1983 - Baylor establishes Diagnostic Center for Digestive Diseases

Pictured: Dr. John Fordtran teaching, 1980s History: In 1983, in response to an evident need, Baylor established the Diagnostic Center for Digestive Diseases, the first center of its kind in the United States. This center performed vital research and developed comprehensive evaluation methods that went beyond endoscopy and X-ray, the most common testing at the time. Dr. John Fordtran was in charge of the clinical research. Some of these pioneering diagnostics included anal manometry testing, lactose intolerance testing, and testing for malabsorption. This testing allowed physicians to evaluate a patient in greater detail than ever before. The center also introduced stomal therapists and dietitians working together and working directly with patients.