About Us

• Why did you choose to specialize in Gastroenterology? I find the ability to meet new people, discuss their problems and be able to offer therapeutic interventions very rewarding in Gastroenterology. On a personal note, during family gatherings, we always talked about “gi issues” – even at the dinner table! So specializing in Gastroenterology seemed to be a very natural choice during medical residency training. Do you have a specialty of interest within GI? Colon cancer screening is of great interest to me because of the tremendous difference I can make in the prevention and early detection of a devastating disease. I find chronic abdominal pain fascinating and have done prior research in animal models of irritable bowel syndrome and pancreatitis. Unfortunately it is a challenging and poorly understood entity; it is frustrating at times as a physician, not to be able to provide satisfactory results. Where did you study? I obtained my undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Computing Sciences. After several years working in private industry, I enrolled at Baylor College of Medicine and finished my Internal Medicine Residency and Gastroenterology Fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch. I completed a year of additional training as an Interventional Therapeutic Fellow at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio. What certifications do you hold? I hold board certifications in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology. I have certification for advanced training in Therapeutic Endoscopy (ERCP/EUS) What do you and your family enjoy doing in your spare time? I have 4 kids, 2 dogs and 1 wife. We enjoy travelling together whenever time allows. Due to unpredictable schedules and commitments, we have developed a habit of renting a van and driving to random places without much planning – welcome to married life with kids! I love tinkering with technology and programming in low level computer languages (MC 68000 assembly and C) but spare time is very limited! Do you have any special honors or recognitions in your medical career that you would like to share? Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship Certificate Do you fluently speak any other languages in addition to English? Native fluency in Spanish Please list your professional affiliations. American Gastroenterology Association American College of Gastroenterology American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Texas Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy