Medical Professional of the Month:
Dr. Mohamed Naem, M.D.
A high-five is what Dr. Mohamed Naem looks forward to most in his job as a gastroenterologist with NorthShore. Why? It’s the way he celebrates with a patient once they go into remission for their inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
IBD is a disease that affects the digestive tract. The two most common forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They’re chronic diseases, meaning they have no cure. However, with the right form of treatment, IBD patients can go into remission, which means they can live a normal life.
Dr. Naem explains that IBD has very vague symptoms, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, change in bowel habits, or diarrhea. If people are having these symptoms, it’s important for them to come in and see if anything is going on, just to be proactive.
How do you treat IBD?
Once diagnosed with IBD, either from an endoscopy or another form of imaging, people are scared at first. When they come to a gastroenterologist, “they’re taking a leap of faith; they’re putting their trust in you,” says Dr. Naem. The next step is to form a plan for therapy, treatment and follow-ups.
He makes sure to address all aspects of his patient’s needs by treating IBD in a multi-faceted approach. “It’s not just medicine, we talk about diet, we talk about preventative care, getting vaccinations.” Dr. Naem works closely with nutritionists, primary care doctors, and surgeons to make sure his patients receive effective treatment.
Dedicated to Helping IBD Patients
Dr. Naem mostly sees general gastroenterology patients, but he has a sub-specialty in IBD. He dedicates Fridays to working the IBD clinic, and makes extra time for these patients to address questions and concerns. He’s also on the board of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in Cleveland. His involvement with the foundation is an avenue for him to tell patients about support groups and opportunities for them to meet people who are going through the same thing, creating a sense of community.
A main focus for Dr. Naem is to make sure his patients are treated like family. “We are here to make you live a normal life, this is not the end of the world,” he says. “This is just one bump we have to get over together, and we will be high-fiving in six months.”
7580 Northcliff Ave., Suite 1000, Brooklyn, OH 44144, (216) 663-7064
Liner Legal as an Additional Resource
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are considered disabilities by the Social Security Administration. If your IBD is preventing you from maintaining a job, contact us to see if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
