ADVISORY BOARD

 

MEDICAL ADVISORS

 Thomas Abell, MD

University of Louisville Hospital
Louisville, Kentucky

Thomas L Abell is a Gastroenterologist who has specialized in GI Motility Disorders, has been in the Mid South USA for 30 years and now is the  Arthur M Shoen MD, Chair in Gastroenterology at the University of Louisville. He is interested in all aspects of Gastrointestinal Motility but especially the treatment of nausea and vomiting with low energy and high frequency electrical stimulation, which his team in Memphis pioneered and which has been advanced at medical schools in AR, MS and now Kentucky.

Dr. Abell has developed endoscopic implantation of GI neuro-modulation devices and applied electrical mapping and full thickness biopsies to the GI tract. He is currently working on proteomics, metabolomics and genomics related to GI motility disorders.  Primarily the NIH Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium and NIH Dia Comp studies as well as ongoing work with several private foundations and with industry have funded his work. Dr. Abell is particularly interested in predictors of response to electrical stimulation, whether low or high-energy devices, and their mechanisms of action throughout the body. He is GI editor for Med Study, GI neuro-stimulation editors for Neuromoduation and  Wikistim, a reviewer for UpToDate and a former President of the KY Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.  

Alex Flores, MD

Boston Children’s Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

Dr. Alejandro Flores graduated Summa Cum Laude from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala School of Medicine Sciences. He completed his residence in pediatrics and fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Flores was Director of Motility at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and was Chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center. He was a recipient of the distinguished service award from the Department of Pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine. Currently is the Director of Community and Network Relations in the Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Boston Children’s Hospital and Associate of the Motility Center at the same institution. He is professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and holds the Children’s Hospital Chair of Clinical Gastroenterology. Dr. Flores and his wife, Ann, a pediatric nurse, have five children.

Allan Goldstein, MD

Mass General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

Dr. Goldstein attended Harvard Medical School and subsequently went to Massachusetts General Hospital for his surgical residency. He completed a fellowship in pediatric surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and returned to Harvard in 2002 to join the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is currently the Marshall K. Bartlett Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at Mass. General Hospital, and Surgeon-in-Chief of MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Dr. Goldstein directs a basic science research lab that focuses on the enteric nervous system, the complex neuronal network that is critically important for regulating normal gastrointestinal function. His area of research relates to Hirschsprung disease, a congenital disorder of the intestine in which children are born without nerve cells in their colon. He is director of the Pediatric Neurogastroenterology Program at Mass. General Hospital and is actively engaged in clinical and translational research projects aimed at improving the treatment of children with neurointestinal diseases. His bibliography lists over 80 journal articles and chapters, and numerous national and international lectures.

Kenneth Koch, MD

Wake Forest School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Kenneth L. Koch, MD is Professor of Medicine, Section on Gastroenterology & Hepatology, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He has a career-long interest in understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of nausea and gastroparesis. Dr. Koch has studied extensively gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) using serosal electrodes in animals and cutaneous electrodes in the study of normal 3 cpm GMA in humans. These studies have led to understanding gastric dysthymias are present in various nausea syndromes. In addition, a functional obstructive gastroparesis subtype was described that reflects pyloric dysfunction and response to endoscopic therapies with botulinum toxin A injection or balloon dilation. Dr. Koch is a PI in the NIH-sponsored Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium. Dr. Koch has written 143 peer-reviewed publications, 43 chapters, and 2 books.

 

Samuel Kocoshis, MD

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio

Samuel Kocoshis, MD, is an expert in the management of complex intestinal and liver disease at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Kocoshis is the director of the Pediatric Nutrition and Intestinal Care Center in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and is also the medical director of the Small Intestinal Transplantation Program. In addition, he is professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Kocoshis’ long-standing research interest has been altered bile acid metabolism in gastrointestinal disease. His current clinical research program focuses upon intestinal adaptation following massive small intestinal resection, as well as the immunology of intestinal transplantation. Prior to joining Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. Kocoshis was chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and co-director of the Intestinal Care Center at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Kocoshis earned his bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed an internship in pediatrics at the West Virginia University Medical Center; a residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh; and a clinical fellowship in gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine.

Hiroshi Mashimo, MD, PhD

VA Boston Healthcare Medical, Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts

Dr. Hiroshi Mashimo is the Chief of Gastroenterology in the VA Boston Healthcare System. His research interests lie in examining the roles of nitric oxide and vasoactive intestinal peptide in gastrointestinal neurotransmission. Nitric oxide (NO) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are implicated in a variety of gastrointestinal functions, including mucosal protection, gastric acid secretion, hepatic regulation of blood flow, and gastrointestinal motility. The last entails an orchestrated series of contractions and relaxations mediated in part by NO and VIP via nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerves. Early studies have been limited by available pharmacologic agents which are often transient, non-specific, and non-uniform in their action. Thus, whole mice with genetically targeted disruptions represent exciting and uniquely suited models for the study of putative neurotransmitters. Mice genetically incapable of expressing either the neuronal or endothelial forms of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and eNOS, respectively) have been generated by gene-targeted disruption. Mice lacking the nNOS develop enlarged stomach and hypertrophy of the pylorus reminiscent of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in humans. Using these mutant mice, Dr. Mashimo’s group have shown the antegrade neurotransmitter role of nitric oxide and its enzymatic source in eventuating smooth muscle relaxation, and have established the intermediary role for VIP. They are presently defining physiological effects of nNOS and eNOS deprivation by electrophysiological and mechanical assays, and are uncovering the cellular signaling pathway of nitric oxide action. The laboratory is also studying novel methods of local gene delivery in the gastrointestinal tract using these animal models, which may have important applicability in treating human conditions. These studies will begin to address the long-range goal of understanding the complex interaction of hormones and neurotransmitters in gastrointestinal physiology and will hopefully lead to understanding and possible treatment of such conditions as Hirschsprung’s disease, Chagas disease, achalasia, and pyloric stenosis that are associated with deficiency of nitric oxide production.

Richard McCallum, MD

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center/Paul Foster School of Medicine 
El Paso, Texas

Richard W. McCallum, MD, FACP, FRACP (Aust), FACG, AGAF, is Professor and Founding Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, at El Paso and Director of the Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility a research and referral center for patients locally, regionally, and nationally. Dr. McCallum’s research is on the physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology of gastrointestinal smooth muscle and nerve function relating to disorders of motility and functional bowel disease involving the esophagus, stomach, small bowel and colon and focusing on the role of electrical activity and the brain-gut relationship. For the last 20 years his pioneering efforts in the area of electrical stimulation of the stomach resulted in new therapeutic concepts for nausea and vomiting involving gastric neurostimulation and gastric pacemakers. His research has been supported with VA Merit Reviewing funding, Pharmaceutical, American Diabetes Association, Foundation Grants, Small Business NIH Awards and currently NIH Grant funding as a PI for the NIH Consortium in Gastroparesis which recently received a 5-year renewal. He has published more than 400 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, 120 textbook chapters, and has edited 14 scientific textbooks and is the holder of 3 patents. Dr. McCallum is a native of Australia and received his bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

Jack Pasquale, MD

Clinical Nutrition Service
Physician Nutrition Specialist
Fresh Meadows, NY

Dr. Jack Pasquale is a Physician Nutrition Specialist, Board Certified in Medicine and Fellowship trained in Nutrition. His undergraduate degree is from Baruch College, City University of New York, also known as U.C.L.A. of the Est. (University on the Corner of Lexington Avenue). Majoring in Biology, he took a class in Human Nutrition in College, and then entered the Charter Class of St. George’s University, School of Medicine,( SGUSOM) in January of 1977. During medical school, he had a full semester (4 month) course in Nutrition, a ground breaking class to have at the time. He was Hooked! After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Buffalo, Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, NY and a Fellowship in Clinical Nutrition in the Department of Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, he began his academic career at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, located in the Bronx, at Jacobi Hospital, where he directed the Adult Nutrition Clinic. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine at AGUSOM. Dr. Pasquale is an active member of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), having chaired and participated in many ASPEN Committees, and has attended every ASPEN national conference since 1985. He is the immediate Past-President of NY/LISPEN, the local chapter of ASPEN. He has been a practicing physician for over 35 years and has lectured extensively on nutrition, nationally and internationally.

NUTRITION ADVISORS

Patsy Catsos, MS, RDN

New London, New Hampshire

Patsy Catsos, MS, RDN is a dietitian with a GI-focused practice in New London, NH. Patsy was an early adopter of the FODMAP approach and is widely recognized as an expert in the implementation of low-FODMAP diets. She is the author of several books on the subject of FODMAPs and IBS. 

Ms. Catsos is a professional member of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of American and an associate member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Ms. Catsos is past-president of the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and she has been honored as Maine’s Outstanding Dietitian of the Year. She is a 37-year member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and was the recipient of the Academy’s 2020 Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. patsy@ibsfree.net

Joanne Keaveney, MS, RD, LDN

Independent Consultant/Radio Host
Boston, Massachusetts

Joanne is a certified culinary chef, registered and licensed dietitian and part time radio host for 101.3 FM hosting a Wellness Show. She has been a dietitian for over 20 years, and specializes in Gastroenterology Nutrition and Immune Boosting Nutrition. Her past work history includes serving as an Adjunct Professor at Emerson College while working as the Chief Clinical Nutrition Supervisor at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates for ten years. From 2009-2012, she ran 22 nursing home Nutrition Departments, and from 2006-2008, lived in Caribbean for 2 years as the sole sports nutritionist for the Entire West Indies Cricket team —-not knowing beforehand that cricket was a sport, not a bug. This involved traveling on a plane every 3 days to 20 different Caribbean countries, and to her astonishment, that she was on 110 planes in her first 6 months. She worked for ABC –news, Channel 5-Boston as their on-air TV nutrition correspondent for 11 years. When not working, Joanne loves to go dancing, takes Zumba 5x week, goes to concerts on regular basis, and takes off to the island of Nevis in Caribbean every year for a month. Lastly, Joanne’s most important work is not just Nutrition, but daily mindful practices, such as: reading on ‘self, self-reflection time and, meditation. Her Hour of Power. And if hearing this, Joanne says, ‘if you think right now, you don’t have time to ‘meditate’, that means, according to Dr. Deepak Chopra, that you actually need to meditate ‘twice a day’. Our hearts, not our thoughts, control who we are. And that is…………pure Love.

Dorothy Petito, RD, MS

New York

Dorothy is a patient with gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, fibromyalgia, pre-diabetes, pelvic floor dysfunction, and tricompartmental pelvic organ prolapse, rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial cystisis. She is also a parent of a son with gastroparesis. Dorothy has been an AGMD member, Trustee, AGMD Nutrition Advisor and Consultant and Executive Associate Coordinator of Project Development and Adult Outreach Program for many years. 

Dorothy graduated from Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY with a Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree in May 2008, graduated from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA with a B.S. degree in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics in June 1984 and did her Clinical Nutrition training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 1983-1984. She has been a Registered Dietitian (RD) since 1984, Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN) in New York State, a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 1982, member of the Long Island Dietetic Association since 1984 and served as the Long Island Dietetic Association President from 2009-2010.

She had presented webinars for AGMD for their 2010 and 2011 Awareness and Education Series and served on the AGMD Anniversary of Service Education and Awareness Campaign. She has served as an administrator and moderator of our AGMD Inspire Online Community, a member of the planning committee for the July 2009 and July 2007 AGMD Digestive Motility Symposia and speaker at the 2007 AGMD Digestive Motility Symposium concerning gastroparesis, nutrition and a reflection on the personal impact that these have made in her life. She has also written articles for publication with AGMD as well as educational materials and been a reviewer, developer and member for the AGMD Recipe Book project team.

Dorothy has been a contributor to a medical study and article entitled, “Dietary Intake and Nutritional Deficiencies in Patients with Diabetic or Idiopathic Gastroparesis” by Parkman HP, Yates KP, Hasler WL, Nguyan L, Pasricha PJ, Snape WJ, Farrugia G, Calles J, Koch KL, Abell TL, McCallum RW, Lee L, Unalp-Arida A, Tonascia J, Hamilton F; Dorothy Petito, Carol Rees Parrish, and Frank Duffy for the NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium.

Kate Scarlata, RD, RDN, LDN

Medway, Massachusetts

Kate is a Boston-based dietitian with 30 years of experience. Kate’s expertise is in GI disorders and food intolerance,  with a particular focus on the application of the low FODMAP diet for functional gut disorders. She was awarded the Outstanding Massachusetts Dietitian Award and recognized as Boston’s Best Dietitian by Boston Magazine. Kate is the author of numerous books on digestive health topics including the New York Times Best Seller, The 21 Day Tummy Diet and her latest book, The Low FODMAP Diet Step by Step. Kate completed her postgraduate training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s of Public Health program at the University of Massachusetts.

Julie Sibbio-Bender, RDN, LDN, cWC

Sarasota, Florida

Julie Bender-Sibbio RDN, LDN, cWC is a functional and integrative nutritionist who helps patients identify root cause solutions in order to restore hope, health, and vitality!  She passionately combines her conventional and integrative nutrition training and 20+ years of experience to help patients recover and thrive using a comprehensive and holistic approach that takes into account each person’s unique biochemistry, genetics, lifestyle factors, diet, environment, and health history. Julie’s private practice specializes in chronic gut dysfunction, autoimmune disease, food allergies/sensitives, and environmental illness.  Julie helps people reclaim good health and discover a PEACEFUL gut at JBS Nutrition & Wellness in Sarasota, FL, and online at jbsnourishwell.com.

EXECUTIVE ADVISORS

Joan Bishop

The Oley Foundation

Delmar, New York

Joan Bishop has been with Oley since 1985 (nearly its inception) and has served in many capacities. As Executive Director, Joan handles the multitude of tasks it takes to keep Oley running and growing, including budget planning, building relationships, advocacy efforts, fundraising, board development, coordinating the annual conference, and more. She is dedicated to fulfilling the Foundation’s mission and welcomes your ideas, comments, and feedback. Joan can be reached at bishopj@amc.edu.

DENTAL ADVISORS

Gülsün Gül, DDS, MBA, MPH, MS, CAGS – Bio to come

Athena S Papas DMD PhD – Bio to come