Digestive Health Through Donor-Driven Innovation
Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions can often be misunderstood or dismissed — especially when symptoms come and go over time. At the Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health, philanthropic support ensures we continue to take a whole-person approach to care, offering thoughtful evaluation and personalized management for even the most persistent concerns.
The Underwood Center was established in 2013 through a generous gift from Lynda K. and David M. Underwood with a vision to enhance patient care and equip physicians with essential resources, foster wellness to reduce burnout, and fuel bold exploratory research initiatives.
Gift for GI Research Chair Reflects Cherry Family's Values
Headlines increasingly spotlight the remarkable complexity of the human gut. In recent years, the trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that make up this dynamic microbiome have captured the attention of medical science. A gift from the Cerise Family Foundation will help unlock its mysteries.
No. 7 in the Nation in Gastroenterology/GI Surgery
Digestive health is intrinsically tied not only to overall health but also to co-occurring conditions and diseases. Exploration of these critical links has propelled the Underwood Center to a rank of No. 7 in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. With more than 54,000 outpatient visits since 2013, Underwood Center experts offer comprehensive care across GI specialties.
So many issues can be improved if the Houston Methodist team gains a richer understanding of the gut microbiome. Our family would love to see the positive trickle-down impact of this initial research on other diseases and other areas of the body.
Hayley Cherry Wagoner and Elaine Cherry Stark — Donors
Key Clinical Programs
While gastrointestinal issues affect everyone at some point, an estimated 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from chronic GI disorders, conditions that range from disruptive to life-threatening. At the Underwood Center, advanced clinical and translational research conducted by our world-class physician-scientists pairs with clinical work across specialties — including neurology, rheumatology, immunology and oncology — to inform personalized and comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic options. Integrated programs include the following:
- Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program
- Fondren IBD Transition Program (with Texas Children’s Hospital)
- Foregut Disease Program
- Neurogastroenterology Program
- Pancreaticobiliary Diseases Program
- Digestive Health and Wellness Program