Monahan Center marks 10 years of GI research, patient care

The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, a collaboration between NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, celebrated its 10th anniversary with an event on Sept. 9, according to a press release.

The comprehensive gastrointestinal cancer and wellness center was established in memory of news anchor and author Katie Couric’s late husband, Jay Monahan. Couric attended the event, along with Steven J. Corwin, MD, CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian, and Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, director of the Monahan Center and associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell. Couric also co-founded the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, which supported the establishment of the Monahan Center as an institution where gastrointestinal health and support services could be coordinated for patients under one roof, the release said.

“When Jay was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, I got a crash course in cancer treatment,” Couric said in the release. “While he received exceptional care, it became clear that one place that could coordinate care and provide a myriad of services would be a godsend to families dealing with the trauma and challenges of gastrointestinal cancers.

“I’m thrilled that the Monahan Center has provided thousands of patients and their loved ones with compassionate, comprehensive care as well as critical information about prevention, screening and treatment.”

The Monahan Center recently opened two esophageal function labs and expanded its genetic and nutrition counseling services, the release said. The center also provides educational outreach to patients, their families and the public.

“The Monahan Center is consistently at the forefront of innovative patient-centered care,” Corwin said. “We are extremely grateful to Ms. Couric, the Entertainment Industry Foundation and the NCCRA, as well as the leadership and staff of the Monahan Center, for their continued support in providing state-of-the-art care and education to our patients.”

“What an honor it has been to play a role in the Monahan Center’s successful growth over the past 10 years,” Schnoll-Sussman said. “This has been made possible by both the exceptional team of physicians and professionals at JMC who care for our patients on a daily basis and the generosity of our benefactors.”