Meet the ECHO IBD Team

Angela Pham, MD

  • Principal Investigator
  • Angela Pham, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, and subspecialty trained and certified in gastroenterology. She earned her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine where she continued on for residency in internal medicine and pediatrics. Dr. Pham then came to UF for fellowship training in gastroenterology. She received additional training at Nestle Nutrition Institute as a clinical nutrition fellow and was a Visiting IBD Fellow through the CCFA at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Outside of work she loves to spend time with her husband and two kids near any large body of water.
  • Fun fact: Dr. Pham majored in English literature and minored in film in undergrad. Her favorite fruit is mangosteen.

Ellen Zimmerman, MD

Ellen Zimmermann
  • Co-Investigator
  • Dr. Ellen Zimmermann has 20 years of experience in academic medicine at the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, Dr. Zimmermann built a vibrant basic and translational research program, built a national reputation in IBD and grew a clinical and research interest in the needs of college-aged patients with IBD. Dr. Zimmermann moved to the University of Florida in 2013, where she continued her passion of treating and researching IBD. Dr. Zimmermann is the current Vice Chair for Academic Affairs for the UF College of Medicine, along with being an active researcher and practicing physician.

Avery Weisman

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant & Health Liaison
  • Avery Weisman is from Columbus, Ohio and is currently a pre-med student at the University of Florida studying Biology with a minor in Public Health. At the age of 15, Avery was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, which has driven her passion for helping others with IBD. Throughout her summers, Avery has interned with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Central Ohio where she helped raise money and awareness for those affected by these chronic intestinal diseases. Through her work with Project ECHO IBD, Avery strives to continue making a difference in the lives of all people suffering from IBD, especially those from underserved areas.
  • Fun Fact: In her free time, Avery enjoys baking gluten free recipes, playing tennis and planning events for the UF Chabad.

Manavii Kumar

  • Project Manager & Health Liaison
  • Manavii is a Gainesville resident who just graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in Biology and Society. She was introduced to IBD after spending two summers working in the Zimmermann lab to find potential therapies. Through shadowing Gastroenterologists, she learned more about IBD patients and their struggles – from physical pain to shame and isolation. She also noticed the financial and geographical barriers to care, especially in the North Florida region. This inspired her to engage in translational health policy research and various social justice organizations at Cornell. She is excited to use her interdisciplinary background to once again collaborate with UF’s IBD team to educate and empower patients and providers to address gaps in IBD care.
  • Fun fact: Manavii grew up living in a house in the middle of Kanpur Zoo in India since her mom used to be the Zoo director. A newborn rhino was named after Manavii and you can still go see that rhino today!