Program Director

The Education Enrichment Program is directed by Dr. Michael D. Levitt.

Dr. Levitt received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota.  He interned in Medicine at the University of Minnesota and completed his Residency at Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA.  Dr. Levitt then took a G.I. Fellowship at Boston City Hospital under the direction of Dr. Franz Ingelfinger.  He joined the staff at the University of Minnesota in l971 and became Professor of Medicine at the University in l975.  He joined the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center in l978 as Associate Chief of Staff for Research (Director of Research).

Dr. Levitt's research pursuits have been in the field of Gastroenterology and he is the author of more than 300 scientific papers.  Dr. Levitt has served on several editorial boards and on the Councils of the Central Society for Clinical Research and American Gastroenterology Association.  He also served as President of the American Pancreatic Association.  Dr. Levitt has served as a guest lecturer in Australia, Sweden, United Kingdom, USSR, Germany, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands as well as in many hospitals and universities throughout the United States.

In l986 Dr. Levitt received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Gastroenterology Association, given annually to an investigator for outstanding career research contributions to gastroenterology.

In 1998, he received the Miles and Shirley Fiterman Foundation Joseph B. Kirsner Award for Distinguished Achievement of Clinical Research in Gastroenterology.  Dr. Levitt received the 2000 Janssen Award in Gastroenterology – Award for Lifetime Achievement in Digestive Sciences.

Dr. Levitt presents lectures on a regular basis to medical students at the University of Minnesota and the VA Medical Center.   Dr. Levitt has a lifelong interest in and expertise in nutrient absorption and nutrition.