Investigators honored for study of functional GI and motility disorders
MILWAUKEE, April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), recognizing the importance of scientific advancement in the area of chronic digestive disorders, awards eight investigators with its 2013 Research Awards. The honorees will be recognized at the 10th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Since 2003 IFFGD, a nonprofit research and education organization, has presented awards to 38 active investigators who are working to advance scientific knowledge of functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIMDs). The organization relies on donor support to fund research and provide reliable information and ongoing support to the millions of people whose lives are impacted by these chronic digestive conditions.
A selection committee of leaders in the field chose the following investigators to receive the awards:
- L. Ashley Blackshaw (Senior Basic Investigator), PhD, Queen Mary University
- Enrico Corazziari, MD (Senior Clinical Investigator), Universita La Sapienze
- Carlo Di Lorenzo, MD (Senior Pediatric Investigator), Ohio State University
- Muriel Larauche, PhD (Junior Basic Investigator), University of California, Los Angeles
- Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana, MD (Junior Pediatric Investigator), University of Kelaniya
- Gary Mawe, PhD (Senior Basic Investigator), University of Vermont
- Jan Tack, MD, PhD (Senior Clinical Investigator), University Hospitals Leuven
- Lukas Van Oudenhove, PhD (Junior Clinical Investigator), University of Leuven
"We are pleased to recognize these dedicated investigators for their contributions to functional gastrointestinal and motility research," said Nancy Norton, president and founder of IFFGD. "Continued scientific advancement will allow us to better understand the complexities of chronic digestive disorders and improve the quality of life for those that are affected by their symptoms."
There are more than two dozen FGIMDs, which involve troubles within the esophagus (food tube), stomach, and intestines. The conditions, some of which are life threatening, involve acute or chronic pain and improper functioning of the nerves, muscles, and other related mechanisms of the digestive tract and have few treatment options. Symptoms of these chronic disorders impose a tremendous burden on those afflicted, as well as their families, diminishing quality of life and productivity levels, while also having significant social and economic impacts on society.
The 10th International Symposium on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, sponsored by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Office of Continuing Professional Development in Medicine and Public Health and IFFGD, takes place April 12 – 14, 2013 in Milwaukee.
ABOUT IFFGD
The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people impacted by chronic digestive conditions. Together with patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and other health professionals, IFFGD works tirelessly to promote awareness, scientific advancement, and improved patient care. The largest organization of its kind in the U.S., IFFGD and its grassroots counterpart, the Digestive Health Alliance, rely on donor support to fund research and provide educational resources for those affected by gastrointestinal disorders. Learn how you can help at http://www.iffgd.org or by contacting email.
Jill Godsey
414-964-1799
Email