The University of Colorado’s Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology affirms that Diversity is to be celebrated and that the pursuit of Equity is a key component of a just mission. Our commitment to Inclusion allows all voices to be heard, honoring with empathy the distinct experiences and unique perspectives of our patients, staff, trainees, and community. Diversity enriches our learning environment, broadens our research perspectives, and drives the excellence in quality of the healthcare we deliver to our patients. We strive to continue to strengthen our Division through embracing and fostering our differences, including but not limited to differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion and spiritual practice, as well as people with physical or mental disability. We commit to this path of reducing disparities and promoting Justice within our healthcare system and the broader communities in which we are rooted.

Daysha Ferrer Torres, PhD joins the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is excited to welcome Dr. Daysha Ferrer Torres to the team as assistant professor. Dr. Ferrer Torres is also the CU Cancer Center’s Katy O. and Paul M. Rady Esophageal and Gastric Center of Excellence principal investigator.

At CU, Ferrer Torres’s lab will explore the progression of esophageal diseases to cancer. She plans to use patient-derived organoids – she describes it as “modeling the human esophagus for each patient by growing mini-organs in a dish” – to study the mechanisms of esophageal development and cancer formation.

Sachin Wani, MD, executive director of the Rady Center of Excellence and a CU gastroenterology professor, says Ferrer Torres’ “groundbreaking work in cancer biology, particularly in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of esophageal cancer, aligns perfectly with our mission. Dr. Ferrer Torres’ extensive research, ranging from basic science to clinical applications, promises to bring invaluable insights and advancements to our team.” Click here for the full story!

Sridevi K Pokala, MD joins the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology  
We are excited to welcome Dr. Sridevi K. Pokala as the newest faculty addition to the Therapeutic Endoscopy section of the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. She received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University and her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of California San Diego and her General Gastroenterology and Advanced Endoscopy fellowships at the University of Colorado. Her research and clinical interests include Barrett's Esophagus and medical education.

Division Hosts AGA Visiting Professor in DEI

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology has received an American Gastroenterological Association's Visiting 

Professor in DEI Award. On April 22, 2024, we look forward to hosting Dr. Pascale M. White, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Medical Director of the Gastroenterology Clinic at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Click here to learn more about the AGA's Equity Project.

Increasing Access to Colonoscopies for Underserved Patients in Aurora

One of the major drivers of disparities in colorectal cancer screening has been access to colonoscopies. In 2023, leaders within UCHealth and members of the GI Division met to address the needs of the uninsured and underinsured patients in Aurora and implemented a new pathway for these patients to access discounted colonoscopies via the Hospital Discounted Care Program. Since inception, this program has provided more than 100 patients access to potentially lifesaving colonoscopies.
Click here to learn more about Hospital Discounted Care.

Department of Medicine Equity Initiatives

School of Medicine Office of Diversity and Inclusion