Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

At the University of Louisville Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, we are committed to advancing digestive health through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, and world‑class education. Our mission drives every aspect of our work: delivering superior clinical services, training the next generation of physicians, and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

Leaders in Clinical Care

Patients and referring providers trust UofL for comprehensive expertise in the full spectrum of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Our team blends compassionate care with innovative treatment approaches, ensuring that every patient receives personalized, evidence-based solutions. Diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our approach—both in the care we deliver and in the environment we foster.

A Premier Training Destination

As part of a highly respected academic medical center, we provide an outstanding learning environment for medical trainees and postgraduate physicians. Our faculty are recognized experts and dedicated educators who cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and clinical excellence.

Globally Recognized Research Impact

Our division stands among the world’s leaders in gastrointestinal and liver research.
Five of our researchers have been named among the top 2% most-cited scientists globally, according to an analysis by Stanford University and Elsevier—an extraordinary testament to the impact and relevance of our work.

Pioneering Environmental Health Research

UofL investigators have been national leaders in understanding environmental causes of liver disease for more than five decades. Faculty experts, including Dr. Matthew Cave and Dr. Craig McClain, were among the first to identify Toxicant-Associated Steatohepatitis (TASH)—a groundbreaking advancement that reshaped how environmental exposures are understood in relation to liver injury.

This longstanding partnership between UofL, industry, and affected communities has positioned the university at the forefront of environmental health research, particularly in emerging areas such as the health effects of vinyl chloride. Recent environmental crises, including the East Palestine, Ohio derailment, underscore the importance of this work.

Major federally funded initiatives—including the Hepatobiology & Toxicology COBRE and Superfund Research Program—serve as critical national resources, enabling rapid response, research, and collaboration during environmental health emergencies.

Spotlight

Congratulations to Frederick Ekuban, PhD, assistant professor of medicine (Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) and LCTRC Presidential Scholar on being awarded the Young Faculty Research Award from the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation at its annual meeting, February 28, in New Orleans. Dr. Ekuban presented some of his research on the effects of PFAS and alcohol in liver injury at the meeting.