Dr. Michael Camilleri is a distinguished physician-scientist and leading authority in neurogastroenterology and gastrointestinal motility disorders. He currently serves as the Atherton and Winifred Bean Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he has been a consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology since joining the staff in 1990. Born in Malta, Dr. Camilleri completed his medical education at the University of Malta before receiving a Commonwealth Scholarship that enabled him to train for six years at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. He was recognized with the prestigious Atherton and Winifred W. Bean Professorship in 2001 and as a Mayo Distinguished Investigator in 2008, reflecting his significant contributions to the field. His career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of complex gastrointestinal disorders.
Dr. Camilleri's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of clinical enteric neurosciences and gut neurohormonal control, with particular focus on conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. His work has led to the development of novel diagnostic tools that have replaced more invasive procedures, improved the understanding of pharmacological interventions for gastrointestinal disorders, and demonstrated the efficacy of new medications through multicenter clinical trials. As principal investigator on multiple NIH R01 grants, he has made significant contributions to identifying the effects of dietary factors on gastrointestinal disorders and developing individualized treatments for obesity based on stomach and appetite dysfunctions. His research has been widely recognized, including receiving the 2012 Ismar Boas Medal from the German Society of Digestive and Metabolic Disease for his exceptional contributions to the field. These innovations have directly translated to improved patient care and outcomes in clinical practice.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Camilleri has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the medical community, having served as President of both the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society. During his tenure as ANMS President, he successfully facilitated critical interactions between clinical practitioners, translational researchers, and basic scientists, creating a model he later applied to his leadership role at AGA. He has been instrumental in advancing the field through his editorial work, mentorship of young investigators, and ongoing research that continues to explore the complex interplay between gut physiology, neurohormonal regulation, and metabolic disorders. His collaborative approach has fostered interdisciplinary research that bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, enhancing the development of targeted therapies for gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Camilleri's current work focuses on refining personalized treatment approaches for gastrointestinal motility disorders and expanding our understanding of the gut-brain axis, positioning him to continue shaping the future of neurogastroenterology for years to come.
