Dr. Michael Gershon is internationally recognized as the 'father of neurogastroenterology' for his transformative contributions to understanding the enteric nervous system. He currently serves as Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center where he has established a world-leading research program dedicated to gastrointestinal neuroscience. Having earned his MD from Cornell University Medical Center in 1963 followed by postdoctoral training at Oxford University, Dr. Gershon built his distinguished career through rigorous investigation of the gut's neural architecture. His leadership extends beyond his laboratory as evidenced by his presidency of the American Association of Anatomists from 1995 to 1996 and his enduring influence on the field of neurogastroenterology.
Dr. Gershon's pioneering research has fundamentally reshaped gastrointestinal physiology through his identification of serotonin as a critical neurotransmitter within the enteric nervous system. His groundbreaking discovery that the serotonin transporter is expressed by both enterocytes and enteric neurons revealed essential mechanisms for regulating serotonin-mediated effects in the gut. The initial observation of intrinsic sensory nerve cells triggering propulsive motor activity provided the foundation for understanding disorders of GI motility including irritable bowel syndrome. With nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications, his work has established the scientific basis for numerous therapeutic approaches targeting serotonin signaling in gastrointestinal disorders.
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Dr. Gershon has significantly shaped the field through his sustained service on multiple advisory boards including the CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center at UCLA since 1996 and the Cure Autism Now Scientific Advisory Board since 1997. His scholarly impact has been recognized with prestigious honors including election as Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1999, the Henry Grey Prize as the highest award from the American Association of Anatomists in 2000, and the American Gastroenterological Association Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science in 2022. Dr. Gershon's ability to bridge basic science with clinical relevance continues to influence both research and treatment paradigms for gastrointestinal disorders. His ongoing work promises further insights into the complex neural networks governing gut function and their implications for human health.
