Northwestern Medicine Announces the Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center to Improve the Lives of Patients with Esophageal Diseases

CHICAGO – June 26, 2024 – Northwestern Medicine today announced a $10 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, to accelerate scientific discovery and improve the lives of patients who suffer from esophageal diseases. The new Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center recognizes Northwestern Medicine’s position as a national leader for the treatment of esophageal diseases and will incorporate an Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics Program, a Clinical Trials Unit, a Translational Science Core Studies Program, and a Treatment Clinic for patients.

“Through cutting-edge research, advanced therapies, and compassionate patient care, Northwestern Medicine makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by esophageal conditions,” said Mr. Griffin. “The physicians and scientists at this center exemplify the commitment to excellence and innovation that defines Northwestern Medicine. I am honored to support Northwestern Medicine in its mission to advance the understanding and treatment of esophageal diseases.”

The Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center will be home to ongoing research into swallowing disorders, esophageal cancers, reflux disease, and other disorders of the esophagus. Innovations from the center have led to major paradigm shifts in the management of disorders including achalasia, esophageal spasm, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and eosinophilic esophagitis.

“Esophageal disease can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and our multidisciplinary team is deeply connected to the importance of collaboration,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “This generous gift from Mr. Griffin will enable medical discoveries that will benefit millions of patients worldwide.”

The Center serves more than 5,000 patients a year, performing over 2,500 endoscopic procedures and 4,000 diagnostic procedures. While providing diagnostic and therapeutic care for patients in Chicagoland and surrounding states, the Center has also become a national and international destination for care.

“Patients from around the world come to our center for evaluation and treatment of complex esophageal conditions, and we are an international destination for physician education,” said Ikuo Hirano, MD, director of the Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center. “We have pioneered many of the most modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods for both rare and common esophageal diseases and continue to be trailblazers on the leading-edge of research and advanced technologies. We are grateful to Mr. Griffin for his generous gift that creates amazing opportunities for our group to operate at an even higher level.”

“Forecasting suggests that the incidence of esophageal cancer in patients 40-65 years old will nearly double over the next 15 years and the incidence of benign esophageal diseases has increased significantly,” said John Pandolfino, MD, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “Our center trains the next generation of physicians and scientists, so patients have better access to the care they need.”

“We have pioneered many of the minimally invasive techniques that are used to treat esophageal diseases, including tailored per oral endoscopic myotomy, and have also developed most of the technologies used to diagnose and monitor patient outcomes, including the Chicago Classification and FLIP panometry. Our work integrates the latest research to create a personalized care plan for each patient,” Dr. Pandolfino added.

Gastroenterologist Michael Ruchim, MD, senior vice president, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, said philanthropic support advances Northwestern Medicine’s commitment to excellence in patient care.

“Mr. Griffin’s gift will change the future of digestive health for patients by accelerating medical research and supporting physician training,” Dr. Ruchim said. “He has a true understanding of our commitment to patients, and we are tremendously grateful for his support.”

About Northwestern Medicine

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit NM.org.

About Griffin Catalyst

Griffin Catalyst is the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, encompassing his philanthropic and community impact efforts. Tackling the world’s greatest challenges in innovative, action-oriented, and evidence-driven ways, Griffin Catalyst is dedicated to expanding opportunity and improving lives across six areas of focus: Education, Science & Medicine, Upward Mobility, Freedom & Democracy, Enterprise & Innovation, and Communities. For more information, visit griffincatalyst.org.