Northwestern Medicine Announces Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center to Improve the Lives of Patients With Esophageal Diseases

CHICAGO – June 26, 2024 – Northwestern Medicine today announced a $10 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, to accelerate scientific discovery and improve the lives of patients suffering from diseases of the esophagus. The new Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center recognizes Northwestern Medicine’s position as a national leader in the treatment of esophageal diseases and will integrate an artificial intelligence and mathematics program, a clinical trials unit, a translational science base and a treatment clinic for patients. .

“Through cutting-edge research, advanced therapies and compassionate patient care, Northwestern Medicine is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by esophageal diseases,” said Griffin. “The physicians and scientists at this center exemplify the commitment to excellence and innovation that defines Northwestern Medicine. I am honored to support Northwestern Medicine in its mission to advance the understanding and treatment of esophageal diseases.”

The Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center will be home to ongoing research into swallowing disorders, esophageal cancers, reflux and other esophageal disorders. The center’s innovations have led to major paradigm shifts in the management of disorders including achalasia, esophageal spasms, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus and eosinophilic esophagitis.

“Esophageal disease can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and our multidisciplinary team is deeply connected to the importance of collaboration,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “This generous gift from Mr. Griffin will enable medical discoveries that will benefit millions of patients around the world. »

The center sees more than 5,000 patients per year, performing more than 2,500 endoscopic procedures and 4,000 diagnostic procedures. While providing diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients in Chicago and surrounding states, the Center has also become a national and international healthcare destination.

“Patients from around the world come to our center for evaluation and treatment of complex esophageal conditions, and we are an international destination for physician training,” said Ikuo Hirano, MDDirector of the Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center. “We have pioneered many of the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for rare and common esophageal diseases and continue to pioneer advanced research and technologies. We are grateful to Mr. Griffin for his generous gift, which creates incredible opportunities for our group to operate at an even higher level.”

“Predictions suggest that the incidence of esophageal cancer in patients aged 40 to 65 years will almost double over the next 15 years and that the incidence of benign esophageal disease has increased significantly” , said John Pandolfino, MD, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “Our center trains the next generation of doctors and scientists so that patients have better access to the care they need.

“We have pioneered many minimally invasive techniques used to treat esophageal diseases, including custom oral endoscopic myotomy, and have also developed many of the technologies used to diagnose and monitor patient outcomes, including the Chicago classification and FLIP panometry. Our work incorporates the latest research to create a personalized care plan for each patient,” added Dr. Pandolfino.

Gastroenterologist Michael Ruchim, MD, senior vice president of the Northwestern Memorial Foundation, said the philanthropic support advances Northwestern Medicine’s commitment to excellence in patient care.

“Mr. Griffin’s gift will change the future of patient digestive health by accelerating medical research and supporting physician education,” said Dr. Ruchim. “He fully understands our commitment to patients and we are extremely grateful for his support.”

About Northwest Medicine

To learn more about Northwest Medicine, visit NM.org.

About Griffin Catalyst

Griffin Catalyst is Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin’s civic engagement initiative that encompasses his philanthropic and community impact efforts. Addressing the world’s greatest challenges in innovative, action-oriented, evidence-based ways, Griffin Catalyst is dedicated to expanding opportunities and improving lives across six focus areas: Education, Science & Medicine, Upward Mobility , freedom and democracy, business and innovation. , and communities. For more information, visit griffincatalyst.org.