News & Events

Events & Conferences

IBD Distinguished Professor Series Annual Lecture - April 23, 2026

Join us for our second annual IBD Distinguished Professor Series lecture. This lecture brings together patients, providers, and IBD advocates from across the Twin Cities community for an evening of networking and education. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Laura Raffals from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

North Star (Live) Endoscopy Course -NORSE- August 7-8, 2026

Join us for the inaugural North Star (Live) Endoscopy Course (NORSE), a two-day, hands-on educational experience focused on advanced and therapeutic endoscopy. This live course features expert faculty, case-based discussions, and interactive learning designed to enhance practical skills and clinical decision-making. Open to gastroenterologists, surgeons, fellows, and endoscopy team members.

Learn more and register for the NORSE Course

GI APP Summit - October 29-30, 2026

This course is designed to equip advanced practice providers (APPs) and other healthcare professionals with the latest guidelines and evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal conditions that are often underrepresented in formal training. Open to all providers, with a focus on APP education.

Learn more and register for the GI APP Summit.

Dr. Jack Vennes Annual Lecture - November 12, 2026

This lecture honors the legacy of Dr. Jack Vennes, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota and internationally recognized pioneer in the field of pancreaticobiliary endoscopy. Join us for an evening of networking, education, and celebration! Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

In the News

Advancing Minimally Invasive GERD Treatment at the University of Minnesota

Dr. Nasim Parsa and Dr. Amit Bhargava recently completed the University of Minnesota's first Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) paired with a tandem laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. This combined "cTIF" approach addresses the anatomic cause of acid reflux while reconstructing the anti-reflux valve - without standard abdominal incisions for the TIF portion - supporting faster recovery and meaningful relief for patients with chronic GERD symptoms. Congratulations to Drs. Parsa and Bhargava on this important milestone, and thank you to our collaborative surgical partners for helping advance innovative, patient-centered care at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Sultan Named to 2025 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List

Dr. Sultan has been recognized on the 2025 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers™ list, representing the top one percent of researchers worldwide by citation impact in their field. Among 24 University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers honored this year, Dr. Sultan is one of just six Medical School faculty to receive this distinction - an achievement that reflects the global influence and scholarly impact of her work!

Dr. Ahmed Dirweesh reaches Exciting Milestone in Endoscopic Bariatric Therapy

Thanks to Dr. Ahmed Dirweesh’s leadership, we’ve officially launched our Primary Endoscopic Bariatric Therapy program at the University of Minnesota with two successful Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasties (ESGs) performed in April 2025. We also kicked off our revisional endoscopic bariatric program, completing two Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) procedures at East Bank and Southdale in our first month.