About Us
About the Gastroenterology Research Center (GRC)
Dr. Faraz Bishehsari established the Gastroenterology Research Center (GRC) at UTHealth Houston to advance scientific discovery in digestive health. As an academic research hub, the GRC integrates basic, translational, and clinical research to explore how lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, alcohol use, and circadian disruption, contribute to gastrointestinal diseases and their broader impact on human health.
Dr. Bishehsari, a physician-scientist with a dual appointment in the Department of Internal Medicine and the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, brings decades of gastroenterology and translational research expertise. His vision for the GRC is to serve as a collaborative platform where clinicians, scientists, and trainees work together to identify innovative strategies for disease prevention, early detection, and therapeutic intervention.
The GRC’s research is grounded in understanding the complex interactions between the gut microbiome, immune system, and circadian rhythms. The center aims to uncover mechanisms that drive inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cancer by focusing on these key biological systems and translating these insights into better patient care.
Located within the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, the GRC is poised to become a national leader in digestive disease research. The center will also support education and training opportunities for students, residents, and fellows, while fostering community partnerships to promote health equity and outreach.