PHYSICIAN HIGHLIGHT

My career spans half a century, and the changes have been dramatic. A central part of my research has been studying the so-called gut-brain axis. Indeed, one could now also talk about a gut-liver or gut-lung axis given the many links between the gut and other organs and how integral gut function is to whole body homeostasis. From metabolic-associated fatty liver disease to the effects of stress on the gut to how gut inflammation can exacerbate depression — it is simply impossible to segregate the gut from the rest of the body in a broader concept of health.

Inflammation plays a fundamental part in the development of so many disease states; getting to the essence of what promotes it is critical. I’m particularly excited about farsighted programs like the Houston Methodist Food and Health Alliance and the Fondren Inflammation Collaborative, ventures within the Underwood Center for Digestive Health that encourage multidisciplinary clinical and translational research into immunologic, allergic and autoimmune disorders in the GI tract, with inflammation as the final common denominator. Of course, there’s also been unbelievable progress in technology as it applies to GI medicine and surgery. Dr. Bincy Abraham has spearheaded a truly pioneering bowel diagnostic tool — bowel ultrasound, a game-changer in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

The original philanthropic investment by the Underwood family to create the center was truly a catalyst for exponential growth. Every specialty related to GI medicine and surgery at Houston Methodist is where it is today thanks to it. The Underwood Center is now recognized nationally and even internationally as a multisite, multidisciplinary program that is a leader in the promotion of digestive health, and that first gift laid the foundation for even more support due to the philanthropic community’s incredible respect for the Underwoods.