Mount Sinai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Prevention Clinic
Mount Sinai has established the world’s first inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prevention clinic, a groundbreaking initiative co-directed by Elizabeth A. Spencer, MD, MS, and Ryan U. Ungaro, MD, MS, at the Susan and Leonard Feinstein Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Center. Together, they lead a collaborative team uniting Mount Sinai’s pediatric and adult IBD programs under one preventive framework.
Supported by The Goldsmith Family IBD Prevention Program, this pioneering clinic reflects Mount Sinai’s commitment to advancing precision health and early intervention for children and families at risk for IBD.
Services Offered
Our program is designed to identify and support individuals at increased risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through proactive, non-invasive evaluation and personalized care. By combining advanced diagnostics with evidence-based prevention strategies, we aim to detect early changes, clarify individual risk, and guide patients with tailored recommendations and ongoing monitoring. Our multidisciplinary approach empowers patients with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand and potentially reduce their risk over time.
- Comprehensive Risk Assessment:
Non-invasive evaluation for first-degree relatives of patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, who face a higher lifetime risk of developing IBD. - Advanced Diagnostic Testing:
- Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) to detect early changes in the intestinal wall
- Blood-based immune and inflammatory biomarkers
- Stool calprotectin testing for early intestinal inflammation
- Personalized Risk Profiles:
Integration of test results into a tailored risk summary and individualized follow-up plan. - Preventive Counseling:
Evidence-based guidance on nutrition, environmental exposures, stress, sleep, and gut health to help lower risk. - Ongoing Monitoring:
Age- and risk-adjusted schedules for reassessment and early detection.
Populations Served
- First-degree relatives of patients with IBD (ages 6 to 50)
- Families seeking early risk assessment and prevention strategies
Why Mount Sinai?
Mount Sinai offers a uniquely comprehensive approach to IBD prevention, combining clinical innovation, leading expertise, and a strong focus on families at risk. Our program brings together advanced technology and multidisciplinary care to identify early changes, support proactive health decisions, and contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at preventing disease before it begins.
- First-of-Its-Kind Program: The only dedicated clinical service worldwide focused solely on IBD prevention.
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Collaboration among gastroenterologists, nutritionists, psychologists, and researchers who specialize in IBD risk and early detection.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Intestinal ultrasound provides real-time, radiation-free imaging to identify subtle changes before symptoms occur.
- Research Integration: Participants may choose to join ongoing studies to advance new preventive strategies and move closer to a cure.
- Family-Centered Care: Designed for children, teens, and young adults—bringing reassurance and proactive health planning to families with IBD heritage.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an evaluation in the IBD Prevention Clinic, call 212-241-8100.
Appointments are currently offered once a month at the Feinstein IBD Center, 17 East 102nd Street, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10029.
FAQ: IBD Prevention
Who can be seen in the clinic?
First-degree relatives (children, siblings, or parents) of individuals with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, ages 6 to 50.
What does the visit include?
A full intestinal ultrasound, blood and stool testing, and personalized counseling on IBD risk and prevention. Visits run about one to two hours long depending on the needs of the participant.
Is participation in research required?
No. Clinical care is independent of research participation. Those interested can opt into ongoing studies to support discovery of new preventive strategies.
How often are follow-ups?
Depending on your results and risk level—typically every one to two years for low-risk participants or sooner if results suggest higher risk.