Michaela Tracy is an Instructor at Harvard Medical School and Attending Physician in Gastroenterology at Boston Children's Hospital. She specializes in inflammatory bowel disease and digestive disorders. Education: MD from University of Massachusetts Medical School (2017), MPH from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2023). Completed residency at Boston Children's Hospital/Boston Medical Center and fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology. Research focus: Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease, opioid-related gastrointestinal complications, and clinical guideline adherence. Her work analyzes large healthcare datasets including NHANES and All of Us program. Clinical service: Provides care through Boston Children's Division of Gastroenterology. Board certified in Pediatrics.
Agnieszka Butwicka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mental Health at the University of Oslo. Her research focuses on neurodevelopmental conditions, psychiatric comorbidities, and somatic-mental health interactions, particularly studying ADHD and autism spectrum disorders in pediatric populations with chronic conditions like diabetes. Her investigations span epidemiological patterns, diagnostic stability, and treatment outcomes. Research utilizes large-scale cohort studies and registry data to examine prenatal influences, sex differences, and longitudinal trajectories of neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies consistently incorporate family-based designs and sibling comparisons to control for genetic and environmental confounders. Publications demonstrate strong methodological diversity including multicenter clinical protocols, population-based cohort studies, and national registry analyses. Thematic analysis reveals persistent focus on: (1) Comorbidity patterns between neurodevelopmental disorders and physical health conditions, (2) Lifespan perspectives on diagnostic trajectories, and (3) Population-level risk stratification.
Lennart Hammarström is a Senior Professor at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet. He has held academic and clinical roles since 1969, including postgraduate training, clinical specialization in immunology (1984), and leadership positions such as head of the Department of Clinical Immunology (1999). His research focuses on immunogenetics and immunotherapy, particularly genetic causes of primary immunodeficiencies and antibody-based therapies using lactobacilli. Education: Medical degree from Karolinska Institutet (1970s), postgraduate training culminating in a thesis defense (1979). Clinical training included AT specialization in immunology. Research Interests: Immunogenetics: Uses genomic approaches (exome/whole genome sequencing) to identify genetic causes of immunodeficiencies, collaborating internationally and piloting newborn screening programs. Immunotherapy: Develops antibody therapies (e.g., lactobacilli-delivered antibodies) for passive immunity in gastrointestinal infections and immune deficiencies. Articles reflect work on genetic mutations (e.g., RAC2, RAG1), antibody-based treatments, and immune responses to viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Ongoing projects include mucosal immunity research and cancer-related immune mechanisms. Labs/Teams: Leads the Pan-Hammarström research group. Collaborates with institutions globally on immunodeficiency and vaccine development.
Jonas Ludvigsson is a Professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, and Senior Physician at Örebro University Hospital. His research focuses on gastrointestinal epidemiology, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver conditions. He leads the ESPRESSO cohort study, analyzing histopathology data linked to national healthcare registers. Ludvigsson holds adjunct and honorary professorships at Columbia University and Nottingham University, respectively. He has supervised 14 PhD students and authored over 600 publications. Awards include the King's Medal of the Seraphim Order (2024), Hugo Lagercrantz Award (2023), and recognition as a 'Rising Star in Gastroenterology' (2010). Education: MD (1995, Linköping University), PhD (2001, Linköping-Örebro), Docent (2005, Örebro). Research Groups: Gastrointestinal epidemiology, ESPRESSO cohort study. His research explores disease mechanisms and outcomes using large-scale data, with a focus on gastrointestinal conditions' epidemiology and comorbidities. Recent work includes studies on plant-based diets and IBD, antibiotic use in microscopic colitis, and MASLD's cardiovascular risks. Grants: Includes NIH-funded studies on autism in preterm birth and Swedish Research Council projects on IBD and cancer risk. Awards: Extensive list includes medals, fellowships, and international recognition for contributions to pediatrics and GI research.
Dr. Zhikai Chi is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) School of Medicine. He completed his undergraduate studies at Peking University and medical training at Peking Union Medical College. His doctoral research at Johns Hopkins University focused on neuroprotection mechanisms, with publications in high-impact journals like Cell and Nature Medicine . After postdoctoral training in pathology at Indiana University and Cedars Sinai Medical Center, he joined UTSW in 2018. His research interests center on the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characterization of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and liver neoplasms, as well as inflammatory diseases. He collaborates with basic scientists on gastrointestinal and pancreatic disease studies and co-leads NIH-funded projects. Key areas include diagnostic challenges in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, molecular markers for tumor differentiation (e.g., INSM1, PAX8), and AI-driven medical imaging analysis (e.g., cell segmentation pipelines). Notable publications include work on mucinous cholangiocarcinoma variants, deep learning for tissue segmentation ( Nat Commun ), and GATA3's prognostic role in esophageal carcinoma. His clinical focus includes intraoperative frozen section analysis for pancreatic resections and novel therapeutic targets like phosphodiesterase 4D inhibition. Dr. Chi actively promotes collaborative research, emphasizing translational applications of molecular pathology and AI in diagnostics. His work bridges clinical pathology with basic science to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in gastrointestinal malignancies.
Ngozi Enwerem, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, affiliated with the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases. She joined the UTSW faculty in 2020. Dr. Enwerem completed her medical education at the University of Lagos (Nigeria), followed by a Master's in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, where she also earned a certificate in Public Health Economics. She trained in internal medicine residency at Howard University Hospital (Washington, D.C.) and specialized in gastroenterology/hepatology via an NIH-funded T-32 fellowship at UC San Diego. Her research focuses on population health, colorectal cancer screening, and luminal gastrointestinal disorders like microscopic colitis and Clostridium difficile. She leads the OPTION trial (optimizing Clostridium difficile treatments) and holds a grant studying microscopic colitis. Clinically, she specializes in gastroenterology, hepatology, and healthcare technology innovation. Dr. Enwerem actively contributes to professional associations and maintains affiliations related to her academic and clinical work.
Badr Al Bawardy is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine (Digestive Diseases) at Yale School of Medicine. He specializes in gastroenterology with a focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. His clinical expertise includes diagnostic endoscopic procedures such as EGD, colonoscopy, and video capsule endoscopy. Dr. Al Bawardy completed his MD at George Washington University and advanced training at the Mayo Clinic, including a fellowship in IBD. His research emphasizes IBD epidemiology, treatment outcomes, and regional healthcare practices, particularly in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia. Education: MD, George Washington University (2011) Internal Medicine Residency, Mayo Clinic (2014) Gastroenterology Fellowship, Mayo Clinic (2017) IBD Fellowship, Mayo Clinic (2018) Research Interests: Dr. Al Bawardy investigates IBD pathophysiology, treatment optimization (e.g., mirikizumab, ustekinumab), and cross-cultural healthcare practices. His work includes studies on colorectal neoplasia in IBD, antibiotic therapies for PSC-IBD overlap, and regional disparities in disease management. Awards: 2021 Healthcare Honored Hero (Crohn's and Colitis Foundation) 2020 Young Investigator Travel Grant (Crohn's and Colitis Foundation) 2018 Howard M. Spiro Fellowship (Yale School of Medicine) Advocacy & Grants: Leads initiatives to improve IBD care in underserved regions, including Saudi Arabian consensus guidelines for pediatric and adult IBD management. Collaborates with global networks like the MIRAGE study to analyze IBD demographics in the Middle East and North Africa. Labs/Teams: Active in Yale’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program and Spondyloarthritis Program, contributing to multidisciplinary care models and translational research.
Dr Hugo Morales Briceno is a Clinical Lecturer at the Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. His research focuses on neurogenetics, movement disorders, and Parkinson's disease, with significant contributions to dystonia, neuromuscular junction disorders, and therapeutic strategies like deep brain stimulation and levodopa delivery systems. Recent publications highlight his work on: Botulinum toxin therapy for tremor Differential diagnosis of neurological conditions Genetic underpinnings of parkinsonism Neuroimaging biomarkers Neurological comorbidities (e.g., microscopic colitis) Scientific recognition includes: 2023 Monogenic Parkinsons Disease Australia Initiative grant Collaborative work spans neuroimmunology, metabolic pathways, and epidemiological studies, with a particular interest in device-assisted therapies and genetic syndromes affecting the basal ganglia.
Karina Frahm Kirk is a Clinical Associate Professor at Aalborg University Hospital, affiliated with the Department of Infectious Diseases under The Faculty of Medicine. She specializes in microbiology, gastroenterology, and infectious diseases, with a focus on inflammatory bowel diseases, fecal microbiota transplantation, and antibiotic therapies. Her research includes studies on Campylobacter species and their roles in chronic conditions like pouchitis and microscopic colitis. She has contributed to randomized controlled trials, such as the MicroPouch trial for chronic pouchitis and the GNB5 trial for Gram-negative bacteraemia. Her work also involves validating diagnostic codes for febrile conditions. Dr. Kirk collaborates on datasets related to Campylobacter genetics and microbiota changes in clinical settings.
Dr. Malik A is a Professor at King Saud University's College of Medicine, Department of Medicine. With an exceptionally diverse research portfolio spanning multiple medical and scientific disciplines, Dr. Malik maintains an active research program with numerous 2025 publications across biomedical engineering, gastroenterology, psychology, psychiatry, and other fields. Dr. Malik's research interests encompass a remarkably broad spectrum of medical and scientific inquiry, including Biomedical Engineering, Gastroenterology, Psychology, Psychiatry, Endocrinology, Hepatology, Genetics, Organ Transplantation, Visual Perception, Pharmacology, Nutrition Science, Biochemistry, and Pediatrics. This interdisciplinary approach reflects a commitment to addressing complex medical challenges through multiple lenses and collaborative efforts. Analysis of Dr. Malik's 2025 publications reveals a strong focus on both clinical applications and fundamental scientific inquiry. The research spans from molecular-level investigations of protein interactions and material science to large-scale clinical studies examining treatment efficacy, patient outcomes, and health disparities. Notably, several publications address critical issues in gastrointestinal disorders, trauma recovery models, and innovative diagnostic techniques in hepatology. Dr. Malik's collaborative research network appears extensive, with publications involving multiple institutions and international co-authors across diverse medical specialties. The publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity with a particular emphasis on translational research that bridges laboratory findings with clinical applications.
Seth Shaffer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Manitoba , affiliated with the Max Rady College of Medicine . He serves as a research scientist at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) and collaborates with international networks like the International Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood from Care (INTRAC) and the SPOR Evidence Alliance Research Network . Medical Degree (MD) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medicine, University of Manitoba (2013) Internal Medicine Residency, Queen’s University (2016) Gastroenterology Fellowship, University of Manitoba (2018) Advanced Inflammatory Bowel Disease Fellowship, University of Chicago (2020) Master of Science (MSc) in Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago (2019) His research focuses on health economics and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) , addressing indirect costs like disability and unemployment, and evaluating therapies to reduce healthcare burdens. Current projects include analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on IBD care and establishing a microscopic colitis cohort . His work informs policy decisions to improve patient access to treatment and healthcare efficiency. Key research affiliations include: Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM) International Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood from Care (INTRAC) SPOR Evidence Alliance Research Network Specialized Services for Children and Youth Research and Evaluation Committee He was recognized with awards such as the Joseph B. Kirsner Fellowship and the Dean of Medicine’s Education and Research Fellowship Award. Shaffer also contributes to medical education and trains future gastrointestinal specialists.
Dr. Jason Ken Hou is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Medicine-Gastroenterology . He serves as Director of the GI & Hepatology Fellowship Program and Director of Research for the IBD program at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. His clinical specialization includes inflammatory bowel disease management. Academic Appointments: Baylor College of Medicine (2025) Research Focus: Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Microscopic Colitis, Celiac Disease Leadership Roles: Fellowship Program Director, IBD Research Director Dr. Hou's research spans dietary factors in IBD development, healthcare cost sustainability, and treatment strategies for Crohn's disease. His work appears in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology , American Journal of Gastroenterology , and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases . Scientific recognition includes: AGA/AASLD Scholar Travel Award (2010) Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation National Visiting Fellow (2009) Chief Medical Resident at Baylor (2006-2007) Multiple research fellowships including Katz Summer Research Fellowship (2000)
Bram Verstockt is an Assistant Professor at KU Leuven and a staff member in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at University Hospitals Leuven since 2021. He serves as a member of the LISCO - KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics and holds multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Young European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (Y-ECCO) (2024-25) and Vice-President of the European Microscopic Colitis Group (EMCG) (2024-present). His research focuses on non-invasive IBD monitoring through intestinal ultrasound and radiomics, alongside translational studies in predictive/prognostic markers for personalized medicine. He investigates IBD heterogeneity (perianal disease, fibrostenotic disease, fatigue) using multi-omic and organoid models and co-founded the international proteomics consortium COLLIBRI in IBD . Prof. Dr. Jan De Grootte Prize (2013) Horlait-Dapsens Prize (2020) KU Leuven Research Council Award (2022) Recent publications highlight his work on IBD comorbidities , predictive biomarker assays , and international guideline development with organizations like ECCO-ESGAR . His clinical and research contributions bridge gastroenterology with advanced imaging technologies .
Lars Kristian Munck is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Medicine at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Internal Medicine with a focus on Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Based at Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark, he maintains dual academic-clinical affiliations through the University of Copenhagen and Region Sjælland healthcare system. Dr. Munck's research program centers on gastrointestinal disorders, particularly bile acid metabolism abnormalities and inflammatory bowel conditions. His work spans diagnostic methodology development, clinical trial design, and epidemiological analysis of long-term outcomes. Key research themes include bile acid diarrhea pathophysiology and treatment, microscopic colitis progression, and the relationship between gastrointestinal disorders and cancer risk. His methodological expertise includes designing prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and diagnostic test comparisons. Analysis of Dr. Munck's publication record reveals a consistent focus on clinically relevant gastrointestinal research with immediate patient care applications. His work demonstrates particular strength in designing and executing large-scale clinical studies, including the European Microscopic Colitis Group cohort and Danish nationwide registry studies. Recent publications show increasing attention to diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization in complex gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Munck maintains extensive European collaborations, particularly through the European Microscopic Colitis Group [EMCG]. His research has gained significant traction in the medical community, with multiple publications referenced in clinical guidelines and disseminated through academic platforms, social media channels, and news outlets. His work on colesevelam for bile acid diarrhea treatment published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology has received substantial citation attention with 41 Scopus citations.
Dr. Anne Peery is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She leads NIH-funded clinical research focusing on gastrointestinal diseases, particularly understudied conditions like diverticulitis and microscopic colitis. Her work has produced national guidelines and influential studies on diverticular disease. Recipient of NIH R01 DK132050 Organizer of "Burden of Disease" papers Key collaborations with Barnes, Barritt, Bartelt, Dellon, Keku, Moon, Sandler, Shaheen Research highlights include epidemiological studies on diverticulitis risk factors (obesity, diet), healthcare cost analyses for GI diseases, and microbiome associations in microscopic colitis. Her recent publications examine meat sensitization, surgical trends for colorectal polyps, and metabolic syndrome links to diverticulitis. Scientific awards include the 2017 Pilot Feasibility Study Award. Current research explores clinical/translational aspects of digestive system diseases, with over 75 PubMed publications spanning from 2010 to 2025. She maintains active clinical collaborations and contributes to major journals like Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
