Ellen M Zimmermann, MD

I’m a board-certified gastroenterologist with over 25 years of experience treating patients for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, in addition to microscopic colitis and collagenous colitis. In addition to my clinical expertise, I am a professor in the University of Florida Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition. I’m also dedicated to advancing IBD treatments and run my own research lab. My lab focuses on researching new therapies and addressing the knowledge gap. We hone in on vulnerable populations who are at risk of falling through the crack of our health care system, including those who are uninsured, under-represented and transitioning from pediatric to adult care.

My training began at the University of Wisconsin, where I completed my medical degree and subsequently completed my internship and residency at UW Hospital and Clinics. During this time, I took interest in gastroenterology for its vast array of disease processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Thereafter, I completed a gastroenterology fellowship at University of Michigan Medical Center and a research fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Here at UF, we thrive on teamwork to provide leading-edge clinical care using the latest tools and techniques. Patients benefit from comprehensive care, delivered by our array of specialized professionals, such as nurses, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists and pharmacists.

Additionally, I serve as the associate dean for faculty development and vice chair of academic affairs in the UF College of Medicine, where I foster an institutional climate of inclusion to create rewarding and satisfying careers. I have published over 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and I have spoken internationally on the natural history of Crohn’s disease and other topics. Throughout my career, I’ve also held active roles in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and received a Distinguished Service Award in 2007 for my contributions to the field.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling and anything nature-oriented, especially the flora and fauna of North Central Florida and coastlines.