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

Two DOM faculty to graduate from SSWIMS fellowship, three more named fellows

Drs. Olivia Hung and Salma Patel are among 11 who’ll graduate May 15 in the first class for the Spurring Success for Women in Medicine and Science, or SSWIMS, fellowship at the College of Medicine – Tucson. And Drs. Billie Bixby, Saher Khalid and Amy Klein have been named to the second class.


Seven from DOM recognized by Academy of Medical Education Scholars UArizona chapter

Four DOM faculty were inducted recently into the UArizona Chapter of the Academy of Medical Education Scholars, or AMES, at the College of Medicine – Tucson and three others from the department won research grants. Find out who they were here.


Summer 2024 professional development opportunity for UArizona faculty

UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson faculty are encouraged to apply to participate in NAU Flagstaff program to build bridges and transform institutions in support of graduate STEM education among indigenous and Latinx students.