Michele's Story

My name is Michele Kissous-Hunt and I am a physician's assistant treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). I have been working in an IBD practice on the upper east side of Manhattan for the past 26 years and I am affiliated with Mount Sinai Medical Center. Additionally, I currently serve as a trustee on the National Board of Trustees of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and co-chair the Nurse & Advanced Practice Committee of the Foundation’s National Scientific Advisory Committee. These roles have allowed me to impact patients' lives directly on a personal level and more broadly with respect to research and public health policy in the field.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at age 15. As a teenager, this already challenging time in my life was made even more so as I had to learn to adjust to this new condition. I had just emigrated from Israel, not speaking English, and now faced navigating all the challenges of Crohn's disease. Although I had amazing physicians, there were not as many treatments available at the time. Fortunately, the field has come a long way with ongoing research. My experience as an IBD patient inspired me to pursue a career in medicine and specifically to take care of IBD patients and to make a difference in their lives. As a physician's assistant, I spend my days caring for, educating, empowering, and advocating for many IBD patients.  

During college, I met my husband who was inspired to become a colorectal surgeon after witnessing the incredible care that I received as a patient. Having such genuine support from my husband gave me the strength to continue to work towards empowering others and help patients with IBD know they are not alone. Together we are always doing our best to go above and beyond to ensure that our IBD patients get the best possible care with the least amount of suffering. 

One of the highlights of my job is the relationships that I develop with my patients. Since this is a chronic disease, I get to see my patients frequently and experience some of their happy times as well as the ups and downs of the disease. When I discuss their symptoms, medications, complications, surgeries, I understand what they are going through firsthand. I have experienced it myself as a patient and this allows me to relate on a different level as a healthcare provider. I always strive to give patients the absolute best quality of life and to make sure to take the time to listen. I review with them the reasons for ordering specific tests, what I am looking for, the importance of healthcare maintenance and medication adherence as well as the need to take this disease seriously. I strive to make a difference in their lives and encourage them to take control of their disease by empowering them with knowledge.

Since I was diagnosed, I have seen how the field has progressed and continues to evolve. There are many unanswered questions to this day that need to be answered to get us closer to a cure; and funding research is critical to get us there. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation supports basic science research as well as clinical research, all while keeping the patients in mind and making improved patient care and quality of life priorities. My wish is that everyone affected by IBD - whether a patient, family or a friend - will get involved in helping us get closer to a cure. There are many different ways that we can all make an impact.  

As a patient, an advocate, a provider, and a National Trustee for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, I can honestly say that this is an incredible organization. The passion and dedication at every level is amazing. Patients undoubtedly must be introduced to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation’s vast resources and webinars that are available on their website. These resources include advocacy, the latest research that is being supported, and many excellent publications by top IBD specialists around the world. This includes the hard work and dedication that has been demonstrated during this pandemic, providing the most up to date resources regarding the effects of COVID on IBD patients. 

For patients who are newly diagnosed or are currently going through a tough time due to their IBD, I would like to tell you that now there are treatments that can control your disease, slow down the progression and improve your quality of life. You are not alone…there is an amazing community out there! The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation can connect you to all the best resources you need. You can live a productive life, have a family and be very successful at whatever it is that you choose.

I encourage everyone to get involved, join the Foundation and help support, advocate and move our mission forward together towards a world without IBD.