Melissa Adams VanHouten and Dr. Baharak Moshiree share their unique perspectives on gastroparesis, a disease that affects normal emptying of the stomach. Dr. Moshiree treats gastroparesis patients like Melissa, who has been living with the disease since 2014. Melissa shares her patient journey while Dr. Moshiree sheds light on what it’s like to help patients manage gastroparesis. You’ll learn about their key challenges and efforts to advocate for change.
Dr. Baharak Moshiree
Baha Moshiree MD, MS-CI is Professor of Medicine and Director of Motility, in the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina (Atrium Health). She has previously completed subspecialty training in gastroenterology at the University of Florida and received a master’s degree in clinical investigation with a focus in functional and motility disorders during fellowship training on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) T32 grant. Her specific expertise is in the diagnosis and management of patients with chronic gastrointestinal illnesses such as complex esophageal disorders, gastroparesis, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation. Her research has focused on the multidimensional pathophysiology of IBS and pain mechanisms in functional bowel disorders applying mindfulness-based therapy to patients with IBS and investigating biomarkers for this debilitating disorder. She also receives grant support from the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation investigating targeted treatments for the GI symptoms in patients with CF. Other research roles have involved use of the wireless motility capsule for investigating gastroparesis and slow transit constipation for the diagnosis of upper and lower GI symptoms. Her work has been presented at Digestive Diseases Week, the Federation of Neurogastroenterology and Motility Meeting in Amsterdam, in 2018 and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) meetings. Baha Is a Fellow of ACG, newly elected ACG Governor for North Carolina and on council for the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society, AGA council member, and a Research Fellow of the AGA and ACG.
Melissa Adams VanHouten
Melissa Adams VanHouten is a former university political science instructor and corporate trainer who holds a B.S. in Political Science from St. Joseph’s College and an M.A. in Political Science from Indiana State University. After being diagnosed with gastroparesis in February of 2014, she became a passionate advocate for those in her community who feel voiceless and ignored. Currently, as the Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders (AGMD) Public Policy and Outreach Director, International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Patient Advisory Committee member, co-author of the book, “Real Life Diaries: Living with Gastroparesis,” and creator and administrator of several online patient support and advocacy groups, she spends her days advancing the cause of those who struggle with the sometimes devastating and life-altering effects of gastroparesis and other chronic illnesses. It is her fondest desire to empower others to advocate for awareness, better treatments, and, ultimately, cures.
