Indiana University Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Indiana University Gastroenterology and Hepatology

We deliver expert GI and liver care backed by nationally recognized research and education.

As part of Indiana University School of Medicine, we’re committed to advancing digestive health across Indiana and beyond.

06/03/2026

🏥Sustainable healthcare is about building local capacity.

During , James Watkins, MD and nurses Sabrina Lile and Jeremy Miller focused on supporting long-term independence for ERCP procedures at Moi Teaching Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya.

Physician Progress: The MTRH ERCP team has continued to progress since our last visit, consistently performing 1-2 cases per week. This week, they performed 18 complex procedures with 40% done independently with minimal guidance from the IU team. Working side-by-side on bile duct stone cases, they are moving closer to autonomy in the suite. The team also successfully completed an MTRH first: a cholangioscope procedure with electrohydraulic lithotripsy for treatment of large bile duct stones, gaining vital experience with advanced equipment.

Nursing Collaboration: Sabrina and Jeremy worked with MTRH GI nurses Grace and Geoffrey on advanced wire techniques. By the end of the week, they were running procedures alongside the doctors with minimal assistance.

The dramatic increase in autonomy by the endoscopic and nursing teams is very gratifying. It brings immense hope for the future in Eldoret and the large catchment area MTRH serves.

🎥 Watch the recap here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1511072903758535

Indiana University School of Medicine
Ampath Kenya
IU Center for Global Health

06/02/2026

🥇A first for : a dedicated general endoscopy track to help build a "train-the-trainer" framework in Eldoret, Kenya.

Nicholas Rogers, MD, and Mercy Karoney, MD, partnered for side-by-side colonoscopy and EGD training. Karoney normally averages two colonoscopies a week, but had not been able to perform EGDs due to lack of an upper endoscope. During camp, they were able to complete 7 procedures in one day, for a total of 12 colonoscopies and EGDs.

A testament to the importance of this training for the region, over half of the patients screened were diagnosed with cancer. This underscores the urgent need for permanent equipment and screening access in the region. The ultimate goal is to support Karoney so she can turn around and train the next generation of local doctors. We are working on a grant submission to purchase equipment needed to support this goal.

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
Indiana University School of Medicine
Ampath Kenya

06/01/2026

🌍Back from Eldoret, Kenya!

Nicholas Rogers, MD, James, Watkins, MD, and endoscopy nurses Sabrina Lile and Jeremy Miller spent a week at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for our fourth .

Our team worked side-by-side with local physicians and nurses to reach milestones in both ERCP and foundational GI endoscopy procedures. The continued partnership is paving the way for a self-sustaining future in endoscopic care for the region.

Highlights include:
🩺 ERCP Independent Progress: Local physicians are taking the lead, showing incredible growth in complex biliary and pancreatic procedures.
🚀 A Camp First: Dr. Rogers provided intensive, hands-on training to Dr. Mercy Karoney in EGD and colonoscopy, sending her procedural numbers skyrocketing!
🦁 Cultural Connection: A safari and an evening of dance and tradition with Maasai warriors.

Stay tuned for more on the milestones and stories from this incredible journey!

Ampath Kenya
Indiana University School of Medicine

05/29/2026

✨ Douglas K. Rex, MD, has received the J.O. Ritchey Emeriti Faculty Service Award! This award recognizes Indiana University School of Medicine emeritus faculty whose service to the school continues after retirement.

Through his lasting dedication to teaching, research, and patient care, Dr. Rex truly reflects the spirit of this award. A Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus at IU Indianapolis, and former Director of Endoscopy at Indiana University Hospital, he has made an enduring impact on the field of colonoscopy, especially in colorectal cancer screening, quality standards, and technical performance.

Dr. Rex will be honored at a ceremony in July.

👏Please help us congratulate Dr. Rex on this well-deserved recognition!

05/22/2026

🎓 The tassels were worth the hassle. 🎓

Three of our team members have earned their master’s degrees, and one has completed their bachelor’s, what an amazing accomplishment!

We took a moment to celebrate (with cake, thanks to Dr. Vuppalanchi! 🎂), but the real celebration is their hard work, commitment, and continued growth.

05/20/2026

👏 Dr. Themis Thoudam, postdoctoral fellow, presented his research at the 2026 IU School of Medicine Department of Medicine Research Day: A Celebration of Science. 👏

His presentation—“Translational Identification of a Targetable PDK4–SEPT2–DRP1 Axis Driving Mitochondrial Injury in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease”—reflects the innovative work being led by our trainees.

This annual event showcases trainee research, supports early-stage investigators, and fosters collaboration across the department.

Thank you to Dr. Liangpunsakul and colleagues for their support and mentorship.

05/18/2026

🌟 Advancing access, advocacy, and connection in healthcare 🌟

Dr. Ashina Singh recently participated in the 2026 AMPHL - Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses Conference, joining a dynamic panel on “Navigating Transitions on Your Healthcare Education Journey,” moderated by Dr. Carolyn Stern, the first deaf female physician in the U.S.

The discussion highlighted the evolving challenges trainees face across education and career transitions, emphasizing the importance of strong support systems, mentorship, and accommodations at every stage.

During the panel, Dr. Singh shared a powerful perspective on advocacy:

“As a physician, you are a leader—so advocacy shifts from ‘self’ to ‘we.’”

In addition to contributing to the panel, Dr. Singh connected with students and educators, including participants from RIT’s NTID Deaf Hub Speaker Series, continuing to build meaningful pathways and mentorship for the next generation.

👏 We’re proud to see this impactful work advancing accessibility in medicine. 👏

Indiana University School of Medicine

05/15/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Nabil Fayad, Anna Papazian, and our Division’s Fellowship Selection Committee on being selected for the 2026 Department of Medicine Pyramid Award in Inclusive Excellence. 🎉

This outstanding recognition reflects the collective commitment of our entire division. Their tireless efforts to increase representation and foster inclusivity within our fellowship program truly shine. Thank you for the meaningful impact you continue to make! 👏

05/13/2026

🎉 Our 2025–2026 Annual Report is now live! 🎉

Take a look at a year of progress across research, education, and patient care—made possible by the dedication of our teams and partners.

✨ Explore the full report:
https://ow.ly/NqoX50YYWRG

Indiana University School of Medicine
IU Health

05/11/2026

✂️ Minor papillotomy, major question.

Is minor papillotomy—a standard treatment for acute recurrent pancreatitis in patients with pancreas divisum—effective?

Evan Fogel, MD, shares findings from the recently published SHARP trial: Minor Papillotomy for Treatment of Idiopathic Acute Pancreatitis With Pancreas Divisum: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Read the full paper in JAMA: https://ow.ly/aXiy50YVMa9

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Indianapolis, IN
46202

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https://medicine.iu.edu/internal-medicine/specialties/gastroenterology-hepatology

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