Best Gastroenterologists in Tacoma
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Gastroenterology in Tacoma
Definition and importance of gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Gastroenterologists are physicians who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
These specialists manage a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, hepatitis, and colorectal cancer. Their expertise is essential for maintaining digestive health and addressing complex GI issues that can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
Overview of gastroenterology services in Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington, offers a robust selection of gastroenterology services to its residents. Based on the provided data, there are at least 20 gastroenterologists practicing in the Tacoma area, ensuring that patients have access to specialized care for their digestive health needs.
Several major hospitals and medical centers in Tacoma provide comprehensive gastroenterology services. These include MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, and St. Clare Hospital. These facilities are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, allowing gastroenterologists to provide high-quality care to their patients.
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List of Gastroenterologists in Tacoma
Dr. Jordan Gale
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
St Joseph Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2014)
Virginia Mason Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2010)
Temple University (Medical School, 2009)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
Robotic Surgery
QH
Dr. Quinton Hatch
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (Medical School, 2010)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
St. Anthony Hospital
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
LB
Dr. Lanie Belic
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Washington / Harborview Medical Center (Medical School, 1979)
English
Gastroenterology
Dr. Steven Bernick
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
Naval Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2011)
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Training Program (2010)
University of Washington (Undergraduate School, 2004)
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)
English
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Acupuncture
JM
Jessica Miranda
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Gastroenterology
JK
Dr. Jagpal Klair
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
English
Overlake Medical Center & Clinics
Swedish First Hill Campus
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Madigan Amc (Residency Hospital, 2000)
Madigan Amc (Internship Hospital, 1998)
Western University of Health Sciences (Medical School, 1997)
English
St. Michael Medical Center-Silverdale
Gastroenterology
Hospital Medicine
TR
Dr. Thomas Reinertson
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
MICHIGAN STATE University (Medical School, 1984)
English
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
John. H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL (Fellowship Hospital)
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL (Residency Hospital)
Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico (Medical School)
English
Spanish
St. Clare Hospital
Gastroenterology
JF
Dr. Jonathan Francis
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
English
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
JM
Jessica Miranda
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Gastroenterology
JM
Jessica Miranda
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Gastroenterology
JM
Jessica Miranda
5.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Gastroenterology
American Board of Surgery
University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore, MD (Fellowship Hospital)
William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mi (Residency Hospital)
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
St. Anthony Hospital
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
Dr. John Carrougher
4.8
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Brooke Army Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)
Madigan Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
Madigan Army Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1986)
Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences (Medical School, 1985)
English
St. Francis Hospital
St. Joseph Medical Center
St. Clare Hospital
Gastroenterology
American Board of Surgery
GRMERC/Ferguson Clinic, Grand Rapids, MI (Fellowship Hospital)
Maricopa Integrated Health System, Phoenix, AZ (affiliated with Mayo Clinic Arizona) (Residency Hospital)
JJM Medical College, India (Medical School)
English
Chinese
St. Joseph Medical Center
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
American Board of Internal Medicine
Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania (Fellowship Hospital, 2005)
Brigham and Women's Hosp-Harvard Medical School (Residency Hospital, 2002)
Brigham and Women's Hosp-Harvard Medical School (Internship Hospital, 2000)
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Medical School, 1999)
English
Chinese
St. Joseph Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Dr. Michael Lyons
4.7
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)
Madigan Army Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1983)
English
Penobscot Valley Hospital
Gastroenterology
AA
Dr. Abhishek Agarwal
4.5
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Arkansas (Residency Hospital)
All-India Institute Of Medical Sciences, All-India Institute Of Medical Sciences (Medical School)
English
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Gastroenterology
WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Washington, DC (Fellowship Hospital)
Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA (Residency Hospital)
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
St. Clare Hospital
Gastroenterology
JH
Dr. Jennifer Higa
4.4
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
NEW YORK Medical College (Medical School, 2010)
English
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Gastroenterology Fellowship, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (Fellowship Hospital)
Internal Medicine Residency, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY (Residency Hospital)
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School)
English
Mandarin
St. Clare Hospital
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Or Health Science University Hospital|University of Ut Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
Oregon Health & Science University (Medical School, 1980)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Dr. Oussama Moussan
4.2
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English, Arabic
American Board of Pathology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Albany Memorial Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1995)
University Of Aleppo, Faculty Of Medicine (Medical School, 1982)
English
Arabic
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Anatomic Pathology
Dr. Jeffrey Tokar
4.1
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
State University Of New York At Albany (Undergraduate School)
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center (Internship Hospital, 1998)
University Va Health Sys (Internship Hospital, 1998)
University at Albany (Undergraduate School, 1993)
English
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
ER
Dr. Elizabeth Rosenblatt
4.1
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
St. Anthony Hospital
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Dr. Spencer Root
4.1
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
Fitzsimons Army Medical Center|Letterman Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
Letterman Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences (Medical School, 1985)
Uc Riverside (Undergraduate School, 1981)
English
Gastroenterology
Hospital Medicine
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
FACULTY OF CLINICAL MEDICINE MANNHEIM OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HEIDELBERG (Medical School, 2005)
University of Illinois (Residency Hospital, 1991)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Queen's University (Fellowship Hospital)
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (Residency Hospital)
Wayne State University School of Medicine (Medical School)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Dr. Michael Kimmey
4.0
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)
University Wa (Internship Hospital, 1980)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
St. Anthony Hospital
Gastroenterology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Wilford Hall Medical Center/Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX (Fellowship Hospital)
University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin (Residency Hospital)
Rush Medical College (Medical School)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Dr. Joshua Penfield
3.3
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
Main Medical Center, Portland, ME (Fellowship Hospital)
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (Fellowship Hospital)
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland (Residency Hospital)
University of Leicester (Medical School)
English
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA / CROOKSTON CAMPUS (Medical School, 1992)
University of Minnesota (Fellowship Hospital, 1992)
University of Minnesota (Residency Hospital, 1989)
University of Minnesota (Internship Hospital, 1987)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
Gastroenterology
JM
Dr. John Maddox
1.7
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery
American Board of Surgery
SOUTHWEST COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINEHEALTH SCIENCES (Medical School, 1997)
English
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American College Of Surgeons|Oregon Health And Science University (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)
Virginia Mason Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2010)
Virginia Mason Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2005)
University of Washington School of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)
English
St. Joseph Medical Center
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
Breast Surgery
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2010)
University of Wyoming (Undergraduate School, 2006)
Kilgore Junior College (Undergraduate School, 2003)
English
Naturopathy
Gastroenterology
Family Medicine
Holistic Medicine
CS
Dr. Charles Scheurich
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
University of Colorado (Internship Hospital, 1988)
University of Washington School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)
English
St. Clare Hospital
St. Anthony Hospital
St. Joseph Medical Center
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
Hospital Medicine
JL
Dr. Jonathan Levant
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
New York University (Medical School, 1968)
English
Gastroenterology
Anita Loehmer
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Gastroenterology
Yesenia Williams
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Gastroenterology
JW
Dr. James Wagonfeld
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Chicago (Medical School, 1975)
English
Gastroenterology
RK
Dr. Ryan Kwok
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
English
Gastroenterology
Transplant Hepatology
Internal Medicine
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC; University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD (Fellowship Hospital)
Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA (Residency Hospital)
ALBANY MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School)
English
St. Anne Hospital
Gastroenterology
TS
Dr. Timothy Schubert
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
Stanford University (Medical School, 1973)
English
Gastroenterology
SC
Dr. Stephen Curtis
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
English
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Gastroenterology
Internal Medicine
JJ
Dr. James Reed Jr
N/A
Tacoma, WA
Sex
Male
Languages
English
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Medical School, 1972)
English
Gastroenterology
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gastroenterologist in Tacoma
Qualifications and Credentials
Board Certification
- American Board of Internal Medicine certification
- Importance of board certification in gastroenterology
Educational Background
- Medical school information
- Residency and fellowship training
Experience and Specialization
Years of Practice
- Importance of experience in gastroenterology
- Considering both overall experience and time in current practice
Areas of Expertise
- Subspecialties within gastroenterology
- Specialized procedures or treatments offered
Patient Ratings and Reviews
Star Ratings
- Understanding the significance of star ratings
- Considering the number of reviews along with the rating
Patient Feedback
- Reading detailed patient reviews
- Looking for patterns in patient experiences
Hospital Affiliations
Major Hospitals in Tacoma
- St. Joseph Medical Center
- MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
- St. Clare Hospital
Importance of Hospital Quality
- Considering the reputation of affiliated hospitals
- Access to advanced medical facilities and equipment
Top-Rated Gastroenterologists in Tacoma
Dr. Alan Urbina-Alvarez
Background and Qualifications
- Education: Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico (Medical School)
- Fellowship: John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL
- Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 5 reviews
- Highly rated by patients
Hospital Affiliations
- St. Clare Hospital, Lakewood, WA
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Dr. Steven Bernick
Background and Qualifications
- Education: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)
- Fellowship: Naval Medical Center (2011)
- Additional Training: Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Training Program (2010)
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 16 reviews
- Highly regarded by patients
Areas of Specialization
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Acupuncture
Dr. John Sun
Background and Qualifications
- Education: Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Medical School, 1999)
- Fellowship: Hospital of The University of Pennsylvania (2005)
- Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 4.7 star rating based on 59 reviews
- Well-respected by patients
Hospital Affiliations
- St. Joseph Medical Center, Tacoma, WA
Languages
- English
- Chinese
Dr. Michael Lyons
Background and Qualifications
- Fellowship: Walter Reed Army Medical Center
- Internship: Madigan Army Medical Center (1983)
- Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 4.7 star rating based on 27 reviews
- Highly rated by patients
Areas of Expertise
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Dr. Diane Bai
Background and Qualifications
- Education: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Medical School)
- Fellowship: Gastroenterology Fellowship, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Residency: Internal Medicine Residency, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine
Patient Ratings and Reviews
- 4.4 star rating based on 21 reviews
- Well-regarded by patients
Hospital Affiliations
- St. Clare Hospital, Lakewood, WA
Languages
- English
- Mandarin
Additional Resources for Finding the Right Gastroenterologist in Tacoma
Online Doctor Search Tools
Healthgrades
- Overview of Healthgrades as a resource
- How to use Healthgrades to find gastroenterologists in Tacoma
- Information available on Healthgrades (e.g., patient reviews, education, hospital affiliations)
Other Reputable Medical Websites
- Mention of other reliable online platforms for doctor searches
- Tips for evaluating the credibility of online doctor information
Insurance Provider Directories
Importance of Checking In-Network Providers
- Explanation of benefits of choosing in-network gastroenterologists
- Potential cost savings for patients
Using Insurance Company Websites
- Step-by-step guide on navigating insurance provider directories
- How to filter for gastroenterologists in Tacoma
Referrals from Primary Care Physicians
Benefits of Getting a Referral
- Advantages of seeking recommendations from your regular doctor
- How primary care physicians can match you with suitable gastroenterologists
Questions to Ask When Seeking a Referral
- List of important questions to discuss with your primary care doctor
- How to communicate your specific gastroenterological needs and preferences