Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program
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Not every medical professional is an expert in Celiac Disease. If you’re looking for medical professionals in Michigan who “get it,” you might want to seek out those involved in the Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program.
What is “Michigan Medicine?”
This title encompasses medical care thru University of Michigan. They offer services thru many locations. This includes the main hospital in downtown Ann Arbor. However it also includes offices and clinics in Ypsilanti, Chelsea, and even Flint. Michigan Medicine provides medical care for just about any health need.
Where is the Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program?
This unique collaborative program doesn’t rely on a central location. Instead, the program functions at various locations in the greater Detroit area. These include the Brighton Center for Specialty Care, Northville, and Dexter. Sites also include U of M’s main hospital and Mott Children’s hospital, both located in An Arbor. Doctors in this program also have privileges in other locations. See a complete list of the Celiac Disease Treatment Locations, here.
Why not have the program completely under one roof? When the program started in 2015, the doctors associated with the program felt multiple locations allowed their patients more accessability. For instance, those from Lansing or Flint can drive into Brighton, versus downtown Ann Arbor. Those who live in Ann Arbor or farther south may find the main campus easier to get to.
What Kind of Doctors Work in the Celiac Disease Program?
Because Celiac Disease primarily affects the intestinal tract, most doctors in this program hold a specialty in gastroenterology. However, this program also includes almost a dozen dietitians who specialize in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, there is are 2 psychologists in their program, to help people cope with the psycho – social side of living with Celiac Disease.
Pediatric Gastroenterologists that Specialize in Celiac Disease
The Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program sees patients young and old. Their pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Grace Jennifer Lee, sees patients at Mott Children’s Hospital, but also at other locations, such as Brighton. She also has privliges at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Dr. Lee also helps children transition to other doctors in the program once they become adults.
Adult Gastroenterologists that Specialize in Celiac Disease
For adults, there are many gastroenterologists who see patients. However, there are two I recommend, who specialize in Celiac Disease. First is Dr Shanti Lynne Eswaran, who gets wonderful reviews from many of my followers. Dr. Ryan Fauble and Dr. Michael Rice also list Celiac Disease as their area of practice. Others have also mentioned Dr. John Del Valle. You can schedule appointments with them at the main campus in Ann Arbor, or at one of their satellite campuses, such as Brighton or Northville.
Why Should I See a Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program Dietitian?
For starters, not all dietitians are knowledgeable about Celiac Disease. Dietitians in this GI Program not only help you after your immediate diagnosis, but can also help trouble shoot other persistent symptoms. Amanda Lynett comes highly recommended. Here’s how she offers guidance to her patients.
We are now 100% virtual so no need to drive to a center. I teach a group class to introduce Gluten Free Living to all new Celiac patients. Then we meet 1-on-1 with patients roughly 2-4 weeks later.. From there we decide how frequent we meet. If they have other non-celiac symptoms we can address things like FODMAP, EPI, etc.
Amanda Lynett
We must remember that Celiac Disease does not prevent us from other health issues, and gluten may not always be the culprit of our malaise. Staying in touch with a dietitian is helpful as our life changes.
What are the Benefits of Seeing A Gastro Psychologist?
Does your Celiac Disease leave you feeling anxious? Do you find difficulty communicating your needs with friends and family? (Don’t we all?) Dr Megan Riehl explains in her post about the GI Behavioral Therapy department who would benefit from this therapy, and what techniques they use.
What About Those with Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
Doctors in the Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program also see patients with non celiac gluten sensitivity. When talking to the main scheduling center, all cases involving Celiac Disease and gluten sensitivity are referred to these doctors. Dr William Chey is highly knowledgeable about the FODMAP diet and IBS/IBD.
How Can I Make an Appointment for Any of these Services?
Right now, all appointments with Celic Disease program medical professionals go through the Michigan Medicine central system. That phone number is 888-229-7408. They will find appointment times that will fit your schedule, and location. However, remember that an appointment location closest to you may not always be the earliest appointment. Make sure to specify that you want an appointment with a gastroenterologist that specializes in Celiac Disease.
Gluten Free Dining in Ann Arbor and Brighton
Looking at traveling to the main hospital in Ann Arbor? Check out my list of Ann Arbor gluten free dining options. Also, University of Michigan dining halls offer fantastic options for students. Visit Tasty Bakery for gluten free baked goods.
If you head to Brighton, you can visit The Village at the Oxford Center for a dedicated gluten free lunch and baked goods. Also make sure to visit No More Belly Aching, just one of many dedicated gluten free bakers in Michigan.
Originally Published May 2020
This is such a great post, Margaret, thank you for sharing! I’ve been seeing a gastroenterologist and a dietitian in this program at the Taubman Center for just over a year now. I wish I’d had them in my life eight years ago but I am so grateful for their care now! It is really great of you to spread the word about this incredible program we have here in Michigan.
So glad to hear that you’re receiving great care there. So many people reach out to me for doctor referrals, and have no idea this program exists. I hope by writing this I can help people get the great medical care they deserve.
I have a GI doctor in the program. Luckily, I don’t have any terrible gut issues that come with celiac disease. Of course, a GI doctor wants to test, test, test. I wish they had internists for celiacs that would look beyond the gut to the other numerous other parts of the body. My internist often has to be reminded I have celiac disease so it seems disconnected. I’ve had labs that were off due to the parathyroid and anemia. I had to do a lot of personal research to understand the issues. I don’t think it would be a bad idea to have a real clinic under one roof. My internist offers psychology help and my GI doctor offers dietitians but I feel hesitant to take them up on it since I am mainly doing well. Maybe a support group? I know this blog offers support hearing from others with the same issues.
Dear Donna,
Tri County Celiac Support Group meets in Farmington Hills and could be a great resource for you.
I am in the process of being diagnosed. I had a weak positive ttG IgA but I only consumed gluten probably 60-75% of the days leading up to blood work. I have two children with celiac disease so we keep our house 100% gluten free. I wanted to get in with this practice but when I tried to schedule the first consultation with them today they don’t have any openings until Sept 22. So now I’m not sure what to do…. Keep eating gluten until then or stop and then start again a month before. I have zero GI symptoms but a few other things going on that could be celiac related. My eyesight seems like it is changing and changing quickly – but I’m over 40 so that may just be age related. I’ve been getting headaches but maybe due to the glasses I’ve been wearing so I can see my computer screen. And I’m seeing a cardiologist next month for some tachycardia. Just finished a 30 day event monitor. I’ve read celiac can cause some heart issues but not sure about specifics with that. And I’m Vitamin D deficient. Taking a supplement but guessing it won’t absorb until I stop eating gluten and intestines heal.
September is definitely a long time to wait. Sorry to hear that they can’t get you in sooner. For a gluten challenge, University of Chicago says you only need to eat 1/2 slice of bread or a cracker each day. Prior to blood testing they recommend 12 weeks of eating gluten.
Prior to an endoscopic biopsy they recommend 2 weeks of eating gluten. For now, I’d continue eating gluten until your biposy.
I was diagnosed with celiac 9 years ago and my 12 year old son was just diagnosed last month. Dr. Lee at UM did his EGD. She is fabulous. I’m an NP and am pretty picky about healthcare providers. She was super appropriate and kind and got us looped into a visit with the dietitian right away. It’s been a vastly different experience for my son than what I had when I was diagnosed and I will be eternally grateful.
Love hearing this feedback. I’m so glad to hear that she was able to get you connected with a dietitian right away. It definitely gives parents peace of mind when their kids receive excellent care.
Dr. Eswaran and Dr. Riehl at University of Michigan have been godsends. I mean it quite literally when I say that they saved my life. After being with two GI doctors before U of M and doing poorly after my diagnosis, transferring my care there was the best choice I ever made. Their knowledge surpassed my prior two doctors combined, and they really take the time to look at the whole picture of you as a patient. If you’re contemplating being seen there, don’t hesitate! The wait time is truly awful to get established, but ask to be put on a cancellation list and call periodically for openings. You’ll be in excellent hands.
Dear Caroline, thank you so much for this excellent feedback. Being treated as a “whole person” makes a huge difference.
Dr Jennifer Mitsuya pediatric Gastro out of Beaumont (Corewell) Troy and Royal Oak.
Thank you for this suggestion! It’s so helpful to know names of reputable doctors who understand Celiac Disease.