THE PANCREAS PROGRAM
The Pancreas Program
Dr. Michel Kahaleh is 1 of the 2 directors that lead the Pancreas Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The program focuses on disease treatment, education and research. A major partner in the program is the Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ).
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) is a leading institution in the treatment of digestive diseases. A major facet of the research and treatment is developed through advanced endoscopy, specifically diseases which affect the pancreas.
One of the leaders behind this program is Dr. Michel Kahaleh. Together with Surgical Director, Dr. David August, they push the pillars of integrated care, prevention practices, screening, treatment, patient support, physician support, research, and education for individuals who have or who are at risk for developing pancreatic disease.
Within the program are many specialists who represent multiple disciples, each belonging to an integral department of RWJUH. It is a collective effort of the hospital to provide the most advanced care and treatment for patients that suffer from pancreas diseases. Beyond treatment, the physicians dedicated to the Pancreas Program continue to research and further expand what we know about the pancreas and the diseases that affect it.
Our Mission
From the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital website:
"The mission of the Pancreas Program at RWJUH is to provide patients with early detection and diagnosis, with individualized and compassionate care consisting of curative treatments, palliative treatments, and alleviation of suffering across the spectrum of pancreatic diseases. The Pancreas Program allows for the opportunity to care for individuals with both benign and malignant pancreatic conditions."
Diseases We've Treated
Through the extensive research done at the Pancreas Program, Dr. Michel Kahaleh is an expert in treating and preventing the following pancreatic diseases:
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic Fluid Collections
- Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis
- Auto-Immune Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic Trauma
- Pancreas Divisum
Educational Opportunities and Community Outreach
A major pillar of the Pancreas Program at RWJUH is education. A major goal of the program is to share the most recent discoveries of our research with other medical professionals, so they can better serve their patients who are suffering from pancreatic related diseases and disorders.
Weekly presentations and discussions are conducted through the program. This ensures that every medical professional attached to the program is aware of the most advanced techniques and practices in patient care when dealing with pancreatic diseases.
For physicians that are not a part of the Pancreas Program, there are symposiums conducted through the program. These symposiums offer medical professionals of multiple disciplines the opportunity to become leaders in the most innovative methods in diagnosing and treating pancreatic conditions.
Patients are invited to support groups to aid in their pancreatic therapy. Here, patients will receive useful insights on how to deal with their daily lives while living with a pancreatic condition. As well as share their own experiences and be brought into a secure environment to heal with other patients who are living with similar difficulties.
Pancreas Research
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey pull together important resources to observe, understand, and develop techniques to heal the pancreas. The program continues to develop a large patient database, along with clinical trials belonging to numerous studies.
The Pancreas Program is the leading research group in islet cell transplantation. An experimental procedure that treats type 1 diabetes by allowing the patient to produce the insulin they need. This research is conducted by a dedicated team of gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, and researchers.
Most importantly, the Pancreas Program works toward discovery with a strong belief in collaboration at any opportunity. That the program is a place for the medical public to come together for research. In order to improve clinical trials and push translational research to better serve medical practices around the world and heal more patients.
Patient Care Coordination
The most integral part of the Pancreas Program is the patient and their care. A dedicated team of nurse practitioners facilitate a well coordinated in-patient to out-patient system. Their support is fundamental to both medical and surgical sides of the program.
The high-level coordination of the Pancreas Program is a testament to the importance of the holistic care of the patient. As patients progress, all members of the program are informed with diligence and efficiency. Increasing the number of patients to be available for research studies.
Facilities and Resources
The resources and facilities of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are the foundation of the Pancreas Program. As RWJUH has continued to invest into the most innovative technologies to be made available to the program. These state-of-the-art medical devices are key components to the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic diseases.
An impressive arsenal of confocal endomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography, laser for lithotripsy, radiofrequency ablation probes and generators, fourth generation endoscopic instruments and state-of-the-art interventional endoscopy rooms are at the hands of the medical professionals of the Pancreas Program.
With RWJUH serving as administrators, the team of multidisciplinary physicians and nurse practitioners can focus on doing the best in research, patient care, education, and training.
Faculty and Expertise
The Pancreas Program, at its nature is a multidisciplinary collaboration of many medical professionals who are leaders in their respective fields. Together they provide expert medical services to the patients who seek pancreatic care at RWJUH. At the Pancreas Program, patients can expect to receive the most advanced techniques in: