Finding a Gastroparesis Specialist
The premise behind this website and my work as a health counselor is that those of us with gastroparesis have to be our own advocates. But that doesn’t mean that we should do it alone. Innfact, having a knowledgable specialist who is compassionate and willing to help you explore your treatment options is a vital part of a good gastroparesis management plan.
A few months ago, I posted a survey so that we could help each other navigate the often frustrating task of finding a good doctor. Click on the link below to access the results — over 3 dozen doctors around the country who have been recommended by other GPers.
{Please note: I am not personally recommending or endorsing any of these physicians. This list is based solely on feedback received via the survey.}
Doctors Recommended by Other GPers
Here are two additional resources, which may be helpful to those looking for a specialist:
- American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society’s Registry of GI Motility Laboratories
- University of List of GP Experts (2009)
UPDATE: I’ve been notified that some of the info on these lists is out of date. Some docs, including McCallum and Abell have moved. I’ll be posting updates on Monday, along with any additions that are left in the comment section.
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22 Responses to “Finding a Gastroparesis Specialist”
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Crystal,
G-PACT. G-PACT said: Patients are often the best advisers in
choosing a good, knowledgeable, and caring physician. Crystal
Saltrelli… http://fb.me/EpWyvPWt [...]
Great list, Crystal! The only thing I would mention is that Dr. Patterson is now at Swedish Medical Center, too, not at Virginia Mason anymore.
We use Dr. Christopher Jolley at Shands at the University
of Florida in Gainesville, FL. He is a Pedicatric Gastoenterologist
that goes above and beyond with his patients. We have found him to
be extremely compassionate with our daughter. Dr. Jolley also does
work with the Gastric Stimulator and will refer out if
needed.
Thanks, Libby! I’ll keep track of any updates and repost
the info.
Thanks, Kelly! So sorry that your daughter is dealing with GP, but I’m glad you’ve found a good doc. I’ll add Dr. Jolley to the updated list.
I hope others share their recommendations, as well!
Crystal, The doctors at the UNC Center for Functional GI
and Motility Disorders, Particularly Nicolas Shaheen and Yehuda
Ringel, are excellent in treating gastroparesis and chronic
intestinal pseudo-obstruction. They go above and beyond and are
extremely compassionate, have great bedside manners, will spend
extreme amounts of time with their patients to get to the bottom of
problems, and are willing to try creative treatments. I’m sorry
that I missed answering your survey. Aliza
I am a five year survivor of pancreatic cancer. I have had
surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation in 2006. There was
reoccurrence of a tumor outside the stomach wall in 2009 which was
followed by more chemotherapy. I had a 5 month break and it
reoccured in 2010. I became the first patient with p.c. To have
proton therapy and so far things look promising. I have a pet/scan
again next week. But now I have been diagnosed with gastoparesis
and have lost 12 pounds in two months. I also have two duodenal
stents and bile stents that get changed every 3 months. The gastro
dr. Has suggested a j tube but I have a history of infection and
don’t want to go that route. I can drink ensure and I can have some
soft foods but right now it’s trial and error. I really need some
suggestions. An upper G.I. Showed a very tight duodenum but no
other obstructions. The pain I get comes in spasms, like a
tightening of my esophagus and belching. But I can go several days
with no pain. Is there a nutritionalist that can help me or a
motility doctor? Looking forward to your response. I feel greatful
this does not appear to be cancer related. Pia
Hello everyone, i am currently living in Oklahoma cause the the Army sent us here. I have not seen a GI to adjust the settings on my stimulator for about 3yrs not. 1, cause Tricare doesn’t want to pay and 2. The closest one is Dallas. Just wondering if anyone know of a good GI in the OKC area that i can check out. It looks like if things finally go our way, the Army will be sending us to Ft. Bliss(El Paso,Tx) and there are 2 dr’s that do stimulators there and that would be awesome. My team of drs i had there before moving to OK finally had my body in control or the best it could get. Well, thank you for advance to anyone that answers this:)
My daughter is 16 years old and has been diagnosed with gastroparesis. Has anyone had experience with a pediatric GI doctor?
Hi, Debra. Not sure where you live, but here are three of the best pediatric GI motility specialists that I’ve heard of:
Dr. Carlo DiLorenzo at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH
Dr. Alex Rodriquez at Children’s Hospital in Boston
Dr. Alex Flores at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts in Boston
Hope that helps!
Warmly,
Crystal
My friend has been diagnosed with gastroparthesis and I see from these postings there are several pediatric specialists but does anyone know of a specialist for adults?
Karen, there are actually many more adult motility specialists than pediatric ones (not that there are many of either!). The lists that I linked to in this post are primarily doctors for adults, so be sure to check those out. If you let us know where you’re located, I might be able to make a recommendation.
Read your books, Thank you.
Do you know any specialists in FL?
Preferably South West.
Thanks; Wendy
Does anyone know of a doctor who specializes in the gastric stimulator in or around east Tennessee?
Hi, Karen. You can do a search on the Medtronic website to see which surgeons in your area perform the surgery. If you call their office, they will likely to be able to tell you which GI doc in the area refers patients for the procedure. http://www.medtronic.com/physicianlocator/googleMaps/advancedSearch?therapy=7
Warmly,
Crystal
I have not found any specialists in South West Fl.
Any advise???
I’m not sure how far in Southwest FL you are looking, but I went to Shands Hospital in Gainsville today. They spent a lot of time with my husband and I explaining GP and our options, along with ordering several tests to rule out other things. It is a 2.5 hour drive for us, but its worth it if I’m going to get proper care. I wish you the best!
I am desperately looking for a new GI Doctor. I have been seen by Borland-Groover Clinic here in Jacksonville, FL since I first started my path to diagnosis. However, they are not motility specialists and my case far exceeds their area of expertise. They can no longer help me, and at 24 have told me they have already exhausted all of their options with me and are pretty much wiping their hands with me. I am my own advocate and fight for myself each and every day, but I need someone to back me up and instead of me being the only one to support me I need the advice and options from a supporting doctor. I am willing to drive, and go anywhere. My health is far too important to me. If anyone knows of a good motility specialists in FL, kindly let me know. From one GP’er to another, thank you.
Ashlee, I recently went to Shands hospital in Gainesville, FL. I’ve only gone once but they are running all tests on me to be sure we are dealing with GP (my local GI did the one hour emptying scan) and They spent a lot of time with me. I can’t say whether I like them or not since I’ve only been once. Isn’t there a Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville? If not I think there is a new Shands up there. Hope you get the help you need. God Bless.
I was recently diagnosed with GP (last week) & I just want to make sure I have the best Dr to deal with my situation. I live in Virginia Beach, Va. I have tried several ways to do a search for GI/GP specialists but they give me everything but what I want. I appreciate any help I can get!! My Dr. gave me the diagnosis and the main info on GP and them told me to search on the internet if there was anything I wanted to know.
I have Gp and started seeing a doctor in Charlottesville, VA which is hour and 1/2 from my home which is in Richmond, VA! I did like the Dr. Mann, but he just wants to stuff you full of pills, tells you lose weight and exercise? Really, I am already sick and can’t eat many days, lose weight? It comes with the disease! Already!
Any way, I need to find a better caring GP specialist here in Richmond, VA and the only one I have been sent to at St. Mary’s hospital, is very uncaring and I can’t stand him! So, if anyone in this area know of other docs in this area, please send me an email! I do not have health insurance, but I can go to local hospitals! I have a care card with Bon Secours and I have the indigent insurance through MCV!
Does anyone know of any GI or specialists for GP in Honolulu, HI? Looks like the military will be sending us there and I don’t want to lose the assignment because of my GP, but also want to make sure I will receive proper treatment while living there. Thanks in Advance!