Grand Rounds: Abuse, Trauma, and Illness: What is the link?

This comprehensive program will appeal to individuals interested in unraveling the intricate interplay between abuse, trauma, and gastrointestinal illness.

Part 1 begins with a compelling case report by Dr. Drossman, recounting the journey of his adolescent patient who, having endured early trauma, developed gastrointestinal symptoms. This case spurred Dr. Drossman to pioneer the first study in the medical literature, elucidating this association. The narrative unfolds, chronicling the patient’s illness, relapse, and recovery, mirroring the evolution of knowledge in this domain. Based on Dr. Drossman’s extensive 20-year research, we delve into the scientific underpinnings of heightened symptom severity and its association with brain imaging changes and adverse health outcomes for such patients.

Part 2, presented by Dr. Chang, offers an insightful research update, including her groundbreaking studies into the association between adverse childhood events and gastrointestinal illness, bringing us to the present day.

Part 3, presented by Ms. Ruddy, invites us into the realm of a patient’s experience. She candidly shares her adverse childhood encounters, illuminating its profound connection to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its impact on her cognition, emotions, and behaviors. She then discusses the internal and interpersonal bases for her transformative journey to recovery.

Part 4 concludes the program as Dr. Drossman imparts his clinical experience and insights in caring for these patients to aid healthcare providers. He discusses how to recognize a patient’s trauma history, establish a therapeutic alliance that allows patients to share this information, and how to effectively process this information in order to optimize care. His guidance extends to offering strategies on when and how to judiciously refer patients to mental health professionals when indicated.

Objectives for this Grand Rounds include:

1. To understand the history and evolution of knowledge on the relationship of abuse history and GI Illness
2. To learn how to recognize a history of trauma and its illness effects on the patient
3. To hear from a patient about the experience of trauma and its medical and psychological impact

Cost: 

MD, PhD, PsyD, BS, MS, MPH – $30

Student, Trainee, Fellow, Non-Clinician – No Cost

Virtual Session: February 7, 2024; 7:00-8:15 PM EST

On-demand beginning on February 8, 2024

1.25 CME credits available (Only paid registrants – MD, PhD, PsyD, BS, MS, MPH – will receive CME credit)

Jointly provided by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and Rome Foundation*

Douglas A. Drossman, MD, RFF | President Emeritus and CEO

Chief Executive Officer and President Emeritus, Rome Foundation

President, DrossmanCare and Drossman Gastroenterology

Professor Emeritus, UNC School of Medicine

​​​​

Lin Chang, MD, RFF

Professor of Medicine
Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress
Division of Digestive Diseases
David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA, USA

​​​​​​​

Johannah Ruddy, M.Ed.

Doctoral Candidate, DHSc School of Pharmacy and Health Science, Campbell University

IBS Patient Advocate

​​​​​​