Women leading innovation: Dr. Jennifer Seminerio-Diehl’s breakthroughs in IBD treatment

ORLANDO, Fla. – When Dr. Jennifer Seminerio-Diehl joined the AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute in October 2024 as the medical director of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and research, she wasn’t just starting a new chapter, she was helping shape the future of IBD care. As an expert in inflammatory bowel disease, she brought her vision, expertise and passion for innovation to transform the way IBD patients receive care.

As the only physician in Central Florida certified to use the intestinal ultrasound, a cutting-edge diagnostic tool still new to the U.S., Seminerio-Diehl is transforming the way IBD is monitored and managed. This non-invasive technology allows her to closely track disease progression and make real-time treatment adjustments, significantly improving patient outcomes.

“The intestinal ultrasound allows us to visualize the gut in a way that’s more precise than some traditional methods,” Seminerio-Diehl explained. “While it’s not a replacement for colonoscopy, it’s a game-changer for monitoring IBD, especially for patients who need regular monitoring without the invasiveness of a procedure.”

This tool helps personalize patient care by offering real-time insights into disease activity, guiding more effective treatment decisions and helping avoid unnecessary procedures.

Dr. Seminerio-Diehl’s journey into medicine was shaped by unwavering support from her mother. Neither of her parents attended college, so she became a first-generation college graduate, inspired by her childhood dream of becoming a doctor.

“When I was a kid, I would tell people, ‘I’m going to be a doctor when I grow up,’ and many would say, ‘That’s really hard. That’s going to take a lot of work.’ But my mom never doubted me. She would always say, ‘My daughter is going to be a doctor,’ and she believed it wholeheartedly,” Seminerio-Diehl shared.

That belief propelled her through years of training, leading her to a 6-year career at the University of South Florida (USF) where she was advancing research and patient care as director of the USF Health Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.

Her journey to AdventHealth’s Digestive Health Institute was unexpected, but she says it felt like the perfect next step in her career.

“AdventHealth approached me and said, ‘We know who you are. We’re building this IBD program. Tell us what your dream job looks like,’ she recalled. “They offered me an opportunity I couldn’t say no to.”

IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis, is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact quality of life. While it’s not fatal, early and effective treatment is critical to preventing complications and ensuring patients can lead full, active lives.

“Inflammatory bowel disease isn’t the most common condition you’ll see, but it is one of the most resource-intensive. It requires lifelong treatment, imaging, endoscopy procedures and expensive medications,” Seminerio-Diehl explained.

Knowing this, she is helping build a comprehensive, patient-centered IBD program here in Central Florida – one that provides seamless, multidisciplinary care. This means bringing together gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, rheumatologists, dietitians, psychologists and infusion therapy specialists to ensure patients receive whole-person, coordinated care.

“IBD is not just a gut disease. It’s a whole-body disease,” she explained. “Our goal is for patients to feel that they can get everything they need here, with clear communication between their providers.”

Beyond patient care, Seminerio-Diehl remains committed to research and education.

“I love academics, and I didn’t want to lose that part of my career,” she said. “AdventHealth provides me with opportunities to teach, mentor fellows and continue my research.”

She is also passionate about patient education and engagement. When asked to organize a professional conference, she saw an opportunity to do something different.

“Everybody does professional conferences,” she said. “I wanted to do something for the patients.”

That vision is coming to life with AdventHealth’s first-ever Crohn’s and Colitis Patient Education Conference, scheduled for October 11, 2025. This event will bring together leading experts, patients and caregivers to discuss the latest advancements in IBD treatment, provide resources for disease management and foster a supportive community. Click here to learn more.

With a patient-centered approach, cutting-edge research and a commitment to innovation, Seminerio-Diehl is propelling AdventHealth’s Digestive Health Institute forward, ensuring that IBD patients receive the best possible care for generations to come.

“We want to be the place that people, whether in Florida or beyond, turn to when they need expert IBD care,” she said. “When patients are searching for a team that truly understands their journey, I want them to know they can find it here.”