Dr. Panaccione is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary, Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic, Director of the Gastrointestinal Research , and an internationally recognized expert in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). His special interest lies in the implementation and performance of clinical trials of new therapies in IBD. He also performs research in identifying new targets to develop new therapies in IBD. The University of Calgary IBD Clinical Trials Unit is ranked among the top five units in the world. He is the recipient of the Finkelstein award, the highest award given out by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for dedication and contribution to the field of IBD as well as the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Visiting Professor award recognizing his expertise and excellence in education.