UCLA Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases
We’re proud to share that UCLA GI & GI Surgery has once again been ranked among the top programs in the country—earning the #8 spot nationally in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals survey. This distinction also makes us the highest-ranked public university hospital for GI and GI surgery in the United States.
Established in 1953, the Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases has been a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment, and research aimed at combating debilitating and deadly disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Its outstanding clinical, research, and training programs engage in creative and innovative approaches to today's gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Rooted in quality patient care with an academic mindset, our philosophy is strengthened by the technological advances and unsurpassed resources available to us as part of the broader UCLA Health System, including the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center.
For patients and visitors
In addition to being at the forefront of research and training, our physicians offer the highest-quality patient care. They see patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, and at UCLA community clinics across Southern California.
Fellowship Program
The UCLA GI Fellowship Program produces experts in every facet of clinical gastroenterology, hepatology, and related research. It is among the largest program of its kind in the nation, with 23 fellows receiving training at any time.
Research
Research has been a mainstay of our division since it was established in 1953, and we have grown to become a world leader in contributing new digestive diseases-related knowledge through scientific studies. Our faculty publish extensively and play prominent roles in national meetings, advancing the state of the science and ushering in cutting-edge treatments that improve and save lives.
Meet our expert team
The Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases is home to more than 88 full-time faculty members, each with a specific area of expertise in basic science and/or clinical research and treatment.
Our locations
We have clinic locations in Beverly Hills, Encino, North Hollywood, Porter Ranch, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, West Hills and Westwood.
Make a gift
Thanks in part to the generosity of many individuals we continue to be a national and world leader in patient care, treatment, training, and research.
Latest news
Watch videos by UCLA GI experts
The 13th Annual UCLA-Mellinkoff GI & Hepatology Symposium included novel and integrative approaches to treat common GI disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, disorders of the gut-brain axis (DGBI), colorectal cancer screening, esophageal disorders, pancreaticobilary disorders, liver disorders and more.
UCLA receives $25M from Shirley and Walter Wang to establish new integrative digestive health center
The new center will use the gastrointestinal system as the key to treating many conditions in the human body that can cause symptoms like chronic body pain, insomnia and mood disorders. Patients will have access to a multidisciplinary team that provides the full continuum of care, from gastroenterology and integrative health to psychology and nutrition.
Kids with autism show altered gut microbiome-brain interactions
A collaborative study by scientists from UCLA and USC may have unlocked new information about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the gut microbiome. Changes in the relative amounts of such metabolites may interfere with the signaling between the gut and brain, influencing emotions and associated behaviors.
The Familial Mediterranean Fever clinic is the only one of its kind in the Western hemisphere
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a rare genetic disorder that causes painful inflammation. It's most prevalent, due to the high carrier rate, in people of Armenian descent. This specialized clinic is led by Dr. Terri Getzug and Dr. Wayne Grody.
$9.5M grant to study relationship between polyphenol intake, Alzheimer’s prevention, and the brain-gut-microbiome system
Polyphenols — a key component of Mediterranean diets and found in berries, grapes, green tea, and cocoa — may delay cognitive decline.
A less invasive procedure to lose weight
Our bariatric endoscopists perform prodcedures that produce smaller stomach, smaller appetite, with no scars and shorter recovery.
New multidisciplinary clinic assists patients with IBD, and their providers, through pregnancy
The clinic, which is co-led by an IBD physician who specializes in women’s health and an OBGYN who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies, collaborates with patients and their health care providers through preconception planning, pregnancy, and the postpartum period to address fears, dispel misconceptions, and maximize outcomes.
Beyond the Scope highlights the exciting work taking place in our division
This issue highlights the new Comprehensive Liver Research Center, the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, research investigating how interactions in the gut maintain health, resource-rich environment at UCLA fosters success for research fellows transitioning to faculty, and our new clinical faculty.