Jess Kaplan, MD

What inspired you to go into medicine?

I come from a family of medical providers who loved their work. When I was a child, dinner table conversations focused on challenging cases and delivering compassionate care. My parents’ enthusiasm lead me down the path of medicine and my own interest in science and physiology cemented the decision for me. I chose a career in pediatric gastroenterology because of the richness of gastrointestinal pathology and the ability to follow patients with complex diseases over longer periods of time and watch them improve.

What do you do as a provider at MGfC?

I care for patients with all types of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, but I specialize in taking care of children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is made up of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Providing care includes seeing patients and their families in the office, communication between visits, procedures such as upper endoscopy and colonoscopy and following patients if they are admitted to the hospital. I also teach medical students, residents and fellows about pediatric gastroenterology and participate in research looking at outcomes and new treatments for pediatric IBD.

What gives you the greatest joy in your profession?

Seeing my patients with chronic illnesses overcome the obstacles put in front of them, grow and mature as individuals and eventually give back. It is very special and I see it almost every day. That is the absolute best part of my job.

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