently described mitochondrial responses to stress by metabolic footprinting: 1) Mitochondrial proteotoxicity due to aggregation of unfolded/unassembled proteins; and 2) Alternative fumarate respiration in response to hypoxia and distal block of the electron transport chain. By selecting defined mitochondrial responses, one adverse and one adaptive, this project will begin to categorize mitochondrial dysfunction and look for signatures that associate with specific types. This work is in close collaboration with Dr. Oliver Fiehn at the University of California, San Diego, an expert in metabolomics screening and data analysis, and Dr. Terrance Kavanagh from the UW School of Public Health, an expert in oxidative stress and mitochondrial toxicology.

Dr. David Kearney’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program has been recently featured in an issue of VA Research Currents, Research News from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the article, irritable bowel syndrome affects 1 in 10 Americans. It can leave patients feeling anxious about routine trips out of the house, concerned they may need a bathroom suddenly and urgently. Many worry about trying new foods because their symptoms may flare up. Dietary changes, drugs, and psychotherapy can help somewhat, but about a third of patients don't get adequate relief, and many seek out complementary and alternative treatments.

Veterans with IBS have been helped through an eight-week course on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or MBSR, at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System [conducted by Dr. David Kearney]. The course is available as an adjunct to usual care for Veterans with a variety of health conditions. Dr. Kearney explains that in mindfulness courses, "Veterans are taught to bring attention to thoughts, physical symptoms, and emotions with curiosity, openness, and non-judgment. They are taught to regard thoughts—for example, about having a serious underlying problem with their body—as ideas that may or may not be true.
Read Complete Article » | Download PDF »

The results of Dr. Kearney’s research, which involved 93 veterans, has recently appeared in an issue of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics: Association of Participation in a Mindfulness Programme with Bowel Symptoms, Gastrointestinal Symptom-Specific Anxiety and Quality of Life. D.J. Kearney, K. McDermott, M. Martinez, T.L. Simpson; Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 363–373.
Read Journal Article » | Download PDF »

UW staff member Lois Fink and her friend Barb Wodzin don’t want other people with gut diseases to go through what they went through. That’s why they created a new ribbon campaign to dispel the myths and stigma surrounding inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and their treatment. The ribbon is a rich brown, with a red crystal representing ostomy, a surgical redirection of the bowel to create an alternate route for waste removal. Lois and Barb both have Crohn’s disease. Lois is one of about three-quarters of a million Americans living with an ostomy due to colorectal cancer, birth defects, bladder cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

One of the UW Medicine specialists in digestive diseases who is wearing the ribbon described Lois as a “tireless advocate for the IBD community.” Dr. Tim Zisman, assistant professor of medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, noted, “She uses her own personal experience as a patient to connect with other patients and to encourage others to overcome their fears they may have about speaking openly about their disease.” Read Full Article (UW Today) »

UWGI Physicians, Dr. Michael Saunders and Dr. Christina Surawicz, were recently recognized as “Top Docs” in the field of Gastroenterology by Seattle Magazine in the July 2011 issue. The “Top Doctors” is Seattle Magazine’s annual issue reporting on the results of a survey completed by thousands of physicians in the greater Puget Sound Region. They all answered one important question. “If someone in your family were sick, who would you call?” The UWGI physicians recognized in this year’s issue were selected by their peers as the very best in their field. Dr. Michael Saunders, Clinical Professor of Medicine, is the director of the Digestive Disease Center at the University of Washington Medical Center. His areas of expertise include endoscopy, pancreatic/biliary endoscopy (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, and pancreatic disease. Dr. Christina Surawicz, Professor of Medicine, is the Section Chief for Gastroenterology at Harborview Medical Center and is also the Assistant Dean for Faculty Development at the UW School of Medicine. Her areas of expertise include clostridium difficile disease and infectious diarrhea.
Read Seattle Magazine Article » | View Complete "Top Docs" in GI List »

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Schuffler and his wife, Shainie, have bestowed, through their estate, a generous gift to the GI Division in the form of an endowed lectureship fund dedicated to furthering the study and knowledge of GI motility disorders. The Dr. Michael and Shainie Schuffler Endowed Lectureship in Gastrointestinal Motility will allow the GI Division to annually invite distinguished visiting or resident scholars to lecture on the latest, state-of-the-art and advanced topics in GI motility. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Schufflers. This fund will be an excellent addition to our training program and will allow us to continue Dr. Schuffler’s legacy in this important field of research and patient care. Read Full Announcement » | Learn About the Fund »

Dr. Joo Ha Hwang has been awarded an Image-Guided Drug Delivery in Cancer R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for his research program titled, Ultrasound Enhanced Penetration for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. This NCI R01 funding opportunity encourages innovative translational research in the development of quantitative in vivo imaging characterization of image-guided drug delivery (IGDD) in cancer, including characterizations of the target, delivery validation, and therapy response. The goal of Dr. Hwang’s research program will be to investigate whether utilizing a chemotherapeutic agent that is the current standard of care (gemcitabine), along with focused ultrasound technology, can enhance targeted drug penetration into an in vivo pancreatic tumor, decrease tumor size and improve survival duration.

Pancreatic cancer accounts for 5% of cancer deaths in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality. According to the SEER Cancer Statistics Review, it is estimated that in 2009 there will have been over 42,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer and over 35,000 deaths. Current treatment options are of limited benefit with a 5-year survival rate following diagnosis of less than 5%. The current standard-of-care therapy, gemcitabine, only improves survival by a few weeks. It is clear that more effective therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer is needed. Ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery is an active and promising area of research and could have a major impact on the way we approach treatment for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Dr. Hwang recently discussed his work with the Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation. Watch Video Interview »

Dr. Lisa Strate and colleagues investigated the effect of NSAIDs, including aspirin, on the risk of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. A total of 47,210 male participants from the Health Professionals Follow-up study cohort were surveyed during a 22-year follow-up period. According to the study, published in the May issue of Gastroenterology, men who regularly use aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an increased risk of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. The authors write, “Patients at risk of diverticular complications should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of using these medications.” GI & Hepatology News Article »
GI & Hepatology Video Insight » | Abstract in Gastroenterology »

Dr. Liz Broussard is among a group of scientists who share their advice on training and careers in the field of translational research in a recent special feature from the AAAS/Science Business Office. According to the feature, titled From the Lab to the Clinic and Back: Translational Research Training and Careers (by Chris Tachibana), “translational research programs bring together physicians, bench scientists, bioengineers, epidemiologists, patent experts, and more. The goal is learning to communicate across disciplines to achieve advances in health care.” Dr. Broussard, an Acting Assistant Professor of Medicine and gastroenterologist who is completing a University of Washington Institute of Translational Health Sciences training program, discusses the crucial importance of training programs to being able to successfully launch a translational research career. She explains to AAAS/Science, “A translational scientist should be able to move an idea all the way from basic research to a clinical application and back to the lab to inform more basic science.” AAAS/Science Article »

UWGI faculty and fellows attended Digestive Disease Week (DDW) from May 7th to May 10th in Chicago, Illinois. DDW is the world's largest gathering of physician's and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Click here to view a complete schedule of poster sessions, topic forums, research forums, and other events where UWGI faculty and fellows presented and discussed their work. Visit the MyDDW Website to read abstracts.

According to a study published by Dr. George Ioannou in the March issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, children and adolescents living in the U.S. have very high rates of immunity and very low rates of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection, while high-risk adults still have low vaccination rates. Based on data from approximately 40,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the study determined the prevalence and association of chronic HBV infection, past exposure and immunity in the United States from 1999 to 2008 and concluded that vaccination of high-risk adults should continue to be emphasized.

In an interview with Reuters Health, Dr. Ioannou stated, “Adults at high risk of HBV are less likely to be vaccinated (than others), so there needs to be a more concerted effort to reach out to high-risk adults, such as those with HIV, HCV, other sexually transmitted diseases, multiple sex partners, and intravenous drug users.” Regarding vaccination, Dr. Ioannou also told Reuters Health, “We still haven't seen the full benefits of universal vaccination, because in the U.S. most individuals are exposed in adulthood. We're likely to see the greatest effects in the next 10 to 20 years.” Reuters Health Article » | Annals of Internal Medicine Article »

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released a new “Medical Position Statement on the Management of Barrett’s Esophagus.” According to the statement, published in the March 2011 issue of Gastroenterology, endoscopic eradication therapy is recommended over surveillance for patients with confirmed, high-risk Barrett’s esophagus using radiofrequency ablation (RFA), photodynamic therapy (PDT) or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

“The AGA’s recommendations for the treatment of patients with Barrett’s esophagus are based on the best data currently available within the medical literature,” said John M. Inadomi, MD, AGAF, chair of the AGA Clinical Practice & Quality Management Committee. “When considering whether surveillance or endoscopic eradication therapy is the preferred management option for patients with Barrett’s esophagus, the AGA strongly supports the concept of shared decision-making between the treating physician and patient.”

In an interview with Business Week, Dr. Inadomi also stated, “The revised guidelines move toward prevention rather than just detection. The change was prompted by advances in technology, particularly the more widespread use of radio waves [radiofrequency ablation] to heat and destroy the precancerous cells in the top layer of the esophagus tissue. This is a step toward the kind of prevention we have for colon cancer, but we need far more data and better technology to reach that level.” Business Week » | AGA Press Release » | Medical Position Statement »

Dr. David Kearney has been awarded a 2011 Clinical Research Award from the American College of Gastroenterology for his study titled, “The Effect of Mindfulness Training on Eating Behaviors and Food Intake.” Two-thirds of the U.S. population is either overweight or obese. Psychological factors, including “emotional eating” may play a role in weight gain. Emotional eating has been described as eating in response to emotions rather than hunger cues, and it is positively associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and obesity. 25 overweight or obese Veterans will take part in an 8-week Mindful Eating and Living (MEAL) program at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, under the direction of Dr. David Kearney, to see if mindfulness can be applied to the process of food intake by increasing awareness of internal emotional and external environmental triggers that can prompt food consumption. Mindfulness skills training involves bringing non-judgmental attention to thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations, including hunger and satiety cues. Dr. Kearney’s study will compare eating outcomes pre- and post-intervention with measures of mean caloric, fat and sugar intake, and eating behaviors.

The Liver Care Line at the UW Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of a new CME accredited program titled The Liver Transplant Partner Program. Medical Providers with an interest in transplant medicine are invited to join the UW Medicine Liver Care Line for a unique continuing medical education program. This program is a 4-day hands-on, interactive experience designed to educate practicing gastroenterologists and hepatologists regarding all aspects of liver transplant care. This includes participation in transplant rounds, multiple medical and surgical clinics, various transplant-related conferences, and observation of procedures, including ERCPs and, potentially, liver transplants. Physicians will use this knowledge to better care for their patients with liver disease, including those who are awaiting or have received a liver transplant.
About the Program » | Course Agenda » | How to Register »

Dr. Fritz Fenster, former GI Section Chief of Harborview Medical Center, passed away at his home in Seattle on January 19, 2011. Dr. Fenster earned his medical degree at Harvard Medical School and completed his internship and residency at Yale-Grace New Haven Hospital, where he also completed a fellowship in liver diseases under the mentorship of Dr. Gerald Klatskin. Dr. Fenster served as GI Section Chief at Harborview Medical Center, then known as the King County Hospital, for over 4 years before joining The Virginia Mason Clinic in 1967. In remembering Dr. Fenster, Dr. George McDonald said, “He was one of the Division’s most revered faculty and the best hepatologist and teacher that any of the UW fellows in his era ever had. Fritz had an encyclopedic knowledge of hepatology and, in the days before computer searches, he had a cross-indexed file of every paper written about liver disease, as well as detailed 5x7 cards describing every liver biopsy he had ever performed. His files and glass slides were a treasure trove for fellows, and he was generous in sharing his knowledge. Even after he joined the Virginia Mason Clinic, he stayed engaged with the Division’s fellows for many years.” Dr. Fenster was Head of Hepatology at the Virginia Mason Clinic and a Clinical Professor of Medicine here at the University of Washington for over twenty years. He retired from clinical practice in 1993. Read Seattle Times Obituary »

The Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation (FUSF) recently interviewed Dr. Joo Ha Hwang in an article and interview titled, MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Could Have “Huge Impact” on Pancreatic Cancer Drug Delivery. Dr. Hwang, an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, is a leading researcher in the area of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive technology he has been researching for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. His research has been focused on using HIFU for the ablation of pancreatic tumors, and he is now exploring the potential of using HIFU to enhance drug delivery for treatment of this deadly disease. In his interview with FUSF, Dr. Hwang explained, “Recent evidence shows chemotherapeutic agents don’t work in pancreatic cancer because we’re not getting the drug actually to the tumor. Focused ultrasound is one method that potentially can really impact this disease by driving the drug into the tissue and enhancing the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents so that they can actually work against these tumors." Read FUSF Article » | Watch FSFU Interview »

Dr. Timothy Zisman, Assistant Professor of Medicine, is the recipient of a UWMC Medical Staff Teamwork, Leadership and Caring Award. The Medical Staff TLC award, administered by the UWMC Recognition T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves Miracles), is presented monthly to an outstanding UWMC Physician or Provider for excellent care, service and leadership. Dr. Zisman is an inflammatory bowel disease specialist and was nominated by a patient who stated:

“When I met with Dr. Zisman one of the first things that he said to me was, “I want to get you completely well, not just getting by.” I had never been told that by a doctor and it really meant a lot to me in so many ways. No doctor ever cared enough to say that or was ever willing to invest the time in my healthcare to really help me on my journey with Crohn’s Disease to get well and not just get by.”

Dr. Zisman is a member of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at the UWMC Digestive Disease Center. The IBD program offers comprehensive state-of-the-art care for patients with IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The program includes expert physicians, surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who work together as an integrated team to provide the best care possible to each individual patient.

In its January 2011 issue, the Seattle Metropolitan Magazine explores the practice of yoga in studios and clinics throughout the area in an article titled, Yoga for Life. The article (beginning on page 2) highlights Dr. David Kearney's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program taught at the Seattle VA Puget Sound Health Care System to veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and chronic pain. MBSR is a program offered in over 250 hospitals nationwide and teaches people, through the skill of mindfulness, practices they can use to reduce stress and promote health and wellness. The MBSR Program is part of Dr. Kearney’s research focusing on the psychological aspect of functional GI disorders, including the effect of psychological and physical trauma in former POWs with irritable bowel syndrome. His particular interest is in the application of stress reduction techniques in health care.
Seattle Metropolitan Magazine Article » | MBSR at the VA »

UWGI faculty members have authored two chapters in the newly released Digestive Diseases Self-Education Program (DDSEP) 6.0 from the American Gastroenterological Association. DDSEP is a comprehensive, self-directed reference for gastroenterologists to assess their knowledge, earn CME credit, prepare for the GI board/MOC exam, or simply keep current on new developments in the field. DDSEP provides current information covering the full range of digestive diseases, with chapters written by the field’s leading experts. Dr. Rahul Kuver authored the chapter titled, Diseases of the Biliary Tract, and Dr. Christina Surawicz has authored the chapter titled, GI Infections of the Small Intestine and Colon. Access DDSEP 6.0 Online »