New patients walking into the Department of Gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital might not suspect that this unassuming space is home to some of the country’s most advanced and respected gastroenterology (GI) care.
Serving 65,000 patients referred each year from across the nation, the department performs more than 16,000 GI procedures annually. It is the region’s only GI department for advanced pediatric endoscopic procedures and the only facility in the Washington, D.C., area recognized as a “Center of Excellence” by the National Pancreas Foundation. In addition, it was recently recognized as “high performing” by U.S. News & World Report.
Joan and Jeff Ferrill of Alexandria, Virginia, experienced that excellence firsthand. In 2012, Jeff arrived at the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. A rapid assessment and emergency surgery revealed gastric volvulus—a rare, complex, and often fatal condition in which all or part of the stomach twists more than 180 degrees. Jeff’s life was saved, but this was only the start of his three- year recovery journey. “We spent a lot of time in the Department of Gastroenterology because Jeff had to have repeated endoscopies for a stricture—a narrowing in his digestive tract that made it hard for food to pass through,” says Joan.
Guiding the Ferrills on that journey was the GI team led by Nadim Haddad, MD, executive pillar chief of Gastroenterology at MedStar Health. “Dr. Haddad is an inspirational leader,” says Joan. “He and his team truly embody the MedStar Georgetown mission of cura personalis—care of the whole person. They treat the whole person, not just the condition.” In gratitude, the Ferrills made several donations in support of various projects at MedStar Georgetown—including renovations to the former emergency department, as well as construction of the new Verstandig Pavilion.
Now, their largest philanthropic gift yet will ensure that GI patients and families receive that compassionate care in an equally comforting environment. “The Department of Gastroenterology deserves an area that’s as fabulous as the new Verstandig Pavilion,” continues Joan.
Enhancing patient care, convenience, and comfort
Creating a new location for the GI department will have an impact well beyond aesthetics. Moving to larger facilities on the ground floor will provide a more convenient street- level entrance and easy access for pickups, drop-offs, and parking. As Joan put it, “it’s going to be a visible, beautiful gateway to the hospital.”
Once patients enter that gateway, they will find a larger, welcoming lobby and waiting areas that exude a therapeutic sense of calm. The ergonomically-designed layout will make navigating easy for patients, and care delivery more efficient for our care teams. Larger exam and procedure rooms will offer patients greater comfort.
The new space will also serve as a foundation for innovation, further enhancing the robust training programs and leading- edge research that the department is already known for. “Our clinical practice, patient care, education opportunities, and research endeavors are second to none,” says Dr. Haddad. “This will yield better outcomes for patients and lay the groundwork for future advancements.”
“The Department of Gastroenterology has long been a destination for exceptional care,” echoes Lisa Boyle, MD, FACS, president of MedStar Georgetown and senior vice president of MedStar Health. “Joan and Jeff Ferrill’s generous gift honors that tradition and helps propel us into an even more dynamic future, one where our physical space reflects the expertise and compassion within.”
Thanks to continued generosity, philanthropy will be the driving force. Joan and Jeff Ferrill look forward to the day when the “cover” of this inspiring book fully reflects the [outstanding care] given within. “Jeff and I are honored to support the Department of Gastroenterology, Dr. Haddad, and his team,” says Joan. “The new GI department will allow these compassionate and dedicated physicians to treat patients in the world-class facility they deserve.”