RESEARCH

The Digestive Disease Center concentrates on research whose clinical potential value is evident in the short-term. There is a continuum between performance (quality) improvement and clinical research. Performance improvement involves doing today's job better. Clinical research is aimed at patients in the near future.

The DDC is currently involved in approximately forty clinical research studies. The spectrum of "disease" involvement spans from pancreato-biliary to GI cancer to motility to general GI (IBS & IBD) issues. Research projects mainly involve clinical trials and technology development, and advances in technology within GI instrumentation (stents and scopes). These efforts are supported by a grants coordinator, data manager and research nurses, along with the DDC/GI clinic, endoscopy staff and physicians. The strategy of the research practice at DDC is to parallel itself with the daily routine of patient care. It is this strategy and dedication which will maintain the center's mission to improve overall patient care.