Dr. Jan Tack is a world-renowned expert in neurogastroenterology and gastrointestinal motility disorders with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. He currently serves as Head of Clinic in the Department of Gastroenterology at University Hospitals Leuven and holds a professorship in Internal Medicine at the University of Leuven, Belgium. Born on June 25, 1962, he graduated summa cum laude in 1987 from the University of Leuven and completed his specialization in internal medicine and gastroenterology at the same institution. His early career development from 1987 to 1994 as an Internist and Gastroenterologist in training at University Hospitals Leuven laid the foundation for his future leadership in the field. Professor Tack has since emerged as one of Europe's foremost authorities on gastrointestinal functional disorders.
Professor Tack's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of neurogastroenterology and gastrointestinal motility, particularly in the areas of GERD, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. His pioneering investigations into the physiology and pharmacology of the enteric nervous system have revealed critical mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal function and dysfunction. His work on gastrointestinal hormones and the neural control of satiation and food intake has provided novel insights with direct clinical applications for patients suffering from eating disorders and obesity-related conditions. Through his extensive publication record and leadership in translational research, he has successfully bridged laboratory discoveries with clinical practice, improving diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches worldwide. The impact of his contributions is widely recognized across the global gastroenterology community.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Tack plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of gastroenterology through his leadership positions including membership on the Council of the Faculty of Medicine at KU Leuven and the POC Deglutology. His commitment to mentoring the next generation of clinicians and researchers has cultivated a thriving community dedicated to advancing gastrointestinal science and patient care. In recognition of his lifetime contributions to digestive health, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at UEG Week 2023, joining the ranks of the field's most influential pioneers. His continued leadership of the Translational Research in GastroIntestinal Disorders program ensures that his work remains at the cutting edge of discovery and application. As he guides the field toward new understandings of the gut-brain axis and innovative treatments for functional gastrointestinal disorders, Professor Tack's influence continues to expand globally.
