Browse this page
Welcome to gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
"At the MedStar Georgetown Department of Gastroenterology, we believe in treating people-not just their disease," says Nadim Haddad, MD, Regional Director/Chief of the Department of Gastroenterology. "We're committed to providing the best possible care to each and every patient who walks through our doors."If you are suffering from a condition of the digestive tract, you don't need to struggle alone. Our knowledgeable team is here to help. From diagnosis to treatment, you'll find expert guidance and an empathetic approach.
Nationally-renowned expertise
The Department of Gastroenterology performs approximately 16,000 procedures each year. Due to this notable level of expertise, the department has been recognized as one of MedStar Georgetown's Centers of Excellence.We have a variety of renowned specialties and programs, including:
-
Pancreas and Biliary Diseases Center
We are leaders in advanced pancreaticobiliary endoscopy and molecular profiling, critical to the precise diagnosis and tumor classification that leads to better outcomes for these complex diseases. As a major component of the Pancreas and Liver Diseases Program, the Department is instrumental in promoting faster, more accurate evaluations and triage to the right specialists for the most advanced therapies available today.
We also have a dedicated Pancreatic Cyst Clinic for the systematic follow-up and continuity of care of patients with confirmed pancreatic cysts or lesions. -
Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
We understand that IBD can affect people at any stage of life, disrupting their personal, professional, and social experiences. Working closely with our IBD patients, our team provides accurate and timely diagnosis to prevent disease progression and complications, and to minimize medication side effects in order to help achieve the best quality of life.
-
Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program
Anyone can develop a gastrointestinal cancer but some people have a higher risk because of a family history, certain hereditary genes, or a personal history of GI cancer or related hereditary conditions, such as Lynch Syndrome. Because we know that these cancers are more easily treated when found early, we offer comprehensive genetic counseling, and other services to help you understand and mitigate your risk of developing GI cancer. Your personalized prevention plan may involve screening, genetic testing, or clinical trials that may help with early detection.
-
Esophageal Center
We offer the latest, minimally invasive approaches. We work in partnership with The Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in collaboration with Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. We treat a range of esophageal disorders from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to Barrett’s esophagus to motility and swallowing disorders.
-
Liver Disease Program
The Liver Diseases Program specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic approaches allowing clinicians to diagnose and treat conditions using a thin, flexible tube equipped with small lights and a camera. Our team of expert clinicians work closely with specialists in radiology, interventional radiology, pathology, and medical oncology to ensure that patients receive the best care and care plan.
Our team includes nationally recognized experts in evaluating liver diseases and identifying patients for transplantation. Patients can be referred to MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, one of the largest liver transplant centers in the mid-Atlantic region.
MedStar Georgetown is only facility in the Washington, D.C., area recognized for the care of patients with pancreatic diseases by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF), a mark of distinction that reflects the talent of our clinicians and the breadth of our services.
Comprehensive, patient-centered care
Each patient at the Department of Gastroenterology receives compassionate, individualized care. Your clinician will listen to your concerns, answer all of your questions, consider your overall medical picture, and work with you to find the treatment plan that's right for your unique medical needs. Our gastroenterologists work in close partnership with a range of other specialists, including experts in radiology, pathology, and oncology. The wide range of clinical services available at MedStar Georgetown allows for a seamless patient experience.
Advanced techniques and equipment
MedStar Georgetown Department of Gastroenterology offers the latest in imaging procedures, radiological interventions, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Cutting edge treatment options available at MedStar Georgetown include cholangioscopy, interventional endoscopic ultrasound, pancreatic pseudocyst drainage, fiducial placement, chromoendoscopy, and ablation for Barrett's esophagus.
The Department of Gastroenterology is also proud to offer wireless capsule technology. This technique allows clinicians to improve patient comfort and diagnostic accuracy through the use of a vitaminized capsule containing a camera, light, batteries, and transmitter.
Research
Our team is heavily involved in research efforts. Working in partnership with the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and The Otto J. Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, the Department of Gastroenterology offers our patients access to clinical trials that may benefit their care.
Ongoing areas of research inquiry include pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal malignancy, biliary-pancreatic diseases, esophageal conditions, acid-peptic disease, hepatic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and new uses of endoscopic ultrasound.
Research initiatives provide patients with the opportunity to benefit from innovative techniques and technology.
Visiting us
Located right next to Georgetown University, our hospital is easily accessible by public transportation or by car.
Services we offer
Conditions we treat:
Procedures we perform:
Patient stories
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
-
John E Carroll, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Walid Chalhoub, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Nadim G Haddad, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Joseph James Jennings, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Priyanka Kanth, MD, MS
Cancer Genetics & Gastroenterology
-
James H. Lewis, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Thomas Michael Loughney, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Mark Christopher Mattar, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Angelica Nocerino, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Caren S. Palese, MD
Gastroenterology
-
Stanley James Pietrak, MD
Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology
-
Shervin Shafa, MD
Gastroenterology
Show All
Ask a doctor
-
Gastroenterology and Motility Disorders: Ask Dr. Angelica Nocerino
-
Endoscopy: Ask Dr. Walid Chalhoub
-
Gastroenterology Center of Excellence: Ask Dr. Nadim Haddad
-
Gastrointestinal Cancer: Ask Dr. Priyanka Kanth
-
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, and colon cancer: Ask Dr. Mark Mattar
-
Facebook Live: Colon Cancer Prevention
-
Facebook Live - GERD: Serious help for serious but treatable indigestion
GI procedure prep instructions
Please only follow the prep instructions as directed by your physician. If you have any questions about what prep you are taking, please call 202-444-8541 and select the option to speak to a nurse.
Upper endoscopy (EGD), EUS, or ERCP prep instructions
Motility prep instructions
Colonoscopy prep instructions
Flexible sigmoidoscopy prep instructions
SmartPill capsule prep instructions
Video capsule prep instructions
Anal rectal manometry instructions
Click here for answers to some of our frequently asked questions.
Medical records release form
All patient health care information at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH) is confidential. Therefore, medical records cannot be released to any person without the authorization of the patient or the patient’s legally authorized representative (unless authorized by law).