Dr. David Graham is a distinguished physician-scientist and internationally recognized leader in gastroenterology whose work has fundamentally transformed the understanding and management of digestive diseases. He currently serves as Professor of Medicine in the Department of Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine and maintains a clinical practice at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston. Dr. Graham received his B.S. from the University of Notre Dame in 1962 and his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in 1966, where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Gastroenterology. He served as Chief of the Digestive Disease Division in the Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine from 1988 to 2007, establishing one of the nation's most respected programs in gastrointestinal research and clinical care.
Dr. Graham has revolutionized the understanding and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders through his pioneering research on Helicobacter pylori, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug effects on the gastrointestinal tract, and viral gastroenteritis. His groundbreaking work established critical connections between H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease, fundamentally changing clinical practice worldwide and earning him recognition as one of the field's most influential researchers. He has secured significant NIH funding for his investigations into the role of mycobacteria in Crohn's disease and the identification of H. pylori virulence factors across ethnic populations, demonstrating his commitment to addressing complex digestive health challenges. Dr. Graham holds multiple patents for diagnostic tests for H. pylori infection and vaccines for Norwalk virus, translating his laboratory discoveries into practical clinical applications that have improved patient outcomes globally.
As a testament to his profound impact on gastroenterology, Dr. Graham served as President of the American College of Gastroenterology from 1990 to 1991 and has been honored with an annual lecture named in his recognition since 2004. In 2008, the Endoscopy Unit at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center was officially designated The David Y. Graham Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, reflecting his enduring legacy in clinical gastrointestinal medicine. He has received numerous prestigious awards including the Joseph B. Kirsner Award for Clinical Research and the Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. Award for Excellence in Research, while maintaining his position as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Helicobacter. Dr. Graham continues to mentor the next generation of gastroenterologists and actively contributes to research on gastrointestinal pathogens, ensuring his scientific legacy continues to shape the future of digestive disease management and prevention.
