Information for
Referring Physicians
Alan Buchman, MD, MSPH
Director, IBD Center
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are chronic
diseases that often cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. It is
estimated that approximately 750,000 to one million individuals in the
United States alone suffer from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, the
two most common forms of IBD.
We at Northwestern are committed to the development of pioneering advances
in safer and more effective diagnostic procedures, medications, and other
therapies, all designed to improve quality of life for patients with
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Our comprehensive Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Center consists of a dedicated team of gastroenterologists, radiologists,
surgeons, pathologists, psychologists, and social workers who are
specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and emotional support of patients
afflicted with Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and other Inflammatory
Bowel Diseases. We offer conventional diagnostic testing including
laboratory, radiologic and endoscopic as well as more state-of-the art
procedures such as nuclear medicine and PET as well as investigational
diagnostic modalities.
Our Intestinal Failure Center serves those patients who have unfortunately
had severe disease and required removal of significant amounts of intestine
which required them to receive intravenous nutrition or home TPN as it is
called. Our goal is to help patients return to a normal lifestyle as soon as
possible and to maintain that lifestyle as long as possible. Often we
achieve success using conventional medications. Patients who do not fully
respond are offered treatment with more advanced medical therapies, or the
opportunity to participate in clinical trials of investigational
medications. Surgery is still sometimes unavoidable. We also have an active
transplant center for the rare few who may require it, including
investigational protocols for patients with Crohn’s disease.
We are partnered with the Center for Psychosocial Research in IBD at Northwestern to provide integrated behavioral medicine services to our patients, including psychological and nutritional counseling, relaxation training, and patient education. We help provide emotional support for the patient whose boss jut doesn’t
understand what it is to be fatigued every morning from chronic blood loss
and joint pains, and the difficulty encountered in maintaining a job when
one has to constantly run for the restroom. Our clinics, endoscopic and
radiology suites are located in a brand-new, $650 million facility.
We invite you to browse through our site, and to contact us with any
questions you may have about your disease our clinical investigations, or to
schedule an appointment to see us. We have included some helpful information
for making a trip to Chicago including information about our University,
Medical School, Hospital, the city of Chicago, your trip to Chicago and
hotel accommodations near our Medical Center.
IBD CENTER NEWS
Patient Education Webcast: Medication & Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis
On September 22nd, 2008 Dr. Alan Buchman participated in a webcast via HealthTalk to discuss medication and surgery options for Ulcerative Colitis. Listen now!
NEW CME COURSE BEING OFFERED FOR PHYSICIANS, MARCH 2009
Tell me more
NEW PATIENT EDUCATION GROUP IS NOW FORMING
The Northwestern IBD
Center will be holding patient education sessions for people newly
diagnosed with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
Meeting days and times will be the first Wednesday of each month, start date TBD based on enrollment.
Topics will include
- An overview of IBD
- Emotions of IBD
- IBD and your social life
- Maintaining your quality of life (exercise, stress management, employment)
675 N. St
Clair Street, 17th Floor • Chicago, IL 60611 • 312.695.5620
Copyright© 2006 Northwestern Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center