Gastroenterology | Find a Gastroenterologist

Whether you need a diagnostic test or surgery, there is no need to delay taking care of your gastrointestinal health – we’re here to safely care for you.

COVID-19 Update: The recent surge of COVID-19 in the community has impacted some elective surgeries. Please contact your physician for information about your surgery.

Setting the Standard in Patient Safety

We have a new state-of-the-art endoscopy unit, and are excited to announce that we use the world’s first single-use duodenoscope by Boston Scientific for some procedures. As the first and only hospital in the San Gabriel Valley to offer the single-use duodenoscope when indicated for special endoscopic procedures, we are proud to bring the gold standard in patient safety to our region.

When it comes to colon cancer, early detection is key. We and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend having a screening colonoscopy every ten years beginning at age 50 (age 45 for African-Americans). Talk to your doctor about your individual colon cancer risk factors.

Find a Huntington Gastroenterologist Today!

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FIND A GI DOCTOR

A note from Richard Nickowitz, MD, medical director, gastroenterology

“In the gastroenterology department at Huntington Hospital, our dedicated group of physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff use state-of-the-art equipment to deliver outstanding quality gastrointestinal care. At Huntington Hospital, your health and safety are our primary concern.”
Richard Nickowitz, MD, medical director, gastroenterology

Richard Nickowitz, MD is the medical director of the gastroenterology department, as well as an active member of the teaching faculty at the hospital. His areas of interest include inflammatory bowel disease, biliary tract disease, liver disease and endoscopy. He is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Nickowitz studied at Yale University and Cornell University Medical College. He followed with an Internal Medicine Residency at The New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, and completed his combined Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Nickowitz has been on the medical staff at Huntington Hospital since 1993 and is ABIM (re)certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.

Our Gastroenterology Services

Colon Cancer

Our highly trained physicians can detect even tiny precancerous growths, known as polyps, through a variety of advanced screening methods, and can provide the full range of treatment options.

See our Cancer Screening Guidelines resource to learn when you should start colon cancer screenings and how often you should have them.

Single-Use Scopes for Endoscopies

We are proud to use the world’s first single-use duodenoscope by Boston Scientific in our endoscopies. We are the only hospital in Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley to offer this gold standard in patient safety.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

We treat this condition with dietary modification and/or medications called proton pump inhibitors. If symptoms cannot be sufficiently eliminated by these methods, surgical options may be available.

Gallstones

We diagnose gallstones using abdominal ultrasound, a simple, noninvasive imaging technique. Gallstones can be removed, often in a minimally invasive fashion, through cholecystectomy. This procedure is generally an outpatient procedure but can at times be done on an outpatient basis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

We offer a full range of options to treat IBD (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), including medication, diet modification, and surgery.

Physician referrals are required for screenings.

When surgery is required, our team of skilled gastroenterologists stands ready to provide the most advanced care available in our region. Three of our surgical suites are designed for minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, procedures. Patients often enjoy significant reductions in healing time and postsurgical pain, along with less scarring and a more prompt return to normal daily activities. Our medical gastroenterologists and GI surgeons work closely together to provide optimal care.

Maintaining Digestive Health

Recent digestive health studies have focused on the connection between healthy gut bacteria and overall wellness. Huntington Hospital Clinical Dietitian Crystal Kwan, MPH, shares tips for incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your diet to encourage the right bacteria in your system. A beneficial balance can help keep your GI tract healthy and protect against harmful microorganisms.

READ CRYSTAL KWAN’S ARTICLE HERE

Contact Us

Find a local gastroenterologist affiliated with Huntington Hospital or call our physician referral line (800) 903-9233.

Patient Stories

Caesar

One day, out of the blue, Caesar Penney started experiencing severe abdominal pain. It did not improve after a few days, so he made an appointment with his primary care physician to get checked out. The next day, Caesar received a message that said he needed to go to an emergency room right away. When […]

View all patient stories here.