Unlocking the Potential on Health Innovation

about us

Driven by a team of successful, academic senior scientists and clinicians, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the field of digestive health.

By supporting high -impact programs, we aim to improve outcomes for individuals affected by digestive disorders.

why

fndd matters

Research is the heartbeat of medical and scientific progress.

FNDD stands at the forefront of this movement, championing the cause of junior investigators seeking independence and career growth.

We understand that nurturing the next generation of researchers is not just an investment in their future bit a commitment to the future to the future well-being of countless individuals affected by nutritional and digestive disorders,

board of

directors

The FNDD board of directors collectively supports the investing in young researchers who will have a Profound Impact in the field of Nutritional and Digestive Disorders and encourage researchers to seek grants from the Foundation of Nutritional and Digestive Disorders.

Stephen Pandol, M.D.

Dr. Stephen J. Pandol, MD, is a renowned expert in gastroenterology and pancreatology, currently serving as the Director of Basic and Translational Pancreas Research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He holds professorships at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and Charles Drew University. As a founder of Avenzoar Pharmaceutics, Dr. Pandol is at the forefront of developing innovative treatments aimed at overcoming therapy resistance and metastasis, with a special focus on pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Joyce Fried

Joyce Fried

Joyce M. Fried brings over 25 years of extensive experience in medical education administration, accreditation, strategic planning, teaching, course development, and project management. Her distinguished career includes serving as Assistant Dean at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and as Co-Director of the UCLA Office of Continuing Medical Education. In these dual roles, she had a significant impact on every aspect of the medical education continuum.

Dennis M. Jensen, M.D.

Dr. Dennis M. Jensen is a renowned gastroenterologist and researcher with significant contributions to the understanding and management of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage and other GI disorders. His work includes studies on risk factors, pathogenesis, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), endoscopic technologies, prevention, and health outcomes. Recently, he has focused on iron deficiency following acute GI hemorrhage. His research, funded by a UCLA Academic Senate Faculty Research Grant, highlights his commitment to improving GI health.

Dr. Jensen continues to lead innovative research and mentor the next generation of GI researchers, with a commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Dr.-Jonathan-D-Kaunitz

Jonathan D. Kaunitz, MD, FACG, FAPS, AGAF

Dr. Jonathan D. Kaunitz is a distinguished researcher and clinician whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of gastrointestinal physiology and pathology.

As a Principal Investigator (PI) of numerous research grants from the NIH, VA, DoD, and industry, Dr. Kaunitz has secured substantial funding to support his pioneering research. His Google Scholar h-index of 47 reflects his prolific output and the high impact of his work in the scientific community.

Distinguished Research Professor, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, UCLA.

Dr. Yvette Taché is a leading figure in the field of gastrointestinal research, with a career spanning over four decades. She began her academic journey with pre-doctoral training in Physiology at Claude Bernard University in Lyon, France, and earned her Ph.D. in Experimental Medicine from the University of Montreal under the mentorship of Dr. Hans Selye, the pioneer of the concept of biological stress.

Professor of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

Catia Sternini, MD

Professor of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Dr. Catia Sternini is a distinguished Professor in the Division of Digestive Diseases and the Department of Neurobiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. Her pioneering research centers on the brain-gut axis and gastrointestinal chemosensing, significantly advancing the understanding of enteric neuronal circuits that govern gastrointestinal motility. Her work has notably elucidated the impact of chronic opioid use on intestinal motility and proposed the innovative hypothesis that bitter taste receptors in the colon detect luminal bacteria, linking gut microbiota with metabolic disorders and diet-induced obesity.
O. Joe Hines, MD, FACS

O. Joe Hines, MD, FACS

Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery, UCLA
Executive Medical Director
William P. Longmire, Jr., Chair in Surgery
Dr. O. Joe Hines is a distinguished surgeon, educator, and researcher with over two decades of contributions to the field of surgery. He serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at UCLA and holds the prestigious William P. Longmire, Jr., Chair in Surgery. Dr. Hines is also the Executive Medical Director, overseeing clinical operations and surgical advancements at UCLA.
At the core of our mission and vision is the collective Profound Impact FNDD members bring to
Nutritional and Digestive Disorders:
Cutting-edge Research Techniques
Finding junior researchers who bring fresh perspectives and are adept at utilizing the latest research techniques and technologies by introducing innovative methods that can significantly advance our understanding of nutritional and digestive disorders.
Interdisciplinary Approaches
Illustrating how researchers can bridge gaps between different fields such as biology, genetics, nutrition, and medicine.
Date Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
The proficiency of junior researchers in data analytics and artificial intelligence embedded with their skills in handling big data sets and implementing machine learning algorithms can uncover patterns and correlations, ultimately contributing to more personalized and effective treatments.
Patient-Centric Focus
FNDD recognizes the empathy and patient-centric approach of junior researchers. Their fresh perspective may lead to research that directly addresses the practical needs and experiences of individuals dealing with nutritional and digestive disorders, potentially translating into more impactful interventions.
Community Engagement & Education
The potential for junior researchers along with FNDD to engage with communities affected by these disorders. These researchers ability to communicate complex scientific findings in accessible ways can contribute to public awareness, education, and preventive measures.
Networking and Collaboration
Clearly, the networking abilities of junior researchers and their eagerness to collaborate with experts in related fields. This collaboration can lead to comprehensive studies that address the multifaceted nature of nutritional and digestive disorders, on a global level.
Rapid Adaptabiliy to Emerging Trends
FNDD provides the adaptability of junior researchers to emerging trends and advancements in the field. Researchers’ ability to quickly incorporate new information and adjust research methodologies can ensure that their work remains at the forefront of scientific progress.
Mentorship Opportunites
Supporting junior researchers aligns with the foundation's commitment to mentorship. Underscoring the potential for established researchers and doctors to guide and nurture the next generation, fostering a cycle of continuous innovation.
Long Term Impact
Investing in junior researchers’ potential now can lead to a sustained legacy of advancements in nutritional and digestive disorder research, ensuring ongoing progress in the field.
Global Perspective
Junior researchers bring diverse backgrounds and experiences which can lead to research that considers the impact of nutritional and digestive disorders on a global scale, addressing health disparities and tailoring interventions to different populations.
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