Best Gastroenterologists in Norfolk
Updated September 19, 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.
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 Norfolk
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
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
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
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
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