Gail Hecht
M.D.
Professor
FCO Division Director, Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Microbiology and Immunology
CONTACT INFORMATION
Locations
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital
Board Certifications
Gastroenterology - Subspecialty Cert: AM Board of Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine - General Cert: AM Board of Internal Medicine
Research Summary
The focus of Dr. Hechts research is host-pathogen interactions with specific emphasis on enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli. Her goal is to determine how the bacterial effector proteins that are translocated into intestinal epithelial cells by these pathogens alter host cell physiology including tight junction barrier function, active ion transport processes, and the innate immune response. Her research is funded by both the NIH and the VA. She also has an interest in the gut microbiome and its impact on intestinal function and health.
Education
Medical School
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Residency
University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics, Internal Medicine
Fellowship
Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Gastroenterology
Biography
Dr. Hecht is Professor of Medicine and Microbiology/Immunology and Chief, Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Loyola University Chicago. She earned her MD from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, completed Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Her initial faculty appointment was at the University of Illinois Chicago where she rose through the ranks to Professor and was appointed Chief of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition. She relocated to Loyola in her current position in January 2013. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of a new journal Gut Microbes published by Landes Bioscience. Dr. Hecht has been very active in the American Gastroenterological Association functioning as Chair of the Intestinal Disorders Section of the AGA Council, as Basic Research Councilor to the Governing Board and ultimately serving as President from 2009-2010, only the second woman to serve in that capacity.
Interests & Hobbies
Exercise