Alert: Canvas Outage Update
Canvas access has been restored for our users, but the service reliability remains uncertain. Due to recent events, Canvas has had intermittent outages which are at the discretion of the vendor and may occur during a final exam. Faculty and staff may continue to use Canvas, but we strongly advise faculty and students to prepare a contingency plan for turning in assignments and final exams in the event Canvas access becomes unavailable again.
Instructure, the company that owns Canvas, has provided an FAQ about the incident, which may not answer all your questions. We will share more information if it becomes available.
Instructure, the company that owns Canvas, has provided an FAQ about the incident, which may not answer all your questions. We will share more information if it becomes available.
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Division News
DDW 2026
The CU Anschutz Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is proud to have an exceptional presence at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026 in Chicago, with more than 125 presentations spanning the full breadth of GI and Hepatology. Our contributions include 8 clinical symposiums, 3 courses, 24 abstract lectures, 17 invited lectures, and 72 poster presentations, which demonstrates the depth and impact of our work.
This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit of our faculty, fellows, and trainees. Beyond advancing science, our work highlights leadership in the field and a strong commitment to mentorship. As we gather for DDW, we celebrate these accomplishments and encourage continued support for one another and the next generation of leaders.
Click here to see the Division’s lineup of talks, posters and forums!
Quarterly Division Newsletter
Click on the links below to view the recent happenings within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
July 2025 Newsletter
April 2025 Newsletter
January 2025 Newsletter
October 2024 Newsletter
July 2024 Newsletter
April 2024 Newsletter
January 2024 Newsletter
I’m Living Proof’: Esophageal Cancer Survivor Says Early Screening and Treatment Saved His Life
Sachin Wani, MD, of the CU Anschutz Cancer Center says new, non-invasive technologies can help boost screening rates.
by Mark Harden | April 22, 2026
New Director of Endoscopy Announcement
Dr. Mohammad Bilal has been selected as our new Director of Endoscopy as of January 2026 at University of Colorado Anschutz. He will also lead the Interventional Endoscopy Section in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Coaching Program to Reduce Burnout Expands to CU Department of Medicine
Better Together Physician Coaching, developed by two CU physicians, has shown it can help physicians and trainees in their personal and professional lives through its coaching services. Now, all faculty (MD/DO, APP, PhD) and trainees in the CU Department of Medicine can participate in it.
by Tayler Shaw | February 3, 2025
Can I Trust This Viral Health Advice? How to Know if a Social Media Trend is Good or Bad
CU health care professionals offer tips on how to become a savvy social media consumer and decipher whether popular health trends are potentially harmful.
by Tayler Shaw | December 19, 2024
Diving Into GI Specialty: 3rd Space Endoscopy with Dr. Mohammad Bilal
Q&A with Dr. Mohammad Bilal, Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Third Space Endoscopy & Bariatric Endoscopy, Associate Program Director, Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship.
How the Brain May Influence Gut Health and Function
Jennifer Christie, MD, explains the connection between the brain and gut and strategies people can use to support their overall health.
by Tayler Shaw | October 14, 2024
Trust Your Gut: A CU Fellow’s Journey to Advance Care for Hispanic Patients with Liver Disease
CU Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellow Anthony Robateau Colón is applying his personal and professional experience to become a culturally responsive health care leader to patients.
by Tayler Shaw | October 10, 2024
Awards & Accomplishments
The University of Colorado Department of Surgery Seed grant was awarded to Dr. Mungo (MD, Surgery) and Dr. Ferrer Torres (PhD, Gastroenterology) as a collaborative project to investigate molecular mechanisms of esophagogastric anastomotic healing after gastric ischemic preconditioning, a technique aimed at reducing complications following esophagectomy. By integrating untargeted serum proteomics with patient-derived organoid models, the study seeks to identify predictive biomarkers and develop personalized strategies to improve surgical outcomes. Congratulations Dr. Ferrer Torres!
We are excited to announce that Whitney Jackson, MD and Sachin Wani, MD have been selected to be inducted to the Department of Medicine Clinical Excellence Society! Congratulations on this prestigious designation!
Congratulations to Avash Kalra, MD on being chosen to receive the 2026 UCH Medical Staff IMPACT Award. The IMPACT Award recognizes impressive actions by members of our University of Colorado Hospital medical staff who often go unrecognized for their abilities, leadership, actions, and interactions to improve quality and safety of patient care. Thank you for your service and dedication to so many communities, Avash!
Congratulations to Katie Dickerman, our lead GI APP! She is the recipient of the 3rd Annual University of Colorado School of Medicine Distinguished Clinician Award. This is a really high honor! This award recognizes outstanding clinicians for their dedication to providing excellent patient care and for sharing their clinical knowledge and skills with others. Katie’s leadership skills, exceptional clinical service, compassionate care, and professionalism serve as an example to us all.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Larissa Muething, M.D., Ben Cassell, M.D., and Cate Brady, MPAS have been selected to be inducted into the CU Medicine Academy of Educators. The Academy serves an important role in supporting the promotion of educational excellence, innovation, and community here at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Selected faculty have a record of excellence in medical education and hold promise for further development and leadership. Larissa, Ben, and Cate certainly represent these qualities as acknowledged by this prestigious designation.
Congratulations to Meghan O'Meara, DNP, FNP-C for receiving the DOM Advanced Practice Provider Award for Excellence!
Congratulations to Ian Cartwright, PhD for receiving the DOM Rising Star Award! The Rising Star Award recognizes outstanding early career faculty members who exemplify the department’s core values of excellence in patient care, research, education and community outreach, and dedication to service and citizenship.