Founders & Trustees

Dr. Michel Kahaleh is the primary visionary behind the Foundation for Interventional and Therapeutic Endoscopy (FITE). Beyond serving as a Founder, FITE was established through Dr. Kahaleh’s personal initiative and leadership.

During the critical foundational years from 2020 to 2022, he personally funded and spearheaded the transition of FITE from a conceptual idea into a fully operational professional organization. His “parentage” of the foundation reflects a deep-seated commitment to advancing the field of therapeutic endoscopy, ensuring the organization had the resources and strategic direction to support advanced endoscopists worldwide.

Dr. Gaidhane is an Associate Professor, Research Program Director and Physician skilled in disease surveillance, clinical trials, biostatistics and data management.

Dr. Gaidhane has several years of experience which includes management of over 34 studies, 105 publications and 175 abstracts. Dr. Gaidhane has coordinated and managed 14 Endoscopy Medical Education Conferences (in-person and virtual).

Dr. Gaidhane is a Co-Founder and COO of both Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound Society (TEUS) and Innovative Digestive Health Education and Research Inc. (IDHER); as well as one of the Founders and Directors of Foundation for Interventional and Therapeutic Endoscopy (FITE).

Dr. Sharma has served as the founder and Director of both Interventional Oncology & Surgical Endoscopy (IOSE) at Parkview since 2013. These programs have grown and blossomed under his leadership, increasing in volume, innovation, and complexity drawing patients from around the country for state of the art care and clinical trials. Dr. Sharma has lectured and presented nationally, served as faculty at a variety of conferences, and has extensive publications & research experience as primary investigator on prospective trials for complex interventional endoscopy, EUS, ERCP, ESD, 3rd space/surgical endoscopy, and esophageal and pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Sharma founded the fellowship training program at Parkview Health in advanced interventional endoscopy, and serves as its program director – training and mentoring future leaders in therapeutic endoscopy. He has a passion for education and mentorship. Dr Sharma has been invited lecturer for grand rounds, GI oncology and live endoscopy courses in the USA and internationally.

On July 1st 2016 he assumed the role of President of Parkview Cancer Institute (PCI). His proven track record of program design, organization, growth and development being applied across the spectrum of cancer care. The vision for the Parkview Cancer Institute has been to deliver state of the art cancer care in a novel disease state and patient-centered medical model. PCI has set the standard for patient care experience, redefining multidisciplinary care models, innovation in oncology surgery, medicine and research.

Dr. Thakkar is a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy, at West Virginia University Medicine. He also holds a joint appointment as an Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His clinical and scientific practice focuses on advanced therapeutic endoscopy, and he is currently developing an interventional endoscopy service line to support the state of West Virginia dedicated to quality care, research, education, and innovation.

With respect to research and innovation, Dr. Thakkar spends a significant amount of time as an investigator. His areas of research focus are on artificial intelligence, pancreatic cancer, and natural orifice surgery. He is the primary investigator in a project utilizing artificial intelligence to measure the surface area and quality of endoscopic exams. As part of his work at WVU Medicine, he oversees a research team focused on outcomes and opportunities to advance therapeutic endoscopy.