Jackson Hospital | Partners | Summer 2019

8 Jackson Hospital COMMUNITY TAGLINE HERE Skilled specialists Specific conditions gastroenterologists address include: •  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) •  Hepatitis •  Stomach ulcers •  Celiac disease •  Diverticulitis •  Nutritional problems •  Inflammatory bowel disease •  Cirrhosis •  Pancreatitis •  Cancer Gastroenterologists perform various procedures that allow patients to feel better without surgery. For example, there are nonsurgical techniques to remove stones from the bile ducts in the liver and to treat certain tumors. If you’re having problems with your digestive system, your primary care doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating disorders of the gastroin- testinal tract. That includes the esopha- gus, stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver. All of these organs have roles in aiding digestion. When you eat, food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. It’s how your body gets the fuel it needs to function. Problems with any one of your digestive organs can inter- fere with this process. Depending on the organ affected, you may have symptoms such as heartburn, trouble swallowing, bloating, pain, nausea or diarrhea. GASTROENTEROLOGIST? Some procedures that gastroenterolo- gists commonly perform include: Colonoscopy. This involves a long flexible tube with a light and camera. It allows doctors to directly visualize the large intestine (the colon) for signs of cancer and growths (polyps) that can be removed before they become cancerous. Endoscopy. This procedure involves instruments similar to those used for colonoscopy, but they’re used to examine and treat the esophagus, stomach and other organs. Rigorous training Gastroenterologists are highly educated. Like other doctors, they complete four years of medical school. They then receive three years of training in internal medi- cine, which is followed by a three- to four- year fellowship in gastroenterology. What is a PROVIDERS HIREN PATEL, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterol- ogy. He received his medical degree from Medical College Baroda in India. He completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellow- ship in gastroenterology at New York Medical College/St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. Dr. Patel specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. PAUL VINCENT T. CO, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. He received his medical degree from Cebu Institute of Medicine in the Philippines and completed his residency at John J. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago. Dr. Co completed his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. CARLA DE LA GARZA, CRNP, is from Brownsville, Texas, and graduated from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She also graduated with honors from Georgetown University with a master of science degree as a family nurse practitioner. She is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society of nursing. Gastroenterology with an emphasis on weight management has been the main focus of Carla’s nursing career. MEET OUR EXPERTS Sources: American College of Gastroenterology; American Gastroenterological Association