Dr. Franciosi will be tasked with leading the vision for research, education, and advocacy. This work will be instrumental in developing and providing access to new treatments for pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. He will also lead Norton Children’s team of physicians and staff dedicated to treating pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including esophagus, stomach, small and large intestinal tract, liver and pancreas conditions, as well as nutritional issues.

“I am excited and honored to lead the Norton Children’s Gastroenterology team and the UofL Division of Gastroenterology,” Dr. Franciosi said. “Our vision is to develop and expand our group of physicians and GI healthcare team members to provide outstanding care to patients throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. There is a great opportunity to grow our research and create more access, so everyone in our region can receive care close to home.”

Dr. Franciosi was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has practiced at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and recently Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Florida. He is leading efforts in pediatric GI personalized medicine research, and also a specialized condition called eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic immune condition that leads to inflammation of the esophagus.

“Jim has established himself as one of the top pediatric GI physicians in the country, and we’re excited for him to join our team,” said Susan Strack, system vice president, pediatric services, Norton Children’s. “Norton Children’s knows GI is a core service that is critical to providing comprehensive care for our patients. I look forward to seeing his vision unfold as we work to grow this department to ensure children are able to get the specialty care they need, where they live.”

“Gastroenterology is one of those core services that contributes to a comprehensive care delivery system. It is a goal of the UofL Department of Pediatrics to grow this program, and Jim’s hiring as the division chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition will elevate that mission,” said Kimberly A. Boland, M.D., chief of staff, Norton Children’s Hospital, and Chair of Pediatrics at the UofL School of Medicine. “His focus on developing personalized care for children with GI disorders has greatly advanced child health. Our faculty, staff, fellows, residents and medical students are eager to benefit from his experience.”

Dr. Franciosi began his position on Oct. 1.

About the University of Louisville Department of Pediatrics: The University of Louisville (U of L) Department of Pediatrics, part of U of L’s School of Medicine, aims to provide inclusive excellence in clinical care, medical education, pediatric research and community advocacy to meet the health-related needs of children. The faculty are researchers who explore innovation in pediatric medicine, serve on local, regional and national committees and organizations while helping set standards of care and formulate new models of treatment. They are educators, focused on training the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. In addition, our faculty serves as pediatricians who provide services of Kentucky and the region through our affiliation with Norton Children's Hospital. For more information, visit the department website.