Dr. Kirsner’s Legacy
The GI Research Foundation was founded in 1961 by grateful patients and friends of the late Dr. Joseph B. Kirsner, a pioneer in gastroenterology who devoted his life to medicine, teaching, and patient care.
Our History
In 1961, the GI Research Foundation was founded by grateful patients and friends of the late Dr. Joseph B. Kirsner, a pioneer in gastroenterology who devoted his life to medicine, teaching, and patient care. Today, the University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center is internationally recognized for research-driven medicine and its team of highly specialized physicians.
Inspired by Dr. Kirsner’s vision, the GI Research Foundation helps ensure the UChicago Digestive Diseases Center remains at the forefront of innovation and personalized care.
“Few if any physicians have had a broader and more positive impact than Joe Kirsner on thousands of patients, students and professional colleagues. His legacy at the University of Chicago will persist for generations.”
Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD
Dean of the Division of the Biological Sciences and the Pritzker School of Medicine and Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs at the University of Chicago
Our Mission
The GI Research Foundation (GIRF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to support the physicians and scientists at the University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center in their efforts to provide outstanding care, train future leaders, and perform innovative clinical and laboratory research in order to treat, cure, and prevent digestive diseases.
Our Impact
We invest in bold ideas and innovation at every stage.
The GI Research Foundation provides critical early funding to support novel and innovative pilot studies. Grants are awarded to senior faculty, residents, fellows, and young investigators to begin or continue their research.
We invest in facilities that advance treatments and cures.
The result is a unique physical and technological infrastructure that enables UChicago Medicine scientists to understand the causes of digestive diseases, identify potential cures, and swiftly translate these discoveries into groundbreaking patient treatments.
We develop the next generation of vibrant research leaders.
We proudly support recruiting a world-class team of physician-scientists to advance clinical trials and complement UChicago Medicine’s robust laboratory research activities.
