John E. Pandolfino, MD, has been appointed the Hans Popper Professor and chief of gastroenterology-hepatology in the Department of Medicine.
After an extensive national search, John E. Pandolfino, MD, professor of medicine, has been appointed the Hans Popper Professor and chief of gastroenterology-hepatology in the Department of Medicine.
An internationally recognized gastroenterologist, Pandolfino specializes in esophageal disorders. He and his colleagues in the interdepartmental Esophageal Center have built one of the pre-eminent gastroenterology programs in the world for research and the clinical care of patients with esophageal disorders.
“The search process was rigorous and identified a number of outstanding candidates for the position,” said Douglas E. Vaughan, MD, chair of medicine. “John emerged as the best fit for our program and our aspirations in this specialty. I am extremely pleased that he accepted our offer to lead the division. John has established himself as a leader in the field of esophageal disorders, and has also proven himself to be a terrific collaborator and team player. I have no doubt that the division will thrive under his leadership.”
“Northwestern has been home for me for the last 20 years and I have been fortunate to have many great mentors, collaborators, and friends who have made this accomplishment possible,” Pandolfino said. “This is a great honor for me and I look forward to the challenges of developing an already superb division into the best gastroenterology and hepatology program in the country.”
After receiving his MD degree in 1993 from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Pandolfino completed an internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. Pandolfino began his leadership in the department in 1996, when he served as chief medical resident.
Pandolfino succeeds Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD, professor in medicine, who has served as interim chief since January 2011. Vanagunas will continue as associate chief for clinical affairs in the division, and will maintain his clinical practice in general gastroenterology.
Under Pandolfino’s leadership, the division will continue to cultivate a robust translational and basic research program in gastrointestinal and hepatic disease that emphasizes interdisciplinary opportunities. He also plans to expand clinical programs in gastroenterology and hepatology, and to promote training programs in the discipline.