NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (July 16, 2025) – Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute (DHI) has recruited Christy M. Dunst, MD, FACS, FAFS, a respected researcher and advanced gastrointestinal surgeon and endoscopist, to helm Hoag’s Heartburn & Foregut Center of Excellence, the first of many Centers of Excellence within DHI.
The Center’s mission is to treat not just pre-cancers but pre-pre-cancers – such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to precancerous Barrett’s esophagus. Dr. Dunst comes to Hoag from The Oregon Clinic and Providence Portland Medical Center, where she served as Medical Director of Foregut Surgery.
“Hoag recognizes that while 20 million people nationwide could benefit from seeing a foregut specialist, only about 25,000 specialized anti-reflux procedures are performed each year,” she says. “This gap reflects the need for greater awareness and understanding around heartburn and foregut conditions. I’m excited to join a high-volume center committed to closing that gap and providing people with the preventive, specialized care they need.”
Through the leadership of Kenneth Chang, MD, the James & Pamela Muzzy Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair in GI Cancer, Digestive Health Institute at Hoag, Hoag’s four Digestive Centers of Excellence will also include Weight & Metabolism, Colon & IBD, and Digestive Oncology. The Centers of Excellence approach underscores Hoag’s commitment to serving the complex and diverse health needs of Orange County and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Dunst, a long-time advocate for foregut fellowships and specialized training, applauds Hoag’s innovative vision for advancing digestive health.
“When you look at the rising rates of esophageal cancer and the growing burden of GI issues like obesity, it’s clear we need to build a stronger frontline,” Dr. Dunst said. “Hoag is addressing this need head-on by expanding access to anti-reflux procedures, which are a vital part of preventing advanced esophageal disease and cancer. These procedures also significantly improve quality of life for those suffering from persistent mild to moderate symptoms.”
Dr. Chang said that Dr. Dunst’s deep expertise, patient-centric focus and visionary approach make her the perfect fit to lead the Heartburn & Foregut Center of Excellence.
“Dr. Dunst is nationally recognized for her leadership in foregut health. Her unwavering commitment to preventing esophageal cancer before it can develop will be a tremendous asset to the entire region,” Dr. Chang said. “We are honored to welcome her to Hoag.”
For more information about Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute, visit hoag.org/Digestive.
ABOUT HOAG
Hoag is a nonprofit, regional healthcare delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.