I have a PhD in neuroscience and conduct research to understand how the gut and brain communicate. I have a particular interest in defining how environmental exposures (infection, stress, nutrients) alter gut-brain signaling as I believe this is critical to the development of a class of widely-prevalent diseases known as Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction. I believe that by better understanding how these disorders develop we can develop improved targeted therapies with minimal side effects. While I am not currently leading clinical trials, my research ensures that I am providing my patients with the most up-to-date understanding of their condition, its cause, and future avenues for therapy.
My Locations
About Me
I am a general gastroenterologist with an interest in disorders of the colon, small intestine, stomach and esophagus. I perform general endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and small bowel enteroscopy. In addition, I perform advanced endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection for the removal of large precancerous polyps and double-balloon enteroscopy for the identification and treatment of conditions affecting the deep small intestine. As a practicing physician-scientist with a background in molecular neuroscience, I have particular expertise in a class of conditions known as disorders of gut-brain interaction. I am passionate about gastroenterology because it allows me to form long-term relationships with my patients and partner with them to improve symptoms that affect every facet of their lives. In practice, I am a strong proponent of evidence-based medicine. At the same time, my research background ensures that I am always looking toward emerging therapies and advances in the medical literature that may benefit patients in need. When not practicing medicine, I enjoy cooking, playing guitar, watching hockey and spending time with my wife, Ann, our sons, Walter and Charlie, and our dog, Oso.
Current Appointments and Affiliations
Patients I Treat
Languages I Speak
English
Areas of Expertise
- Colon Polyps
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Endoscopy
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Intestinal Disorders
- Polypectomy
- Endoscopy
- Small and Large Intestine Disorders
- Stomach Disorders
Training and Education
Fellowship
Gastroenterology, Duke University, 2026
Residency
Internal Medicine, Duke University, 2020-2022
Education
PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 2018
MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 2020
Clinical Focus and Research
Insurance Accepted
Duke Health contracts with most major health insurance carriers and transplant networks, including the ones listed below.
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Aetna
- Aetna Choice POS, Aetna Choice POS II
- Aetna Elect Choice HMO, Aetna Open Access Elect Choice
- Aetna Health Network Only, Aetna Health Network Option
- Aetna HMO
- Aetna Limited Benefit Insurance PPO
- Aetna Managed Choice POS
- Aetna Medicare Assure Plan (HMO D-SNP)
- Aetna Medicare Eagle Plan (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Essential Plan (PPO)
- Aetna Medicare Value Plan (HMO)
- Aetna Open Access HMO, Open Access Aetna Select, Aetna Open Access Managed Choice
- Aetna Open Choice PPO
- Aetna PCP Coordinated POS Plan
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (QPOS)
- Aetna Select HMO
- Aetna Traditional Choice
- Aetna Voluntary Indemnity Group Plan
- Aetna Whole Health – Duke WakeMed WKCC
- Aetna/CVS Health
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Ambetter
- Ambetter of North Carolina
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
- Blue Advantage (*Available in select counties only)
- Blue Medicare (HMO, PPO)*
- Blue Options (123, PPO, HSA)
- Blue Select
- Blue Value (*Duke Health Lake Norman and Kernodle Clinics only)
- NC State Employees Health Plan
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*Duke HomeCare and Hospice does not participate in the plan.
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Cigna
- Cigna Behavioral Health (*Limited eligibility)
- Cigna Choice Plus
- Cigna Connect Individual Family Plan
- Cigna Open Access
- Cigna Open Access Plus
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*Please call Cigna Behavioral Heath to see if the provider is participating in your plan.
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Duke Employee Plans
- Cigna Care
- Duke Advantage
- Duke Basic
- Duke Options
- Duke Select
- Duke USA
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Experience Health
- Experience Health Medicare Advantage (HMO) Plan
- Gateway Health Alliance
- Healthgram
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Humana
- Humana Choice (PPO)
- Humana Choice - Medicare Advantage (PPO)
- Humana ChoiceCare - Medicare Advantage (PPO)
- Humana Gold Choice - Medicare Advantage (PFFS)
- Humana Gold Plus - Medicare Advantage (HMO)
- Humana Medicare Advantage Group Plan - NC State Retirees
- MedCost
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Medicare
- First Medicare Direct
- Medicare Part A
- Medicare Part B
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NC Medicaid
- Alliance Health
- AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina
- Carolina Complete Health
- Healthy Blue
- NC Medicaid Direct
- Partners
- Trillium
- UHC Community Plan
- Vaya Health
- WellCare of North Carolina
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TRICARE
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Select
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United Healthcare
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Complete (HMO, PPO)*
- AARP Medicare Complete Essential (HMO)*
- All Savers Alternate Funding
- All Savers Fully Insured
- United Healthcare (HMO, PPO, POS)**
- United Healthcare Charter/Charter Balance/Charter Plus
- United Healthcare Choice/Choice Plus
- United Healthcare Core/Core Essential
- United Healthcare Navigate/Navigate Plus/Navigate Balanced
- United Healthcare Option PPO
- United Healthcare Passport Connect Choice/Choice Plus
- United Healthcare Passport Connect Options PPO
- United Healthcare Select/Select Plus
- United Healthcare Shared Services - Harvard Pilgrim/UHC Options PPO Network
- United Medical Resources (UMR)
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*Duke HomeCare and Hospice and mental health providers do not participate with the plan.
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**Duke Health does not participate in UHC plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Before scheduling your appointment, we strongly recommend you contact your insurance company to verify that the Duke Health location or provider you plan to visit is included in your network. Your insurance company will also be able to inform you of any co-payments, co–insurances, or deductibles that will be your responsibility. If you proceed in scheduling an appointment and your health insurance benefits do not participate with Duke, your out of pocket liability may be higher. We will contact you regarding your coverage and patient liability. If you are uninsured, learn more about our financial assistance policy.
External Relationships
This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies or institutions listed below. This information has been reported to the health system leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.
- Cambridge Coaching
