meet Our Gastroenterology Experts
(l-r) Zachary Landers, MSN, FNP-BC | Jason Ardelean, FNP-C | Amna Mehdi, DO |
Hazem Tabbaa, DO, MS | Mustafa Huseini, MD | Kamal Khorfan, MD | Erin Sattazahn, PA-C
Located in Owosso, Michigan, Memorial Healthcare is proud to have one of the best-equipped digital Gastroenterology clinics in the United States. Patients throughout mid-Michigan turn to this non-profit hospital for gastroenterology services.
What Is a Gastroenterologist?
As the name suggests, gastroenterology is the medical field focused on gastrointestinal (GI) organs, such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, small intestine, gall bladder, rectum, and bile ducts. Gastroenterologists have a firm understanding of all normal processes associated with these organs, including digestion and absorption of food, the motility (movement) of substances through the stomach and intestine, and the excretion of waste. They also examine how the liver works with the digestive system.
Gastroenterology Services at Memorial Healthcare:
- Celiac Disease
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Cholangioscopy
- Chronic Pancreatitis
- Colonoscopy
- Colorectal Diseases & Cancer
- Complex Polypectomy & Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
- Digestive Disease & Health
- Diseases of the Biliary System
- Diseases of the Upper & Lower GI Tract
- Dysphagia – Difficulty Swallowing
- EGD with Botox
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) – Upper Scope
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hepatology
- Pancreatic Cysts, Diseases & Cancer
- Percutaneous Gastrostomy Tube Placement
- Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
- Upper & Lower GI Bleeding
When to Visit a Gastroenterologist
While some gastrointestinal pain stems from a basic stomach ache or heartburn, other discomforts may indicate a deeper issue. When patients experience new or lingering pain in the gastrointestinal area, they should seek professional medical assistance. Some cases where a person might need a gastroenterologist may include:
- Chronic heartburn: People often get heartburn after eating spicy or fried foods or carbonated soft drinks. However, if this sensation occurs multiple times a week, the patient may have GERD, or chronic acid reflux. GERD can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus.
- Constipation: External factors, like not drinking enough water, can lead to occasional constipation. When a person frequently has trouble going to the bathroom, they may have an underlying problem, such as intestinal blockage or a hormonal issue.
- Diarrhea: The opposite of constipation, diarrhea happens when a person goes to the bathroom more often than usual. Diarrhea that persists for several weeks can suggest a host of disorders, from IBS to ulcerative colitis.
- Bloating: A bloated person feels full even if they have not eaten recently. Trapped gas is the main cause of bloating, but multiple conditions can lead to it, from celiac disease to gallstones. Gastroenterologists can figure out the root issue of bloating.
- Rectal bleeding: Seeing blood when going to the bathroom can be scary, but sometimes it is an easily treatable hemorrhoid. With that said, bloody or black stools can also imply a more severe problem, such as an ulcer, polyp, or even cancer. Recurring rectal bleeding warrants a visit to the gastroenterologist.
Podcasts
Gastroenterology National Recognition
Memorial Healthcare is one of seven hospitals in the state to receive recognition for the quality and safety of its gastrointestinal endoscopy program. This comes from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the leading organization in setting standards of excellence in endoscopy and promoting quality in all settings where it is practiced in the United States.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to be again recognized by the ASGE. This recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to quality and safety in the services we provide our patients every time they walk into our facilities,” said Dr. Hazem Tabbaa, DO, MS. “We saw many people postpone or completely avoid colonoscopy screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. This honor is a timely reminder for our community to get their colonoscopy screenings as recommended by their providers.”
Endoscopy procedures help physicians diagnose and treat gastrointestinal tract diseases. These techniques allow physicians to access the human digestive tract via natural orifices without incisions.
To be recognized by ASGE, Memorial Healthcare must, through a peer-reviewed application process, attest to the continued competence of all staff and physicians relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention. The certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period.
Gastroenterology Services at Memorial Healthcare
Turn to Memorial Healthcare for service excellence in gastroenterology. The 165-bed facility provides care to nearly 30,000 emergency patients, 200,000 outpatients, and 3,800 inpatients each year. Besides the main campus in Owosso, MI, the hospital also has 25 satellite offices in Chesaning, Corunna, Durand, Howell, Laingsburg, Okemos, Ovid-Elsie, Perry, and St. Johns.
To schedule a gastroenterology appointment, please call (989) 729-1600.
Referring physicians, please click here to print a referral form (PDF). All physician referrals are accepted. Completed forms can be faxed to (989) 729-4070.
