On World IBD Day, we recognize the healthcare providers who go beyond prescribing and take the time to truly understand their patients’ lived experiences. That includes clinicians willing to walk in their patients’ shoes—whether that means trying the formula they recommend or learning what it’s really like to follow an Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) treatment plan. Because when nutrition plays such a central role in care, details matter. Taste matters. Enjoyment matters. And having flavor options matters—especially for those who rely on formula in large quantities. Thank you to the incredible team at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, whom we’re honored chose Kate Farms for their EEN challenge. We’re proud to support providers who lead with empathy, curiosity, and compassion in every step of IBD care.
The multidisciplinary team who makes up the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program at Lurie Children’s has given “a day in the life” a whole new meaning! A group of physicians, advanced care providers, nurses, clinical psychologists, dietitians and social workers from the program recently committed to participating in a formula-only diet for one week to show support for and solidarity with their patients. They took this “empathy exercise” as an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their IBD patients’ experience, and ultimately provide even greater, more-informed care. Some staff persevered all five days while others realized their limits more quickly, but all were given unique insights into what Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) – a therapeutic, formula-only diet lasting 6–12 weeks – actually feels like. While EEN is highly effective in reducing inflammation in IBD patients, helping them feel better and supporting a path to remission, the care team knows it’s challenging physically, socially and emotionally to disconnect from solid foods for such an extended period. Experiencing the therapy from the other side, even just briefly, only reinforced how strong and resilient their patients really are.