Join us for a day of learning and connecting IBD patients and caregivers of all ages with helpful resources and the latest research, treatments, and therapies for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Don’t miss our special breakout session for diverse communities, Representation Matters: Expanding Diversity in Research for New IBD Therapies.
For full detailed agenda: Click Here
Time | Program Details |
8:30 - 9 a.m. CT | Registration/Visit Exhibits/Networking |
9 - 9:05 a.m. CT | Welcome |
9:05 - 10:20 a.m. CT | General Session |
10:20 - 10:40 a.m. CT | Q & A Panel |
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. CT | Break |
11 - 11:25 a.m. CT | Breakout Session I |
11:30 - 11:55 a.m. CT | Breakout Session II |
12 - 12:25 p.m. CT | Breakout Session III |
12:30 - 12:50 p.m. CT | Q & A Panel |
12:50 p.m. CT | Closing |
For full detailed agenda: Click Here |
Program Details |
8:30 – 9 a.m. CT Registration/Visit Exhibits/Networking |
9 - 10:40 a.m. CT Welcome & General Session |
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. CT Break & Visit Exhibits |
11 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. CT Adult-specific & Pediatric-specific Breakout Sessions |
12:25 - 12:50 p.m. CT Q & A Panel |
12:50 p.m. CT Adjourn |
For full detailed agenda: Click Here |
Representation Matters: Expanding Diversity in Research on New IBD Therapies
11:30 - 11:55 a.m. CT

Chinelo Okafor, MD, FAAP (she/her/hers)
Medical Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Advocate Children’s Hospital
During this session, attendees will be able to hear from an IBD healthcare expert who will discuss the importance of clinical trials and its benefits to diverse communities.
![]() Rebecca Casini, DO NorthShore University HealthSystem ICN Representative |
![]() Noa Krugliak Cleveland, MD The University of Chicago Medicine |
![]() Jonathan Cordova, DO NorthShore University HealthSystem ICN Representative |
![]() Amar Naik, MD Midwest Digestive Health and Nutrition |
![]() Chinelo Okafor, MD Advocate Children's Hospital |
![]() Joseph Runde, DO Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago ICN Representative |
![]() Daniel Stein, MD Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin |
![]() Lori Welstead, RD The University of Chicago Medicine |
![]() Eugene Yen, MD Northwestern Medicine |
Check-In
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. CT
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering for this program, please sign up for one of our designated slots here.
Getting to the Venue
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago is just five minutes from O’Hare International Airport and steps from the Chicago CTA Blue Line. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle to and from O'Hare.
Parking
Parking is available on-site at a discounted rate of $17.00/vehicle for conference attendees.
Additional public parking is available across the street at the East Parking Garage.
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago - discounted hotel rate
Rooms are available to conference attendees, at a discounted rate. Learn more here.
COVID-19 Related Safety Protocols
- Masks are optional
- Please practice social distancing whenever possible
- Frequent cleaning & sanitizing of guest space will be provided
- Hand sanitizing stations available throughout the event space
Refreshments
A continental breakfast with gluten free/vegetarian options will be served. Refreshments & Coffee service will be available throughout the day. We will do our best to offer a variety of options for different dietary needs. If you have specific needs, you are welcome to bring your own food/beverage to the venue.
Picture/Video Disclaimer
Photographs and/or video will be taken at this program. By attending this program, you grant full permission to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for the free use of your picture and voice in any broadcast, telecast, print account or any other account in any medium of this event, and acknowledge that the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation does hereby have the unrestrained right in perpetuity to own, utilize, or alter any such pictures or video of me, in any manner it may see fit and for any purpose whatsoever.
Course Directors | ||
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Russell D. Cohen, MD The University of Chicago Medicine |
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Michele Rubin, APN, CSN, CGRN The University of Chicago Medicine |
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Eugene Yen, MD Northwestern Medicine |
Patient and Caregiver Program Co-Chairs | ||
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Jonathan Cordova, DO NorthShore University HealthSystem ICN Representative |
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Amar Naik, MD Midwest Digestive Health and Nutrition |
For more information, please contact Kelly Fitzgerald, Senior Manager, Education & Engagement at [email protected].
To learn more about and connect with ImproveCareNow, visit improvecarenow.org.
Thank you to the following supporters:
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