On Saturday, June 4th, 2022, the GI Research Foundation will host their Champions for a Cure Ball at the Geraghty in Chicago. The 61st Anniversary Ball will return in person for an evening of glamour featuring cocktails, a strolling dinner, music, and much-needed time to reconnect. The Ball’s program will feature scientific updates and celebrate the champions working towards better treatments and cures for digestive diseases. Chief among the champions is this year’s Joseph B. Kirsner Award recipient David T. Rubin, MD, the Joseph B. Kirsner Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, and Co-Director of the Digestive Diseases Center at the University of Chicago Medicine.
World-renowned for his expertise in treating inflammatory bowel disease, Dr. Rubin’s more than 30-year career exemplifies the highest caliber of scientific inquiry and clinical care. Building on years of innovative research, hundreds of publications, and countless accolades, Dr. Rubin is a visionary in field of gastroenterology, ever curious about and inspired by new ideas and approaches to the science of digestive diseases. His commitment to exceptional patient care stewards the legacy of his mentor, the incomparable Joseph B. Kirsner, MD, PhD. Like Kirsner, as a leader, Dr. Rubin is an exemplar: a brilliant thinker, a patient teacher, and a wise mentor of great personal character.
“I’m truly honored and humbled to be named this year’s Champion for a Cure. My colleagues and team know that in our life’s work, we stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us, and also that we have much more work to do. I am inspired daily by the legacy and ongoing generosity and commitment from my GIRF family and will continue to work with the brilliant physicians and scientists here and in collaboration with our partners around the world in order to end suffering from digestive diseases.” says David T. Rubin, MD.
Long an advocate of strong, evidence-based approaches to the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, Dr. Rubin helps his patients achieve stable, long-term remission through careful diagnosis, diligent follow up, and proactive care, reflecting the very latest in treatment paradigms. His commitment is an investment in the lives, health, and families of his patients; one they can feel from the moment he steps into the examination room.
“Dr. Rubin stepped in when our daughter was having complications from her Crohn’s disease. He has remained her advocate and doctor and taken great care to keep her healthy so that she can lead a full, young adult life. His reputation as a living legend in the IBD community is well deserved. We feel fortunate to have his care,” explains, Kathy Shafer, Ball Co-Chair and GIRF Executive Vice President.
In addition to his dedication to clinical practice, Dr. Rubin is building a roadmap for the future of his field, one where regenerative medicine can combat the current and future crises of digestive health.
“Dr. Rubin is always focused on the next paradigm for digestive health research. He wants patients to get the best treatment as fast as possible. His ability to mentor fellows and lead his Section into the future, all while providing extraordinary care to patients is almost unbelievable until you see him action. We [at GIRF] feel incredibly privileged to honor him at the Champions for a Cure Ball,” says Yekaterina Chudnovsky, GI Research Foundation Board President.
Dr. Rubin is a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), and sits on the Board of Trustees for the ACG, among others.
In 2021, GIRF began the annual tradition of awarding the Joseph B. Kirsner Award to recipients who have made a substantial commitment to further and impact the GI Research Foundation’s mission. The first recipient was none other than GIRF grande dame, Beatrice “Bee” Crain. Though Bee passed away last spring at the age of 100, the Ball Committee believes she would be thrilled with this year’s honoree.
“Dr. Rubin doesn’t just further GIRF’s mission, he embodies it,” says Kathy Shafer.
Help Us Celebrate 61 Years & Honor Dr. Rubin!
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