Dr. Dr. Christopher D. Ferris, MD, PhD

Expert Publications

• Bilirubin, formed by activation of heme oxygenase-2, protects neurons against
• Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide as coneurotransmitters in the enteric nervous system: evidence from genomic deletion of biosynthetic enzymes.
• A mammalian iron ATPase induced by iron.
• Insulin restores neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression and function that is lost in diabetic gastropathy.
• Novel neurotransmitters and their neuropsychiatric relevance.
• Pike. A nuclear gtpase that enhances PI3kinase activity and is regulated by protein 4.1N.
• Amyloid precursor proteins inhibit heme oxygenase activity and augment neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.
• Atypical neural messengers.
• Protein S-nitrosylation: a physiological signal for neuronal nitric oxide.
• Loss of interstitial cells of cajal and inhibitory innervation in insulin-dependent diabetes.
• Biliverdin reductase: a major physiologic cytoprotectant.
• Selective induction of liver parenchymal cell heme oxygenase-1 in selenium-deficient rats.
• A simple technique for measuring certain elastic moduli in bone.
• Current concepts in diabetic gastroparesis.
• A major role for carbon monoxide as an endogenous hyperpolarizing factor in the gastrointestinal tract.

Media Releases

Get to know Gastroenterologist Dr. Christopher D. Ferris, who serves patients in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A highly respected gastroenterologist, Dr. Ferris has been in practice since 1998. He is currently affiliated with Tryon Medical Partners, a physician-owned multi-specialty group.

One of his greatest strengths is his commitment to the patient-doctor relationship. He places a strong emphasis on personal encounters with his patients and families and believes that these relationships are crucial to developing effective plans for improving symptoms and long-term health.

Dr. Ferris’s clinical interests include GERD/Acid Reflux, Celiac Disease, Hepatitis, Pancreatitis, Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s Disease (IBD), Barrett’s Esophagus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), other Digestive Problems.

Dr. Ferris also serves as the Director of GI Clinical Research for Tryon Medical Partners.  He is the Principal Investigator for clinical trials in Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other areas.

In the early days of his academic career, he received his M.D. and PhD (Neuroscience) at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, before completing his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.  Subsequently, he was on the faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center before moving to Charlotte in 2004.

An authority in his field, the doctor is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine (previously) by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. A gastroenterologist is a physician who has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, liver, pancreas, and biliary system.

Recognized for his outstanding work as a physician, Dr. Ferris has been named a Business North Carolina Top Doctor in 2008, 2009 and 2021, 2022.

His dedication to medicine extends beyond his own practice as his wife is a nurse. They have three children:  a daughter who is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill, a daughter completing a MBA in Paris, France, and a son attending law school at USC. In his free time, he enjoys golf and cheering on the Tarheels, the Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Panthers.

Recommended Articles

• Yellow Eyes: When to Be Concerned

  IntroductionA person's eyes can offer personality insights, and at the same time, provide warning signs about the body's overall health. When the white portion of the eyes called sclera turns yellowish in color, it is often a signal that something is not right in the body. It also indicates a...

• Immunosuppressive Drugs for Crohn's Disease

  Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disorder. Due to this disorder, the gastrointestinal tract is affected, and the lining of the digestive system is inflamed. Usually, it affects the colon, although it may affect any part. Ulcers, fistulas, or even cracks can develop in the intestine. This can block...

• Famous 'Alien' Scene Was Inspired by Crohn's

  Inflammatory bowel disease is not a well-represented condition in film and movie industry. However, one of the most horrifying scenes known to the science fiction film community is a scene from the movie Alien. It's called the "chestburster" scene, during which an alien punches itself out of John...

• Minneapolis Reporter Inspired to Help Children with Crohn's Disease

  TV reporter Sonya Goins was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in college and has had more surgeries than she can count. She lives with the pain of her autoimmune disorder every single day and yet is known to others as having a tireless mixture of gratitude and grit.Goins and Mark Baker worked together...

• How Alcohol Abuse Can Influence Liver Cancer

  Alcohol, what really is alcohol? From the scientific point of view, it is an organic compound. In this case, we look at it as a beverage made through the process of sugar fermentation. Alcohol can be highly intoxicating. Alcohol abuse entails the recurrent and harmful usage of alcohol.Alcohol abuse...

• What Is Liver Cancer: Get the Facts

  Liver cancer happens when the liver's normal cells change in behavior and appearance. As a result, the abnormal liver cells divide and grow uncontrollably. Liver cancer is also referred to as "hepatic cancer", which can either be primary or secondary.  The liver is a large organ that is located...