Best Gastroenterologists in Winston-Salem
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Gastroenterology in Winston-Salem
Overview of Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the digestive system and its disorders. It encompasses the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, and biliary system.
Gastroenterologists play a significant role in maintaining overall health, as the digestive system is integral to nutrient absorption, immune function, and various metabolic processes.
Gastroenterology Services in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem offers a range of gastroenterology services, with numerous qualified specialists practicing in the area. The city's medical facilities, including Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options for gastrointestinal disorders.
Gastroenterologists in Winston-Salem address a wide array of digestive issues, including but not limited to acid reflux, inflammatory bowel diseases, liver disorders, and colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
Importance of Choosing the Right Gastroenterologist
Selecting an appropriate gastroenterologist is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of digestive disorders. The right specialist can provide personalized care tailored to individual patient needs and medical history.
A strong patient-doctor relationship is particularly important in gastroenterology, as many digestive issues require ongoing management and open communication. Patients should feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics with their chosen specialist.
What's the fastest way to connect to gastroenterologists?
Our clinically-backed AI will ask you questions and provide an answer specific to your unique health situation.
List of Gastroenterologists in Winston-Salem
American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery
American Board of Surgery
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY / SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES (Medical School, 1996)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
JC
Dr. Jason Conway
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE (Medical School, 1999)
English
Davie Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Vanderbilt University (Fellowship Hospital, 2005)
Vanderbilt University (Residency Hospital, 2002)
Vanderbilt University (Internship Hospital, 2000)
University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine (Medical School, 1999)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Ryan McKimmie
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English, Spanish
American Board of Internal Medicine
Ohio State University College of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2013)
Wake Forest University (Internship Hospital, 2008)
Wake Forest School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)
English
Spanish
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
DW
Dr. David Wood
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Ohio State University (Medical School, 1975)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
AH
Dr. Ann Honor
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
English
Davie Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
HB
Dr. Herbert Bonkovsky
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Case Western Reserve University (Medical School, 1967)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
MF
Dr. Michael Fina
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Lahey Clin (Fellowship Hospital, 1980)
NY Med Metro Hospital Center (Internship Hospital, 1976)
NY Med-Metro Hospital Center (Internship Hospital, 1976)
NEW YORK Medical College (Medical School, 1975)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
JJ
Dr. Jason Jones
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Yale School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2021)
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2020)
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical School, 2013)
Lousianna State University (Undergraduate School, 2009)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
North Carolina Baptist Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1976)
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1974)
University of Florida (Medical School, 1973)
University of Florida College of Medicine (Medical School, 1973)
Florida State (Undergraduate School, 1969)
English
Viera Hospital
Palm Bay Hospital
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin|Thomas Jefferson University (Fellowship Hospital, 2007)
Brown University (Internship Hospital, 2001)
SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine - M.D. (Medical School, 2000)
Brown (Residency Hospital, 2000)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
University of Texas Medical Branch (Medical School, 2017)
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School, 2017)
University of Texas at Dallas (Undergraduate School, 2013)
English
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center
Physician Assistant (PA)
Gastroenterology
Dr. Randy Peters
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University Ala Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1987)
UAB Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1983)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
MC
Dr. Meredith Clary
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Ingrid Gonzalez
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English, Spanish
University Of California San Diego Medical Center|University Of California, San Diego, Scho (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Medical School, 2004)
English
Spanish
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
JB
Dr. Joel Bruggen
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Health-High Point Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
BC
Dr. Brent Cengia
5.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Northeast Ohio Medical University (Medical School, 2012)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Wake Forest School of Medicine (Undergraduate School, 2002)
Wake Forest School of Medicine (Medical School, 2002)
Biola Univeristy (Undergraduate School, 1985)
English
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center
Physician Assistant (PA)
Gastroenterology
Dr. Dhyan Rajan
4.9
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
Nassau University Medical Center|University of MD VA Baltimore (Fellowship Hospital, 2015)
English
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Nassau University Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)
Nassau University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2009)
English
Malayalam
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Hershey Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1991)
Lankenau Hopital|Lankenau Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1987)
Hahnemann University (Medical School, 1986)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Medical School, 2006)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center
Physician Assistant (PA)
Gastroenterology
Dr. Daniel Murphy
4.7
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
North Carolina Baptist Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1987)
North Carolina Baptist Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1984)
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1982)
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (Medical School, 1981)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
George Washington University Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2008)
George Washington University Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2006)
East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
JI
Dr. John Gilliam III
4.7
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1970)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Wake Forest School of Medicine (Medical School)
Wake Forest Univerisity School Of Medicine (Medical School)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Undergraduate School)
University Of North Carolina At Chapell Hill (Undergraduate School)
English
Physician Assistant (PA)
Gastroenterology
Dr. Robert Holmes
4.6
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University Mich Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1996)
University of Michigan Hospitals (Internship Hospital, 1991)
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School, 1990)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Murat Akdamar
4.6
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Alabama at Birmingham (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)
University of Alabama at Birmingham (Residency Hospital, 2003)
Tulane University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Ascension St. Vincent''s Birmingham
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Marcum Gillis
4.6
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Gastroenterology Fellowship (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)
Wake Forest University Internal Medicine Residency (Residency Hospital, 2011)
Wake Forest School of Medicine (Medical School, 2008)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Nicholas Netherland
4.6
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine (Medical School, 2003)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
MR
Dr. Michael Rubin
4.5
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English, German
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX / NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMPUS (Medical School, 1970)
English
German
Gastroenterology
Dr. Victor Sears Jr
4.5
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of North Carolina|University of North Carolina Hospitals (Fellowship Hospital, 1996)
NC Bapt Hosp-Bowman Gray School of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 1993)
NC Bapt Hosp-Bowman Gray School of Medicine|Nc Bapt Hospital Bowman Gray School Med (Internship Hospital, 1991)
Wake Forest School of Medicine (Medical School, 1990)
English
Davie Medical Center
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Dr. John Sweeney
4.5
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2001)
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1998)
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1996)
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)
Marietta College (Undergraduate School, 1990)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Wake Forest University (Medical School, 2009)
English
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA at SAN DIEGO|University of California, San Diego (Internship Hospital, 2013)
University of California, San Diego (Residency Hospital, 2013)
University of New Mexico (Fellowship Hospital, 2013)
Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 2010)
English
Tamil
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
CM
Dr. Charles McMurchy
4.3
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
Medical University of South Carolina (Fellowship Hospital, 1979)
Med University Sc Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1977)
Medical University Of (Internship Hospital, 1975)
University of Mississippi (Undergraduate School, 1970)
English
Gastroenterology
Dr. Christopher Jue
4.2
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English, Chinese
American Board of Internal Medicine
Brown University Alpert Medical School (Residency Hospital, 2009)
Brown University Alpert Medical School (Internship Hospital, 2007)
Brown University Alpert Medical School (Medical School, 2006)
English
Chinese
Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Brian Smith
4.2
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Vanderbilt University (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)
Medical University of South Carolina (Medical School, 2001)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
KJ
Dr. Kenneth Koch Jr
4.1
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Iowa (Medical School, 1975)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
WakeMed Raleigh Campus
Wake Forest Baptist Health-Lexington Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Family Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
E Tn University J H Quillen College Med (Residency Hospital)
East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine (Medical School, 2001)
English
Davie Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Gastroenterology
RP
Dr. Rishi Pawa
3.8
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
UNIVERSITY OF RAJASTHAN / SAWAI MAN SINGH MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 1998)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Health-High Point Medical Center
Gastroenterology
NT
Dr. Nyree Thorne
3.7
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine (Medical School, 2001)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
LP
Dr. Lenin Peters
2.7
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX / NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CAMPUS (Medical School, 1983)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Health-High Point Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
SB
Dr. Sarah Barbina
1.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
University Medical Center
Gastroenterology
GP
Dr. Gary Poleynard
1.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Charity Hosp/La State University Div (Internship Hospital, 1972)
Charity Hosp/La State University Division (Internship Hospital, 1972)
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical School, 1971)
Louisiana State University (Undergraduate School, 1967)
English
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
CM
Dr. Claire Meyer
1.0
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE (Medical School, 2009)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Transplant Hepatology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Tilak Baba
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
St. Georges University School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Gastroenterology
SR
Dr. Sean Rudnick
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
State University of New York at Buffalo (Medical School, 2009)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Wake Forest Baptist Health-High Point Medical Center
Gastroenterology
SC
Dr. Scott Cornella
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Medical School, 2012)
English
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
DK
Dr. Deborah Kretzschmar
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English
Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences (Medical School, 1982)
English
Gastroenterology
Dr. Michael Noujaim
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS / WORCESTER CAMPUS (Medical School, 2017)
English
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
JH
Dr. Jessica Hollingsworth
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI / MEDICAL CENTER (Medical School, 2015)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
WG
Dr. William Green
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
English
Gastroenterology
VA
Dr. Vipul Aggarwal
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
SAURASHTRA UNIVERSITY / M.P. SHAH MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 1994)
English
Gastroenterology
RW
Dr. Richard Weinberg
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 1975)
English
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
PC
Dr. Patrick Campbell
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
English
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
JP
Dr. John Provenza
N/A
Winston-Salem, NC
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Choosing a Gastroenterologist in Winston-Salem
Factors to consider when selecting a doctor
Board certification and qualifications
- Review American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
- Check for additional specializations in Gastroenterology
Experience and specializations
- Evaluate years of practice and fellowship training
- Consider subspecialties within Gastroenterology
Hospital affiliations
- Note connections with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
- Consider affiliations with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Patient reviews and ratings
- Examine star ratings on Healthgrades
- Read patient testimonials and feedback
Resources for finding gastroenterologists in Winston-Salem
Online directories and review sites
- Utilize Healthgrades for comprehensive doctor profiles
- Explore other medical review websites for additional information
Referrals from primary care physicians
- Consult with your primary care doctor for recommendations
- Discuss your specific gastrointestinal concerns
Local medical centers and hospitals
- Contact Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center for gastroenterology department information
- Inquire at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center about their gastroenterology specialists
Top-Rated Gastroenterologists in Winston-Salem
Dr. Charles Katopes III
Background and Qualifications
- Medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
- Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin and Thomas Jefferson University
- Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 31 patient reviews
- Highly regarded for patient care and expertise
Hospital Affiliations
- Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
- Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
- Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Dr. Christopher Connolley
Education and Experience
- Medical degree from University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine
- Fellowship and residency at Vanderbilt University
- Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Feedback
- 5.0 star rating based on 9 patient reviews
- Praised for his medical expertise and patient care
Areas of Expertise
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Dr. Ryan McKimmie
Professional Background
- Medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine
- Fellowship at Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Satisfaction
- 5.0 star rating based on 7 patient reviews
- Commended for his approach to patient care
Special Interests
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
Dr. Ingrid Gonzalez
Qualifications
- Medical degree from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Fellowship at University of California San Diego Medical Center
Patient Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 8 patient reviews
- Appreciated for her expertise and patient-centered care
Language Capabilities
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Enhances communication with diverse patient population
Dr. Apsara Prasad
Education and Training
- Fellowship at Nassau University Medical Center
- Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Ratings
- 4.9 star rating based on 33 patient reviews
- Highly recommended by patients for her care and expertise
Hospital Affiliations
- Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
- Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
- Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center
Additional Considerations for Choosing a Gastroenterologist in Winston-Salem
Insurance and Payment Options
In-network providers
- Review list of gastroenterologists accepted by your insurance plan
- Contact insurance company for clarification on coverage
Out-of-pocket costs
- Inquire about consultation fees, procedure costs, and follow-up visit expenses
- Discuss payment plans or financial assistance options if needed
Location and Accessibility
Proximity to home or work
- Consider gastroenterologists with offices in convenient Winston-Salem locations
- Evaluate parking options and public transportation access
Office hours and availability
- Check if the gastroenterologist offers extended hours or weekend appointments
- Inquire about wait times for new patient appointments
Communication Style and Patient-Doctor Relationship
Importance of clear communication
- Assess the doctor's ability to explain complex medical terms in understandable language
- Look for gastroenterologists who take time to answer questions thoroughly
Shared decision-making approach
- Seek doctors who involve patients in treatment decisions
- Consider gastroenterologists who provide comprehensive education about conditions and treatments