More than 7,000 cases come through the Kroh Center annually, the most of any community hospital in Baltimore. In addition, there is anticipated growth in patient referrals from GBMC Primary Care Practices as they proactively reach out to the 19,000-plus patients eligible for a colonoscopy.

We are proud Dr. Niraj Jani, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Director of Kroh Endoscopy Center and Director of GI Oncology at GBMC as well as many GBMC doctors, nurses, techs, schedulers, architects and construction managers adopted the use of the Lean methodology "3P" (Production, Preparation, Process), a powerful design tool which allows for collaboration and brainstorming. This method has helped us wisely plan for this significant project that will require a $8 million investment. So how did we get from half a room in GBMC's outpatient clinic for GI services to an $8 million expansion project?
Like we said, big ideas start small. Gastroenterology was in its infancy when, in 1976, a young doctor named Ibrahim Razzak took half a room in GBMC's outpatient clinic, then separated from dermatology by a curtain, and began to realize his dream. With one gastroscope and a single non-clinical nursing assistant -- the remarkable Agnes Hall -- Dr. Razzak pioneered a leading GI department that to this day focuses on quality, patient-centered care. He recruited top physicians, nurses, technicians and staff. He championed continuing education and modern facilities.

Bill and his wife Jarnetta hailed from humble backgrounds. They were grateful for what they had achieved in life and wanted to give back to benefit others. The Krohs were committed to supporting GBMC, a privately-funded community hospital, and made a generous gift that established the William A. and Jarnetta Kroh Center for Digestive Disorders. Before Dr. Razzak's retirement, he wanted to ensure he left his burgeoning enterprise in capable hands. He recruited a physician, a gastroenterologist who he felt had the knowledge and leadership to provide top quality professional services, as well as guide the necessary changes and continue to lead the unit to maintain GBMC's position in the community: Dr. Niraj Jani.
The Kroh Center has flourished under Dr. Jani's leadership. He and his amazing team have successfully continued to deliver the high-level care patients are accustomed to receiving at GBMC. But if GBMC does not respond to our growing need, we will be unable to meet the increased demand and patients will choose to go elsewhere. Colon cancer is highly preventable. If screened and detected early, the five-year survival rate of colorectal cancer is higher than 90 percent. We can and should assure patients receive live-saving screening!
Learn how you can support the historic expansion of the Kroh Center and make our legacy your own. Please call Kate Thorne, Director of Philanthropic Engagement, at 443-849-2794 or email kthorne@gbmc.org.