Finding out your gut isn't working right is stressful. Honestly, it’s one of those things people don't like to talk about until they absolutely have to. When you're searching for MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, you aren't just looking for a building; you're looking for someone who can actually figure out why you’re in pain or why your digestion has gone completely off the rails.
Georgetown isn't just a neighborhood with nice cupcakes. The hospital there is a heavy hitter in the medical world. Their GI department is basically where other doctors send their "impossible" cases. It’s a mix of high-level academic research and real-world, hands-on patient care. They handle everything from the routine colonoscopy that everyone dreads to complex liver transplants that save lives.
What’s the big deal about Georgetown’s GI team?
It’s about the tech. And the people. Mostly the people.
At MedStar Georgetown, the gastroenterology department is built around specialized centers. They don't just have "stomach doctors." They have the Esophageal Center. They have the Pancreas and Biliary Diseases Center. They even have a dedicated program for GI Cancer Prevention. If you've got a weird issue with your bile duct, you aren't seeing a generalist; you’re seeing someone like Dr. Nadim Haddad, who spends his entire professional life focused on pancreaticobiliary diseases.
Advanced Endoscopy: Beyond the Basics
Most people think of an endoscopy as just a camera down the throat. At Georgetown, it’s a lot more intense than that. They use something called interventional endoscopy. This means they can often treat a problem—like a blockage or a small tumor—while they are looking at it, which saves you from having a much more invasive surgery later.
They are pioneers in:
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- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Using sound waves inside the body to get super detailed images of the pancreas and lungs.
- ERCP: A complex procedure to move stones or place stents in the bile ducts.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Basically "zapping" abnormal cells in the esophagus before they turn into cancer.
It’s pretty wild how much they can do through a tiny tube these days.
Managing the "Invisible" Diseases: IBD and Crohn’s
Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a nightmare. It’s unpredictable. It’s exhausting. The Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Georgetown is led by experts like Dr. Mark Mattar, who understands that IBD isn't just a physical "bathroom issue"—it’s something that affects your mental health and your social life, too.
They take a "whole person" approach. This is a big fancy way of saying they don't just hand you a prescription and send you home. They look at your diet, your stress levels, and how the medications are actually making you feel. Because they are part of a university hospital, they also have access to clinical trials. If the standard meds aren't working for your Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis, you might be eligible for a new treatment that isn't even on the market yet.
Why the Lombardi Connection Matters
You can't talk about MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital without mentioning the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in the D.C. area.
What does that mean for you?
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If a screening finds something scary, you aren't being referred to a different city or a different system. The GI team works in the same hallway as the oncologists and surgeons. Dr. Priyanka Kanth, who leads the GI Cancer Prevention Program, focuses on high-risk patients—people with a family history of Lynch Syndrome or other genetic markers. They catch things early. That’s the goal. Catch it before it starts.
The Liver and the Transplant Link
Sometimes a GI issue turns into a liver issue. MedStar Georgetown is home to the MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute. It is one of the busiest and most successful transplant centers in the country. Specialists like Dr. James Lewis (a hepatology expert) work closely with the transplant surgeons. If you have Hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease, you’re being monitored by the same people who perform the transplants. That continuity of care is hard to find elsewhere.
What it’s actually like being a patient there
Let’s be real: hospitals can be intimidating. MedStar Georgetown is a huge maze.
But once you get to the GI suite in the Main Building, things feel a bit more focused. You’ll likely meet a team that includes not just the doctor, but specialized nurses and fellows. Because it's a teaching hospital, there are always extra sets of eyes on your case.
Wait times? Yeah, they can be a bit long. That’s the trade-off for seeing world-class specialists.
Communication? They use the MedStar Health portal. It’s pretty straightforward for seeing your test results or messaging your doctor.
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One thing patients often mention is the "Cura Personalis" vibe. It’s a Jesuit value that the hospital sticks to—basically treating the soul as much as the body. It sounds a bit "woo-woo," but when you’re facing a scary diagnosis, having a doctor who actually listens to your fears makes a massive difference.
Things they treat (The "Short" List)
The range of conditions they handle is massive. Seriously.
- Barrett’s Esophagus (those pre-cancerous changes from reflux)
- Celiac Disease (way more than just avoiding bread)
- Chronic Constipation and Motility Disorders
- Gastroparesis (when your stomach just stops moving)
- Hemorrhoids (not glamorous, but they fix them)
- Gallstones and Bile Duct leaks
How to get started
If you’re struggling with digestive issues, don't just wait for it to go away. Most of these specialists require a referral from your primary care doctor, especially if you have HMO insurance.
- Check your insurance. MedStar takes most major plans, but always double-check.
- Gather your records. If you’ve had a scan or a scope at a different hospital, get those records sent over before your first appointment. It saves so much time.
- Write down your symptoms. Don't just say "my stomach hurts." Be specific. Does it hurt after eating? Does it wake you up at night?
- Visit the office. The main GI office is at 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC. There are also satellite locations in McLean and Lafayette Centre if you don't want to deal with Georgetown traffic.
The most important thing to remember about MedStar Health Gastroenterology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is that they deal with the most complex cases in the region. If you feel like your current doctor isn't getting to the bottom of your gut issues, this is the place to seek a second opinion. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health.
To get the process moving, call their central scheduling line at 202-444-8541 to confirm which specialist aligns best with your specific symptoms. If you have a family history of colon or stomach cancer, specifically ask for a consultation with the GI Cancer Prevention Program to discuss genetic screening options.