Michele Rubin is an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), masters prepared as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Certified in Gastroenterology Nursing. She has 32 years experience in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at the University of Chicago Medical Center ranging from positions in nursing leadership, IBD research, to Clinical Nurse Specialist. Caring for patients with IBD has become her passion over the years. She works closely with a multidisciplinary IBD patient management team at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Michele is currently in a collaborative practice as an APN with four IBD surgeons managing the pre- and post-surgical follow up care of IBD patients. She collects data for research and manages the long term follow up of patients with a J pouch and associated complications such as pouchitis. Michele believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support they need to become active participates in decision-making with their plan of care and to ensure a safe and successful surgical recovery. In addition, Michele lectures on IBD and has co-authored numerous articles. She is a member of the Society of Gastrointestinal Registered Nurse Association, Society of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nurses and is a professional member of the Crohn’s Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). She is on the CCFA National Board of Trustees as a Nurse Liaison. She has initiated a CCFA Nursing Task Force comprised of 18 IBD nurses across the country to facilitate and promote IBD patient and professional education, establish IBD standards of nursing practice and advocate for patients and families affected by IBD to increased public awareness and research to find a cure.