What Is GW Gastroenterology and What Services Does It Offer?

08 Sep What Is GW Gastroenterology and What Services Does It Offer?

If you are searching for “gw gastroenterology,” you may be looking for information about gastroenterology services connected with George Washington University in Washington, DC. You may also be trying to find a gastroenterologist, learn about digestive disease treatment, schedule a colonoscopy, understand liver care, or find the current location and providers.

The term can be confusing because the clinical organization historically known as the GW Medical Faculty Associates is now operating as Capital Medical Group. Capital Medical Group states that it is the former GW Medical Faculty Associates and that patient care continues under the new organization.

At the same time, George Washington University continues to have an academic Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases and a three-year gastroenterology fellowship program. The university describes its division as providing care for gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders while also supporting education and research.

This guide explains what gw gastroenterology means today, what conditions gastroenterologists treat, what services are available, what to expect from an appointment, and how to find current information.

What Is GW Gastroenterology?

GW gastroenterology refers to gastroenterology and digestive health care associated with the George Washington University medical system in Washington, DC.

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that focuses on the digestive system. This includes the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Colon
• Rectum
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Bile ducts
• Pancreas

The George Washington University Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases provides primary and tertiary care for a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver disorders. The division also has educational and research responsibilities.

For patients, however, it is important to understand the difference between the university’s academic division and the current outpatient medical practice.

The former GW Medical Faculty Associates is now called Capital Medical Group. Its current website lists a Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases department with physicians and advanced practice providers.

Therefore, someone searching for “gw gastroenterology” may see both George Washington University pages and Capital Medical Group pages. Both can be relevant, but they serve somewhat different purposes.

Is GW Gastroenterology Still Available Under the GW MFA Name?

The organization formerly known as the GW Medical Faculty Associates is now Capital Medical Group.

Capital Medical Group explains that the name changed while continuing to provide medical care in the Washington, DC region. Its website says that scheduled appointments, procedures, and office visits continue during the transition and that, in most cases, patients continue seeing their existing physicians.

This change explains why older internet results may still use terms such as:

• GW Medical Faculty Associates
• GW MFA Gastroenterology
• GW Gastroenterology
• GW Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases
• GW MFA Digestive Diseases

If you are looking for a current appointment, provider, phone number, or office location, it is better to use the current Capital Medical Group information rather than relying only on older pages.

The current Capital Medical Group gastroenterology department is officially listed as “Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases.”

Where Is GW Gastroenterology Located?

The current Capital Medical Group Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases office is located at:

2150 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20037

The listed phone number is 202-741-2160. The official location page also identifies an accessible patient and parking entrance at 2191 I Street NW, between 21st and 22nd streets.

The office currently lists hours from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is closed on weekends. Patients should confirm the hours before visiting because healthcare schedules can change.

The office is also accessible from the Foggy Bottom Metro station. Capital Medical Group states that the station, served by the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, is within walking distance of its downtown locations.

For anyone searching online for “GW gastroenterology Washington DC,” checking the current address is especially important because older search results may display previous organizational information.

What Conditions Does GW Gastroenterology Treat?

Gastroenterologists treat many conditions involving the digestive tract and liver.

The George Washington University Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases lists expertise in several areas, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, liver diseases, pancreatic disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal motility disorders, colon cancer prevention, and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Common conditions evaluated by gastroenterologists include:

• GERD and acid reflux
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Celiac disease
• Gastritis
• Stomach ulcers
• Colon polyps
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Chronic diarrhea
• Chronic constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Liver disease
• Hepatitis
• Fatty liver disease
• Pancreatic disorders
• Gallbladder and bile duct problems
• Barrett’s esophagus
• Colorectal cancer and related conditions

Not every digestive symptom requires a specialist.

A primary care doctor may initially evaluate common problems. If symptoms continue, become complicated, or require specialized testing, a referral to gastroenterology may be appropriate.

What Services Does GW Gastroenterology Provide?

GW gastroenterology services cover both diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver conditions.

The George Washington University division lists a broad range of endoscopic, biopsy, diagnostic, and therapeutic services. These include colonoscopy, gastroduodenoscopy, polypectomy, esophageal dilation, pancreaticobiliary procedures, and stent placement. The division also performs tests related to esophageal motility and acid reflux.

Depending on the patient’s condition, gastroenterology care may include:

• Office consultation
• Colonoscopy
• Upper endoscopy
• Biopsy
• Polyp removal
• Esophageal dilation
• ERCP
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Esophageal testing
• Reflux testing
• Liver evaluation
• Pancreatic evaluation
• IBD management
• Cancer screening and surveillance

The exact services available to an individual patient depend on the current practice, medical need, physician recommendation, and procedure location.

Patients should confirm current procedure availability before scheduling.

What Happens During a GW Gastroenterology Appointment?

A first gastroenterology appointment usually begins with a detailed discussion of your health history.

The doctor may ask about:

• Your main symptoms
• When the symptoms started
• How often symptoms occur
• Foods that affect symptoms
• Bowel habits
• Previous digestive problems
• Previous colonoscopies or endoscopies
• Medications
• Allergies
• Family history
• Previous blood tests
• Imaging studies
• Previous biopsy results

The physician may also perform a physical examination.

After reviewing this information, the gastroenterologist may recommend additional testing or treatment.

For example, a patient with chronic abdominal pain may need blood tests or imaging, while someone with gastrointestinal bleeding may require an endoscopic evaluation.

A first visit does not automatically mean that you will need a procedure.

The purpose of the appointment is to understand the problem and develop an appropriate plan.

What Is a Colonoscopy at GW Gastroenterology?

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside lining of the colon and rectum.

A flexible instrument with a small camera allows the gastroenterologist to look for abnormalities such as:

• Polyps
• Inflammation
• Bleeding
• Ulcers
• Abnormal tissue
• Possible signs of colorectal disease

If a polyp is found, the doctor may be able to remove it during the procedure. The tissue can then be examined by a laboratory.

Colonoscopy can be used for both diagnosis and colorectal cancer screening.

The GW gastroenterology division lists colonoscopy and polypectomy among its procedures.

How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy

Preparation is an important part of a successful colonoscopy.

Your healthcare team may provide instructions about:

• Low-fiber foods
• Foods to avoid
• Clear liquids
• Bowel preparation
• Medication timing
• Eating and drinking restrictions
• Arrival time
• Transportation after the procedure

Capital Medical Group’s current colonoscopy preparation information recommends following the specific preparation instructions provided by the gastroenterology team. It also advises patients to arrange transportation home after the procedure.

Do not change prescription medicines on your own. Patients taking blood thinners, diabetes medicines, or other important medications should ask their medical team for individualized instructions.

What Is an Upper Endoscopy in Gastroenterology?

An upper endoscopy, also called an EGD, allows a gastroenterologist to examine the upper digestive tract.

The doctor can examine the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Duodenum

An upper endoscopy may be recommended for symptoms such as:

• Persistent heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Upper abdominal pain
• Unexplained nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Certain causes of anemia

The procedure can also allow the physician to take a biopsy.

A biopsy is a small tissue sample sent to a laboratory for examination. Having a biopsy does not automatically mean that cancer is suspected. Biopsies can help identify inflammation, infection, abnormal cells, and other conditions.

The GW gastroenterology division lists gastroduodenoscopy and esophageal dilation among its procedures.

What Are ERCP and Endoscopic Ultrasound?

ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound are advanced gastroenterology procedures used for selected medical conditions.

ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. It can be used to evaluate and treat certain conditions involving the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

Depending on the situation, ERCP may be used for problems such as:

• Bile duct stones
• Bile duct blockage
• Narrowing of the bile ducts
• Certain pancreatic duct problems

Endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging.

It can provide detailed information about structures around the digestive tract, including parts of the:

• Pancreas
• Liver
• Bile ducts
• Stomach
• Esophagus
• Nearby lymph nodes

The GW gastroenterology fellowship program specifically provides training in advanced procedures including ERCP and EUS, along with other advanced endoscopic techniques.

These procedures are not required for every patient. A specialist determines whether they are appropriate based on symptoms, test results, and medical history.

Does GW Gastroenterology Treat Liver Disease?

Yes. Liver disease is an important part of gastroenterology and hepatology care.

The current practice is officially called Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases, and the George Washington University division provides care for hepatic disorders as part of its specialty services.

Liver-related conditions may include:

• Fatty liver disease
• Viral hepatitis
• Abnormal liver enzymes
• Chronic liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Liver inflammation
• Bile duct disorders
• Complications related to liver disease

An abnormal liver blood test does not automatically mean that a person has severe liver disease.

Many different conditions, medicines, infections, and metabolic factors can affect liver tests.

A gastroenterologist or hepatology specialist can help determine why the result is abnormal and whether additional testing is needed.

How Does GW Gastroenterology Help With GERD and Digestive Problems?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a common digestive condition.

It happens when stomach contents repeatedly move back into the esophagus and cause symptoms or irritation.

Common symptoms include:

• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Regurgitation
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest discomfort
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness

The GW gastroenterology division lists gastroesophageal reflux disease among the conditions for which its physicians have expertise.

Treatment depends on the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

A doctor may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes
• Dietary adjustments
• Medication
• Additional testing
• Endoscopic evaluation
• Other treatment for selected patients

Persistent symptoms should not simply be ignored, especially when they are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning changes.

How Does GW Gastroenterology Support IBD and Colon Health?

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions can cause symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Changes in bowel habits

The George Washington University gastroenterology division has expertise in inflammatory bowel disease and includes IBD care in its clinical and educational activities.

The division also has a comprehensive intestinal cancer prevention program that includes surveillance of people at increased risk, such as some patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and colonic polyps.

This highlights an important part of gastroenterology: care is not limited to treating symptoms. Specialists may also provide monitoring and preventive care when a patient has an increased risk of future disease.

Who Are the Current GW Gastroenterology Providers?

The current Capital Medical Group Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases directory lists several providers.

The official directory currently includes:

• Sumona Bhattacharya, MD
• Marie L. Borum, MD, EdD, MPH
• Gabriel J. Diaz, APRN-BC
• Raymond Janowski, MD
• Leen Raddaoui, MD
• Samuel Schueler, MD
• Huimin Yu, MD, PhD

The listed gastroenterology department phone number is 202-741-2160.

Provider availability can change, so patients should check the current official directory when looking for a specific doctor.

It is also useful to check the physician’s area of expertise. Gastroenterology is a broad specialty, and some doctors may have particular experience in areas such as liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, advanced endoscopy, or other digestive conditions.

What Is the GW Gastroenterology Fellowship Program?

GW gastroenterology also refers to the university’s academic fellowship program.

George Washington University currently offers a three-year Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases fellowship. The program is designed to train physicians in clinical gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopic procedures, consultative care, and research.

Fellows train at George Washington University Hospital and the Washington, DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The program includes experience with:

• Inpatient gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Outpatient care
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Endoscopy
• Advanced endoscopy
• ERCP
• EUS
• Esophageal testing
• Capsule endoscopy
• Clinical research

The fellowship page states that applicants must have completed three years of an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency and meet other application requirements.

This academic program is different from booking a patient appointment. Therefore, search intent matters: “GW gastroenterology appointment” is a patient-care search, while “GW gastroenterology fellowship” is mainly an education and career-related search.

How Should You Prepare for a GW Gastroenterology Visit?

Preparing before your appointment can make the visit more useful.

Bring a current list of your:

• Prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Vitamins and supplements
• Allergies
• Previous diagnoses

If possible, also bring information about previous:

• Colonoscopies
• Endoscopies
• Biopsies
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Ultrasounds
• Blood tests

Write down your main symptoms before the appointment.

For example, instead of simply saying “I have stomach pain,” note:

• Where the pain occurs
• When it happens
• How long it lasts
• Whether food affects it
• Whether bowel movements affect it
• Whether it occurs at night
• Whether it is getting better or worse

You can also prepare questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, medications, testing, and follow-up.

If you are scheduled for a procedure, follow the instructions provided by the medical team rather than relying on general information found online.

FAQs 

Is GW gastroenterology in Washington, DC?

Yes. The current Capital Medical Group Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases location is at 2150 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20037.

What is the phone number for GW gastroenterology?

The current Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases department lists 202-741-2160 as its phone number.

Did GW Medical Faculty Associates change its name?

Yes. The former GW Medical Faculty Associates is now operating as Capital Medical Group. The organization says the name changed while continuing patient care and medical services.

Does GW gastroenterology offer advanced endoscopy?

The GW gastroenterology program has expertise and training in advanced procedures such as ERCP and EUS. Current procedure availability for individual patients should be confirmed with the medical practice.

Does George Washington University have a gastroenterology fellowship?

Yes. GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences currently offers a three-year Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases fellowship focused on clinical gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and research.

Conclusion

GW gastroenterology is a useful search term for people looking for digestive and liver care connected with the George Washington University medical system in Washington, DC. The term can be confusing because the former GW Medical Faculty Associates is now Capital Medical Group, while George Washington University continues its academic Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases.

Current gastroenterology services listed through Capital Medical Group include care for digestive and liver conditions, with the Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases office located at 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The department currently lists multiple gastroenterology providers and can be contacted at 202-741-2160.

For patients, the most important step is to use current official information when checking doctors, appointments, procedures, office hours, and insurance details. Older pages may still use the GW MFA name, so verifying information before a visit can prevent confusion.

Whether you need evaluation for acid reflux, abdominal pain, bowel problems, liver abnormalities, inflammatory bowel disease, colon screening, or another digestive concern, a gastroenterologist can help determine which evaluation and treatment approach is appropriate for your situation.