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NYU Langone's IBD Center Expands Leadership Team

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at NYU Langone Health has confirmed its commitment to providing high-quality patient care through the recent expansion of its leadership team, which now includes an esteemed colorectal surgeon. This move is integral to advancing specialized care for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Comprehensive Care for Patients

IBD is a chronic condition that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss necessitate ongoing and thorough medical attention. Recognizing the complexity of these diseases, the NYU Langone IBD Center aims to offer comprehensive support, including advanced medical therapies and surgical options.

The center has now appointed two co-directors alongside Dr. David P. Hudesman, the center’s director: gastroenterologist Dr. Jordan E. Axelrad and colorectal surgeon Dr. Andre da Luz Moreira. This leadership enhancement marks a pivotal step towards ensuring an even more personalized approach to patient care.

Innovative Minds Leading the Way

Dr. Axelrad, who became personally invested in the field after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease in his teens, has made significant contributions to IBD research. His explorations focus on the gut microbiome interests, mucosal immunology, and cancer risk. Notably, he was awarded the prestigious 2024 Sherman Emerging Leader Prize for his dedication and contributions to this field.

In tandem, Dr. Moreira brings exceptional skills in personalized surgical care, particularly in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques for colorectal conditions. His work ensures patients receive tailored treatment plans that not only address their immediate health concerns but also highlight long-term outcomes and recovery.

Welcoming Dr. David W. Dietz

Adding to their robust team, NYU Langone has also welcomed Dr. David W. Dietz, a highly-respected colorectal surgeon known for handling complex IBD surgeries. As vice chair of value and transformation in the Department of Surgery, Dr. Dietz embodies perfection in surgical expertise intertwined with compassionate patient care.

Dr. Dietz specializes in intricate procedures, including K-pouch surgery, which allows patients to avoid wearing external appliances. He also excels in redo ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (J-pouch surgery) and various advanced techniques aimed at preserving bowel function while avoiding conventional colostomies or ileostomies. He emphasizes the importance of understanding individual patient journeys, focusing on health restoration and the overall quality of life.

Commitment to Excellence

The significance of these enhancements is further underscored by NYU Langone’s consistent ranking among the top five hospitals nationwide for gastroenterology and GI surgery, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. This is emblematic of their relentless pursuit of excellence in IBD care across their health systems.

The multidisciplinary approach employed by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center integrates the latest diagnostic tools, medical therapies, surgical interventions, and support services, including nutritional and psychological counseling. Patients visiting facilities such as the NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Lake Success, the only comprehensive IBD center on Long Island, or the Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg Ambulatory Care Center in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, benefit from receiving unparalleled medical care tailored to their needs.

With these newly appointed leaders and the continuous integration of innovative techniques, NYU Langone's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center stands poised to maintain its position at the forefront of IBD treatment, ultimately delivering improved outcomes and quality of life for its patients.