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Best Gastroenterologists in Norfolk

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated December 24, 2024

Introduction to Gastroenterology in Norfolk

Overview of Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the digestive system and its disorders. This field encompasses the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Gastroenterologists in Norfolk, like those listed in our data, treat a wide range of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and colorectal cancer. They also perform important screening procedures like colonoscopies.

Importance of Choosing the Right Gastroenterologist

Selecting the appropriate gastroenterologist is a significant decision that can greatly influence the quality of care you receive. The right specialist can provide accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and improved health outcomes.

In Norfolk, we have several highly-rated gastroenterologists, such as Dr. Walid Makdisi and Dr. Felix Tiongco, who have received excellent patient reviews. These ratings suggest that these doctors prioritize personalized care and patient comfort, which are essential aspects of gastrointestinal health management.


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List of Gastroenterologists in Norfolk

Dr. Walid Makdisi

Dr. Walid Makdisi

5.0

Norfolk, VA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(757) 547-0798

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Connecticut (Fellowship Hospital, 1992)

Wayne State University (Internship Hospital, 1987)

American University Of Beirut, Faculty Of Medicine (Medical School, 1985)

English

Sentara Leigh Hospital

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Gastroenterology

Internal Medicine

Dr. Felix Tiongco

Dr. Felix Tiongco

4.7

Norfolk, VA

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Tagalog

Phone

(757) 547-0798

American Board of Internal Medicine

University of Illinois at Chicago (Fellowship Hospital, 1999)

Northwestern University Evanston Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1996)

Northwestern U-Evanston Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1994)

Northwestern U-Evanston Hospital|Northwestern University Evanston Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1994)

University Of The Philippines Manila, College Of Medicine (Medical School, 1992)

University of The Philippines (Undergraduate School, 1987)

English

Tagalog

Sentara Princess Anne Hospital

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Sentara Leigh Hospital

Gastroenterology

Internal Medicine

Dr. Shoba Mendu

Dr. Shoba Mendu

4.5

Norfolk, VA

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(757) 547-0798

Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Barkatulla Vishwavidyalaya (Medical School, 1996)

English

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Sentara Leigh Hospital

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Gastroenterology

Internal Medicine

RR

Dr. Rene Rivera

4.4

Norfolk, VA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(757) 547-0798

American Board of Internal Medicine

CORNELL UNIVERSITY / NEW YORK STATE STATUTORY COLLEGES (Medical School, 2004)

English

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Gastroenterology

Dr. Steven Dandalides

Dr. Steven Dandalides

4.4

Norfolk, VA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(252) 962-8000

American Board of Internal Medicine

Cleveland Clinic (Fellowship Hospital, 1987)

University Of California, San Diege (Residency Hospital, 1985)

University Calif (Internship Hospital, 1983)

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1982)

Oberlin College (Undergraduate School, 1978)

English

Nash General Hospital

Gastroenterology

Hepatology

Internal Medicine

Dr. Henry Vanpala

Dr. Henry Vanpala

4.2

Norfolk, VA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

American Board of Internal Medicine

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (Medical School, 1990)

Affiliated Yale School of Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital, CT, (Fellowship Hospital, 1985)

Internal Medicine - Yale School of Medicine, Danbury Hospital, CT, (Residency Hospital, 1983)

St. Johns University, Jamaica, NY - B.S. in Pharmacy (Undergraduate School, 1974)

English

Rex Hospital

Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus

Eastern Plumas Hospital Portola

Internal Medicine

Gastroenterology

JF

Dr. Joseph Frenkel

3.5

Norfolk, VA

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(757) 483-3030

American Board of Surgery

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)

Boston Medical Center (Internship Hospital)

George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences (Medical School)

English

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center

General Surgery

Colorectal Surgery

Doctor Selection Process in Norfolk

Factors to Consider

Board Certifications and Qualifications

  • Review American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
  • Examine educational background and fellowships

Patient Ratings and Reviews

  • Analyze star ratings (e.g., Dr. Makdisi's 5.0 rating)
  • Consider the number of reviews (e.g., Dr. Mendu's 101 reviews)

Hospital Affiliations

  • Note connections to local hospitals like Sentara Norfolk General
  • Consider proximity and reputation of affiliated institutions

Language and Communication

  • Check for multilingual capabilities (e.g., Dr. Tiongco speaks English and Tagalog)
  • Assess importance of clear communication in gastroenterology care

Resources for Finding Gastroenterologists

Online Platforms

  • Utilize healthgrades.com for detailed doctor profiles
  • Explore other reputable medical review websites

Local Medical Community

  • Seek referrals from primary care physicians in Norfolk
  • Consult with local hospitals' gastroenterology departments

Top-Ranked Gastroenterologists in Norfolk

Dr. Walid Makdisi

Professional Background

  • Board-certified in Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship at University of Connecticut
  • Medical degree from American University of Beirut

Patient Satisfaction

  • Impressive 5.0-star rating
  • 83 patient reviews

Practice Information

  • Affiliated with Sentara Leigh Hospital and Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
  • Contact: (757) 547-0798

Dr. Felix Tiongco

Qualifications

  • Board-certified in Internal Medicine
  • Fellowship at University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Medical degree from University of The Philippines

Patient Reviews

  • High 4.7-star rating
  • 74 patient reviews

Additional Information

  • Multilingual: English and Tagalog
  • Affiliated with Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Dr. Shoba Mendu

Education and Experience

  • Medical degree from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal
  • Extensive experience in gastroenterology

Patient Feedback

  • Strong 4.5-star rating
  • 101 patient reviews - highest number of reviews among listed doctors

Practice Details

  • Affiliated with Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Sentara Leigh Hospital
  • Female practitioner, offering gender choice for patients

Additional Noteworthy Gastroenterologists

Dr. Steven Dandalides

  • Specializes in Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • 4.4-star rating with 73 reviews
  • Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Rene Rivera

  • Board-certified in Internal Medicine
  • 4.4-star rating with 45 reviews
  • Affiliated with Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Additional Tips for Choosing a Gastroenterologist in Norfolk

Scheduling Consultations

Importance of in-person meetings

  • Discuss the value of meeting potential gastroenterologists in person
  • Explain how face-to-face interactions can help assess communication style and comfort level

Questions to ask during consultations

  • Provide a list of key questions to ask, such as experience with specific conditions
  • Suggest inquiring about treatment approaches and follow-up care

Insurance and Accessibility

Verifying insurance acceptance

  • Advise readers to check if the gastroenterologist accepts their insurance
  • Mention the importance of understanding potential out-of-pocket costs

Considering office locations and hours

  • Highlight the convenience of choosing a doctor with multiple office locations in Norfolk
  • Discuss the importance of flexible office hours for working patients

Staying Informed

Researching specific gastroenterological conditions

  • Encourage readers to learn about their specific digestive health concerns
  • Suggest reliable sources for gastroenterology information

Keeping up with advancements in gastroenterology

  • Discuss the importance of choosing a doctor who stays current with medical advancements
  • Mention how to find information about a doctor's ongoing education and research