A New Era in IBD Treatment Powered by Philanthropy

With philanthropic funding, Hoag is advancing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment through state-of-the-art, non-invasive technology that is the first of its kind in Orange County.

Hoag has always been at the forefront of medical innovation, and thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to continually expand our capabilities to offer the best care to our patients. The recent introduction of a revolutionary gastrointestinal ultrasound technology, the Samsung RS85 Prestige, at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute is a prime example.

Samsung RS85 Prestige

This state-of-the-art, non-invasive technology is the first of its kind in Orange County and one of the first in California, giving Hoag’s Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program a powerful tool for the detection and management of chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The ultrasound allows Hoag’s specialists to monitor and treat these conditions with precision, providing immediate insights during a quick office visit—no fasting, no contrast, no prep. As Dr. Rashmi Kumar, gastroenterologist at the Margolis Family IBD Program, shared, “Gastrointestinal ultrasound is a game-changer for patients. In a 10-minute office visit, a patient can receive the detailed information they need about the progress and effectiveness of their treatment regimen.”

This groundbreaking technology, funded by philanthropy, provides clear imaging to monitor the digestive system, offering a non-invasive alternative for patients who require frequent imaging or cannot undergo more invasive procedures. “This allows for quick pivots in care, if necessary, without the need for more expensive imaging or additional appointments. Using this ultrasound, we will be able to partner with our patients more effectively on their care journey,” said Kenneth Chang, MD, James & Pamela Muzzy Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair in GI Cancer, Digestive Health Institute.

Philanthropic support has made it possible for Hoag to offer this novel technology, setting a new standard of care for the future. “Gastrointestinal ultrasound opens the door for more patients to receive fast, valuable information. This is critical for people managing a chronic illness,” said Caroline Hwang, MD, Margolis Family Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program director and board-certified gastroenterologist. “We are grateful for the philanthropic support that has allowed us to bring this cutting-edge technology to Orange County. This will become the standard of care in the future, and it’s being pioneered at Hoag today.”