Here are the gastroenterologists leading the GI departments for U.S. News & World Report‘s top five hospitals for gastroenterology and GI surgery in 2025-26.
1. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.)
Darrell Pardi, MD, is the division chair of gastroenterology and hepatology at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Pardi is a national expert in inflammatory bowel disease, with a focus on microscopic colitis and pouchitis. He is active in research, education and clinical mentorship, and has published widely on complex IBD conditions. He is also a frequent speaker at national and international GI conferences.
2. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles)
Barham Abu Dayyeh, MD, is the executive director and associate dean for innovation at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Abu Dayyeh leads interventional gastroenterology at the system, where he oversees the integration of advanced technologies, including robotics and regenerative therapies. He directs strategic innovation across the organization and develops high-value endoscopy service lines for minimally invasive GI care.
3. Cleveland Clinic
Michelle Kang Kim, MD, PhD, is the chair of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Kim became chair in August 2022, making her the first woman to hold the role. She is a national leader in neuroendocrine tumor research and previously served as vice chair for faculty affairs at Mount Sinai in New York City. Dr. Kim also holds leadership roles in multiple GI societies and is active in advancing equity and mentorship in academic medicine.
4. NYU Langone Health (New York City)
Mark Pochapin, MD, is the director of gastroenterology and hepatology at NYU Langone Health. He also serves as vice chair for clinical affairs in the department of medicine and holds the Sholtz/Leeds Professorship of Gastroenterology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
5. Mount Sinai (New York City)
Bruce Sands, MD, is the chief of gastroenterology at Mount Sinai. Dr. Sands is internationally recognized for his work in IBD, including leadership on landmark trials for infliximab in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. He previously served at Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital and has held leadership roles in the American Gastroenterological Association and the International Organization for the Study of IBD. His research focuses on translational and epidemiologic approaches to IBD, including the OSCCAR population-based cohort.
