This article highlights some of the best gastroenterologists in the United States, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the right specialist for your needs.

What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?

Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing GI-related health issues. They address a wide range of conditions, including:

Acid reflux (GERD)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Liver disease (hepatitis, fatty liver disease)

Pancreatitis

Celiac disease

Gallbladder issues

Colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy)

These specialists use advanced diagnostic tools, including endoscopy and colonoscopy, to detect, treat, and prevent diseases of the digestive system.

Top Gastroenterologists in the United States

Here is a list of some of the best gastroenterologists in the U.S., known for their expertise, patient care, and innovative contributions to the field.

1. Dr. David Robbins, MD

Location: New York, NY

Specialization: Advanced endoscopic procedures, pancreatic and biliary diseases

Why He’s Notable: Dr. Robbins is Co-Chief of Endoscopy at Lenox Hill Hospital and is known for his expertise in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

2. Dr. Michael Camilleri, MD

Location: Rochester, MN (Mayo Clinic)

Specialization: GI motility disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroparesis

Why He’s Notable: A world-renowned researcher and clinician at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Camilleri’s contributions to GI motility research have shaped treatment protocols for conditions like IBS.

3. Dr. Lin Chang, MD

Location: Los Angeles, CA (UCLA Health)

Specialization: Functional GI disorders like IBS and chronic abdominal pain

Why She’s Notable: Dr. Chang is a leading expert in IBS and serves as a director at UCLA’s Digestive Health and Nutrition Clinic. She’s also actively involved in research on the brain-gut connection.

4. Dr. John Inadomi, MD

Location: San Francisco, CA (UCSF Medical Center)

Specialization: Colorectal cancer screening, prevention, and health equity

Why He’s Notable: Dr. Inadomi is Chair of the Department of Medicine at UCSF and is a nationally recognized leader in colorectal cancer screening and prevention.

5. Dr. Michelle Anderson, MD

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (University of Michigan Health)

Specialization: Pancreaticobiliary disease, interventional endoscopy

Why She’s Notable: Dr. Anderson is a leading specialist in interventional endoscopy and bile duct disorders, with a focus on ERCP and EUS procedures.

6. Dr. Peter D. Siersema, MD

Location: Cleveland, OH (Cleveland Clinic)

Specialization: Esophageal cancer, Barrett’s esophagus, and endoscopic therapies

Why He’s Notable: Dr. Siersema’s expertise in esophageal diseases and endoscopic resection techniques has advanced treatment options for conditions like Barrett’s esophagus and early-stage esophageal cancer.

7. Dr. Miguel Regueiro, MD

Location: Pittsburgh, PA (UPMC)

Specialization: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (IBD)

Why He’s Notable: As Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at UPMC, Dr. Regueiro is a global leader in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

8. Dr. Brooks Cash, MD

Location: Houston, TX (UTHealth Houston)

Specialization: Functional bowel disorders, chronic constipation, and IBS

Why He’s Notable: Dr. Cash’s contributions to research on IBS and chronic constipation have led to innovative treatment approaches for these challenging conditions.

9. Dr. Marcia Canto, MD

Location: Baltimore, MD (Johns Hopkins Hospital)

Specialization: Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and endoscopic therapies

Why She’s Notable: As a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, Dr. Canto’s work has advanced early detection techniques using endoscopy.

10. Dr. William Chey, MD

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (University of Michigan Health)

Specialization: IBS, functional GI disorders, and food intolerances

Why He’s Notable: Dr. Chey’s research on dietary interventions and the low-FODMAP diet for IBS patients has changed how healthcare providers approach treatment for functional GI disorders.

How to Choose the Right Gastroenterologist

When selecting a gastroenterologist, consider the following factors:

Specialization: Choose a specialist based on your specific condition (e.g., IBD, GERD, liver disease).

Reputation and Reviews: Look for patient reviews, awards, and hospital affiliations.

Experience and Credentials: Verify the doctor’s board certification, years of experience, and professional accolades.

Location and Accessibility: Proximity to your location can be a factor if you need ongoing care or multiple appointments.

Compatibility: Ensure you feel comfortable discussing sensitive health issues with the specialist.

When Should You See a Gastroenterologist?

It’s recommended to see a gastroenterologist if you experience persistent symptoms, such as:

Chronic abdominal pain

Persistent heartburn or acid reflux

Unexplained weight loss

Blood in stool or black stool

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

Chronic diarrhea or constipation

Early detection and timely treatment of GI issues can prevent the progression of serious conditions, including cancer.