MSSN’s Frank Gress honored with award

In recognition of his contributions to digestive health and patient care, Dr. Frank Gress, chief of gastroenterology and director of interventional endoscopy at Mount Sinai South Nassau — hostobapy used by Baldwin residents — was awarded the title of “Master” by the American College of Gastroenterology during the 2023 ACG Annual Scientific Meeting in Vancouver, Canada.

The designation of “Master” is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in clinical practice, research, education, and service within the field of gastroenterology. Gress received this accolade in acknowledgment of his leadership and influential role in promoting high standards of patient care and digestive health.

“I am humbled and honored by this award,” Gress said. “This award not only reflects on my efforts but on those of our entire gastroenterology team at Mount Sinai South Nassau. We are focused on advancing the field—and on the care we provide to our patients we see each and every day, keeping them as our primary focus.”

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s president, Dr. Adhi Sharma, applauded Gress for his career and leadership, particularly in the development of the hospital’s gastroenterology and interventional endoscopy programs. Sharma emphasized Gress’s dedication to improving patient care, educating residents and fellows, and his esteemed reputation among peers, patients, and their families.

“We applaud Dr. Gress for his leadership, exemplary career in gastroenterology, and development of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s gastroenterology and interventional endoscopy programs,” said Sharma. “He is truly dedicated to improving patient care and educating our residents and fellows and is respected by his peers and valued by his patients and their families, both for his insight and compassion.”

Gress, also the program director for the gastroenterology fellowship at Mount Sinai South Nassau, holds the position of lead for therapeutic endoscopy for the Mount Sinai Health System on Long Island. Additionally, he serves as a professor of gastroenterology medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

A board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Gress has contributed to advancing interventional gastroenterology, with a focus on endoscopic ultrasound for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. His expertise includes fine needle aspiration and endoscopic ultrasound-guided procedures to address pain associated with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Gress’s extensive clinical and research experience spans pancreatic disease, gallbladder and bile duct diseases, esophageal disorders, and the endoscopic diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal malignancies. He has been actively involved in multicenter and collaborative studies, contributing to advancements in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and pancreatitis.

In addition to his clinical contributions, Gress has played leadership roles in national GI societies, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Gastroenterological Association.

Currently, he serves on the American College of Gastroenterology Innovation and Technology Committee and is the college governor representing Long Island. Gress has also been the past president of the New York Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

As a testament to his commitment to education, Gress has authored over 100 original research articles, numerous book chapters, and editorials.

He has edited two highly regarded endoscopic ultrasound textbooks and co-edited a textbook on pancreatic disease.

Gress’s recognition as a “Master” by the ACG solidifies his standing as a distinguished leader in the field of gastroenterology, furthering the mission of promoting excellence in patient care and digestive health