I chose to specialize in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) because it is one of the most dynamic and rewarding areas in gastroenterology. Over the past decade, the expansion of biologics and small molecules has transformed outcomes for patients who once had limited options. What inspires me most is the holistic nature of IBD care: treating inflammation, yes, but also addressing the psychological, dietary, and lifestyle challenges that shape how patients live day to day.
A typical day in my practice reflects that balance. Mornings may involve complex endoscopy - stricture dilation or dye chromoendoscopy - while afternoons are spent counseling patients about nutrition, mental health, and navigating life with chronic illness. This blend of procedural skill and long-term patient relationships makes the field uniquely fulfilling.
Mentorship and research opportunities during training were pivotal. I was fortunate to serve as a co-investigator in a clinical trial and later to develop multicenter registry projects. These experiences honed my skills in clinical investigation, teamwork, and innovation - preparing me for a career that demands both scientific curiosity and precise patient care.
The rewards of IBD are profound: helping patients achieve remission, avoid surgery, or simply feel heard in their struggles. The challenges - treatment failures, chronicity, and psychosocial burdens - are real, but they are also what drive me to keep learning and collaborating.
IBD offers rich career growth opportunities, from Crohn's & Colitis Foundation initiatives like REACH-IBD and editorial roles within IBD Journals to ambassadorships with AIBD. For fellows exploring subspecialties, my advice is to follow the path that excites you both intellectually and personally. In IBD, you will find a rapidly advancing field, a collaborative community, and the privilege of making a transformative impact on patients’ lives.
Author
Suha Abushamma, MD is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) specialist at Cleveland Clinic and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine.