Catholic Health names new gastroenterology chair

The Island Now

Catholic Health has appointed Dr. Christopher J. DiMaio, chairman of the Department of Gastroenterology at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center and system co-chair of Digestive Disease Services.

DiMaio previously was Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the director of interventional endoscopy for the Mount Sinai Health System.

Board-certified in gastroenterology, DiMaio is a nationally recognized expert who cares for patients with complex pancreatic and biliary diseases, pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, endoscopic management of benign and malignant obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, and management of post-operative complications such as fistulas, leaks, and strictures. 

He has expertise in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound, endoluminal stent placement, endoscopic dilation, endoscopic mucosal resection and ablation, endoscopic fundoplication, complex polypectomy, staging of GI cancers, management of GI bleeding, and closure of luminal defects.

A large focus of Dr. DiMaio’s practice is devoted to the management of patients with both benign and malignant diseases of the pancreas, including pancreatic cancer and cysts, acute and chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, pancreatic fluid collections and necrosis, and early detection of pancreatic neoplasms in high-risk individuals.

In his new role, the Woodbury,  resident will treat patients with gastrointestinal disorders at St. Francis Hospital, which in 2021 was rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals in the nation for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery.

Additionally, he will help lead the development of a comprehensive multidisciplinary Digestive Disease Center for Catholic Health and develop patient-centered programs for a variety of complex GI disorders.

“St. Francis and Catholic Health are leaders in providing high quality, compassionate care for Long Islanders.  I am honored to join this renowned organization and healthcare system,” DiMaio said. “We are living in an era of unmatched innovation in gastroenterology and endoscopy. Working hand-in-hand with leaders in surgery, oncology, and other services, our goal is assure that patients with GI disorders have access to the most cutting-edge treatments, techniques, and technology right here in their backyard.”

DiMaio earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine. He completed training in internal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he also served as chief medical resident. He completed fellowship training in gastroenterology at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and a fellowship in Advanced Endoscopy from the Massachusetts General Hospital/Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School program.

“St. Francis over the years has earned a strong national reputation for its gastroenterology program,” said St. Francis President Charles L. Lucore. “Dr. DiMaio’s expertise will allow us to further enhance the care we provide and meet the growing demand from the communities we serve.”

More information on the gastroenterology treatment options offered by Catholic Health may be obtained by visiting chsli.org or calling 866-MY-LI-DOC.

TAGGED: Catholic Health
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