A Growing Global Hub for IBD Research And Care
Now marking its 20th anniversary, the Advanced IBD Fellowship has evolved from a small program with one or two trainees each year, into the largest of its kind in the world.
“That kind of growth is only possible because of the Spin for Sinai community,” says Dr. Zane Gallinger. “Their support not only expanded this program, it’s helping set the global standard for IBD care through the people we train and the work they go on to do.”
Below are this year’s cohort of first and second-year Fellows — emerging leaders who will shape the future of IBD around the world.
Sinai Health IBD Fellows
Dr. Tali Sharar Fischler, Israel
Dr. Tali Sharar Fischler completed her gastroenterology training at Rabin Medical Center in Israel, combining patient care with IBD research. As a Fellow, she is building expertise in treating complex cases while studying how Crohn’s disease develops. Her work focuses on identifying early warning signs — using tools like the microbiome, metabolism and diet — with the goal of prediction and prevention.
Dr. Jeongseok Kim, South Korea
With a background in lower GI diseases and IBD care in South Korea, Dr. Jeongseok Kim is now a second-year Fellow at Sinai Health, where he continues his advanced training. He is studying dietary emulsifiers, spatial neoplasia patterns in ulcerative colitis and therapeutic drug monitoring, while also continuing his PhD on the microbiome in IBD patients on biologics.
Dr. Lakshman Kumar, Ireland
Dr. Lakshman Kumar is a gastroenterologist trained in Ireland, whose research work centers on intestinal ultrasound and its role in early disease assessment, prediction of outcomes, treatment monitoring and therapeutic decision making. His interests lie in translating innovative monitoring strategies into practical tools that support more responsive, individualized IBD care.
Dr. Hayley Logan, Australia
Dr. Hayley Logan completed her gastroenterology training in Australia and is now investigating acute severe ulcerative colitis and what predicts treatment response in perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease, a severe complication where tunnels (fistulas) develop between the anal canal and skin, affecting up to 30% of Crohn’s patients. Her goal is to generate real-world evidence that helps clinicians make faster, more informed treatment decisions.
Dr. Cathy McShane, Ireland
Trained in Ireland, Dr. Cathy McShane is now a second-year Fellow, bringing both clinical expertise and a research background focused on emerging IBD therapies. At Sinai Health, she is investigating how diet may trigger Crohn’s disease and assessing the real-world effectiveness of new IBD treatments — work that bridges scientific insight with practical patient impact.
Dr. Bruno Silva, Brazil
Trained in Brazil, Dr. Bruno Silva holds a Master’s degree in Medicine and Health. His work focuses on clinical care and research in IBD, with an interest in advanced therapies and real-world outcomes. For example, he recently presented at the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation annual meeting in Stockholm, where his analysis showed the medication, risankizumab, may be more effective than ustekinumab in achieving both clinical and endoscopic remission in Crohn’s disease.
Training tomorrow’s surgeons: Dr. Nusrat Iqbal
At Sinai Health, fellows in the Colorectal Surgical Fellowship train in one of the world’s most complex, high-volume IBD programs, gaining hands-on experience that shapes their future care. Dr. Nusrat Iqbal is currently completing the prestigious, University of Toronto–affiliated program under Dr. Mantaj Brar. Support from Spin for Sinai enables international trainees like Dr. Iqbal to access this advanced training and bring that expertise back to patients at home.
