New Paradigms in Gastrointestinal Surgery and Medicine

The UPMC Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the UPMC Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition co-hosted an evening reception on Friday, November 8, 2024, followed by the New Paradigms in Gastrointestinal Surgery and Medicine event on Saturday, November 9, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. The event drew 68 attendees.

Learning Objectives

• Partnered with regional gastroenterologists, surgeons, and internal medicine providers to educate the regional and national medical communities about colorectal cancer treatment advancements.
• Identified advancements in colorectal cancer surgery, advanced endoscopy, and gastroenterology.
• Addressed barriers to colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment through technology advancements and diversity/equity/inclusion principles to best support advanced patient care, especially for patients in rural areas.
• Fostered the development of multidisciplinary, fluid, and interactive models to treat colorectal cancer.

View the full agenda. 

Course Directors

David S. Medich, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery
Chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery  

Robert E. Schoen, MD, MPH
UPMC Endowed Chair in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

Guest Course Faculty

Mohammed O. Othman, MD
William T. Butler Chair for Distinguished Faculty
Professor of Medicine
Chief, Gastroenterology Section, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center
Baylor College of Medicine | Houston, Texas

Course Faculty

James P. Celebrezze, Jr., MD
Associate Professor of Surgery
Director, Colorectal Surgical Training

Kellie E. Cunningham, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery

Vikram C. Gorantla, MD
Hematology/Oncology
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Charles C. Gabbert, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
Medical Director, GI Lab & Procedure Unit
Director of Advanced Endoscopic Training for Division
UPMC Center for Digestive Health at UPMC St. Margaret

Jennifer M. Holder-Murray, MD
Vice Chair for Quality Integration
Associate Professor of Surgery
Surgical Director, UPMC Center for Perioperative Care
Co-Director, Enhanced Recovery Program, UPMC

Sultan Mahmood, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine
UPMC Center for Digestive Health at UPMC Passavant

Marc Schwartz, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Co-Director, Total Care-IBD
Clinical Lead, UPMC IBD Center

Robert Tessler, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Colorectal Surgeon, VAPHS

Ravy K. Vajravelu, MD, MSCE
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Gastroenterologist, VAPHS
Core Faculty, Center for Health Equity Research & Promotion, VAPHS

Andrew R. Watson, MD, MLitt
Professor of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery
Senior Medical Director, UPMC Insurance Services Division
Senior Medical Advisor, UPMC Enterprises
Past-President, American Telemedicine Association
US FDA, Digital Health Advisory Committee

Sean P. Whelan, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery
Chief of General Surgery, UPMC St. Margaret
Associate Program Director, General Surgery Residency