Director's Welcome

Welcome to the UC Division of Digestive Diseases, one of the oldest academic gastroenterology and hepatology training and research programs in the United States.

Founded in the mid-1930s by Leon Schiff, MD, the division has trained generations of physicians to become leaders in academic, clinical and research aspects of gastroenterology and hepatology. Over the past 29 years, Kenneth Sherman MD, PhD served as the Division Director and led the growth and expansion of the division with robust clinical programs, advancement in research and science, and fostered a culture aligned with the tripartite mission of the Department of Medicine and UC organization. We appreciate Dr. Sherman’s distinguished service and congratulate his retirement. Over the upcoming months, we will welcome our incoming Division Director who brings strong leadership, expertise, and vision to continue our academic excellence and solidify our position as the top destination for healthcare in the region.

The UC Division of Digestive Diseases provides comprehensive care for patients with digestive disorders, the maintains an inpatient presence at UC Health University Hospital, Cincinnati Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, and UC Health West Chester Hospital.

Outpatient experiences are also available at those and other sites. We are fully accredited to train fellows in both Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology. We also provide non-ACGME-approved postgraduate training opportunities in pancreatology/advanced endoscopy and Inflammatory Bowel Disease fellowships. The Transplant Hepatology program is accredited by the ABIM for training in the incorporated three-year curriculum with Gastroenterology and separately as a 4th Year Fellowship. Our program was among the first programs given the opportunity to train in this area.

Our faculty are expert clinicians, translational investigators, and basic scientists in virtually every area of the digestive system. Many are nationally and internationally recognized for their research and clinical acumen, as evidenced by the roles they play in society leadership, government panels, and medical education. All are dedicated to their patients and to advancing knowledge in the field. Should you need more information on our division, please feel free to contact us. We'd be glad to assist you.

Sincerely,
Luis F. Lara, MD
Robert and Helen Gould Endowed Professorship
Professor and Division Director
Division of Digestive Diseases