UNIVERSITY ENDOSCOPY CENTER - Key Persons
Carla Justiniano, MD, is an experienced colorectal surgeon who treats the entire spectrum of colorectal pathology including colon and rectal cancer, anal cancer, Crohn's, colitis, diverticulitis and benign anorectal and pelvic floor conditions. Dr. Justiniano is board certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery.
Dr. Justiniano's philosophy is to provide patient-centered care with the commitment to each patient of providing healthcare that is supported by science, innovation and compassion, as well as the patients' own goals. In fact, what she loves most about being in healthcare is helping patients understand what is happening, including what their treatment options are and why. She believes this sets the stage for a good relationship between the patient and the provider.
Dr. Justiniano has won various awards at the national level, including the American College of Surgeon's Quality Conference Best Cancer Abstract Award and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Travel Award. During her training years, she was also honored with the Best Chief Resident Award and the Best Resident as Teacher Award. These highlight her commitment to quality cancer care and education, and especially important to her is patient education.
Dr. Justiniano is a native Spanish speaker who has spent many years around Ohio. Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her family and miniature schnauzers, as well as staying active through exercises such as weightlifting.
Dr. Gail L. Bongiovanni graduated cum laude from Smith College in Northampton, Mass. in 1972, and she received her M.D. from Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1977. She completed her Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She completed her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City in 1980. Dr. Bongiovanni served as Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at the University of Cincinnati from 1982-1989 and then went into private practice. She has recently rejoined UC Physicians, and her only office is located at 3590 Lucille Dr. Suite 2700 in Cincinnati.
Dr. Bongiovanni is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. She is interested in all aspects of Gastroenterology, and she has a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Bongiovanni is recognized as one of the "Best Doctors" in Cincinnati for several years running in Cincinnati Magazine and is a recipient of the Crohn's Colitis Foundation Physician Leadership Award. She also serves on the advisory Board of the Crohn's Colitis Foundation.
Dr. Bongiovanni is fluent in Spanish and has authored two books, "Medical Spanish" and "Clinical Gastroenterology," both published by McGraw-Hill. She and her husband Everett Nissly enjoy adventure mountain vacations. Also, they are both avid runners and walkers.
Job Titles:
- Chief of the Division of Colon
Dr. Ian Paquette is the Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his medical school education and General Surgery Residency at Dartmouth Medical School and completed a fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the University of Minnesota in 2010. He is a national expert in the field of colon and rectal surgery and has a strong academic track record. He has authored >100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 30 textbook chapters. He has served on over 30 national and international committees in the field of colon and rectal surgery. He is on the editorial board of Annals of Surgery, the most prestigious surgical journal and Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, the top journal in colon and rectal surgery. He was the 2019 recipient of the Victor W Fazio Award for being the top member of the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum editorial board. He is the chair of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee. He is also active on the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and has been an associate examiner since 2016. His research has been twice awarded as the top podium research presentation at the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons annual meeting. He has been voted among Cincinnati Magazine's Top Docs in Colon and Rectal Surgery every year since 2014.
He has a busy surgical practice focusing on colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases and other benign colorectal conditions. He has extensive experience in handling the most complex and re-operative surgical cases and sees many patients for second opinions for surgery. He is a leader in the UC Cancer Center's Gastrointestinal Cancers Program and UC College of Medicine's Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Program. He is responsible for running the UC College of Medicine's Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, the only academic colon and rectal surgery group in the region.
Expertise:
Adenocarcinoma
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli
Adenomatous Polyps
Adenosquamous Carcinoma
Anal Cancer
Anal Dysplasia
Dr. Jason J Schrager, MD, FACS is an accomplished Endoscopist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He received his MD from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, TN in 2001 and completed his surgical residency at Vanderbilt in 2007. Following his training he served as a surgeon and endoscopist in the US Navy. He was head of the division of surgery and gastroenterology at US Naval Hospital - Okinawa. Additionally, he served 2 tours in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During these deployments he was Officer in charge of a forward surgical unit and was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal.
He came to Cincinnati in 2011 and completed a fellowship in surgical critical care. He has been a member of the faculty at the University of Cincinnati since then and is currently the medical director of the acute care surgery service as well as the as well as director of the surgical endoscopy clinic and the outpatient surgical clinic.
A respected member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Schrager's work has been widely recognized. His exceptional contributions to academia are evident in his extensive list of publications and his active participation in scientific assemblies and symposiums.
His deep commitment to education is reflected in his dedication to teaching, spending a significant portion of his time instructing medical students, graduates, and fellows. His devotion to his field and his patients is evident in every aspect of his professional life. With his extensive experience and knowledge, Dr. Schrager is truly an invaluable asset to the medical community.
Job Titles:
- Physician
- Physician in the Field of Gastroenterology
- Request an Appointment
Dr. Kara M. De Felice is an accomplished physician specializing in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. With a strong educational background and extensive training, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Dr. De Felice received her Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Biology from McNeese State University in 2005, followed by her Medical Degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in 2009.
She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Johns Hopkins University in 2012, where she honed her clinical skills and gained valuable experience. Dr. De Felice further pursued her specialization through a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in 2015, where she received comprehensive training in the diagnosis and management of digestive diseases.
Dr. De Felice is board-certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Her clinical interests primarily revolve around Gastroenterology, with a specific focus on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. She has dedicated her career to providing exceptional care to patients with these conditions, striving to improve their quality of life through comprehensive treatment plans.
Throughout her professional journey, Dr. De Felice has held various positions and contributed significantly to the field of Gastroenterology. From 2015 to 2021, she served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Gastroenterology at Louisiana State University, where she also held the role of Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In 2021, she transitioned to the University of Cincinnati as an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Digestive Diseases and assumed the role of Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic.
Dr. De Felice's commitment to research is evident through her participation in numerous publications. She has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, including articles on patients' perceptions of biologic therapy, endoscopic features of pseudomelanosis duodeni, women's health in inflammatory bowel disease, and clinical features of Crohn's Disease of the esophagus. Her research efforts aim to enhance understanding and advance the treatment options available for patients with gastrointestinal conditions.
With her exceptional qualifications and dedication to patient care and research, Dr. Kara M. De Felice is a trusted physician in the field of Gastroenterology. Her expertise in managing digestive diseases, particularly Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, has made her an invaluable asset to the University of Cincinnati's Department of Digestive Diseases and its Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic.
Dr. Khurram Bari is a highly accomplished and distinguished gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist currently practicing in Cincinnati, Ohio. His extensive medical education and training began in Pakistan, where he earned his MBBS from King Edward Medical University, Lahore, and completed his residency as a House Officer in Pediatrics at Punjab Medical College/Allied Hospital in Faisalabad.
Continuing his education in the United States, Dr. Bari completed a residency and internship in Internal Medicine at the Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio. He subsequently pursued a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, before advancing to a Fellowship in Transplant Hepatology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Furthermore, Dr. Bari has also completed a Post-doctoral research fellowship in Digestive Diseases at Yale University under the mentorship of Dr. Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao. His research work has contributed to the field of gastroenterology, with several peer-reviewed publications to his credit. His research interests have spanned topics from Hepatitis C care in veterans to the use of Vasoconstrictors as an alternative to albumin after large volume paracentesis in cirrhosis.
Dr. Bari is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine since 2010 and is licensed to practice medicine in Connecticut. He has been certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and is recognized by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.
In terms of professional memberships, Dr. Bari is actively involved with the American Medical Association (AMA), the American College of Physicians (ACP), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).
Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Bari has been the recipient of several honors and awards, including the Charles B Payne Scholarly Activity Award for excellence in research during his residency at Wright State University and the Eighth Annual Samuel Kushlan Award for excellence in research during his fellowship at Yale University.
In his leisure time, Dr. Bari enjoys playing squash, cooking, entertaining, and watching movies and sports. He has successfully balanced a rigorous professional life with a fulfilling personal life, making him a well-rounded medical professional.
Job Titles:
- Fellow
- Request an Appointment
Dr. Milton Tyree Smith, born in South Hill, Virginia, is a highly experienced and decorated Gastroenterologist currently associated with the University of Cincinnati Physicians in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Smith began his academic journey by earning a BS degree in Biology (Cum Laude) from Norfolk State University. He then pursued medicine, receiving his MD from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia.
Dr. Smith is a fellow of esteemed organizations including the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. As an active participant in professional activities, he has served on several committees and contributed to various editorial activities.
Dr. Smith has been invited to speak at numerous extramural presentations, sharing his expertise on diverse topics related to his field. In the realm of research, his focus is on the endoscopic management of pancreatic cancer, endoscopy in anticoagulated patients, and the management of biliary diseases, among other areas.
Dr. Neha Wadhwa is a highly skilled gastroenterologist with a passion for providing exceptional patient care. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Wadhwa brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her practice.
Dr. Thompson received his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College, magna cum laude. He went on to receive his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. His clinical experience included his fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and his residency in surgery at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.
Dr. Thompson has specialty certifications from the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He also has a faculty appointment as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, OH.
Dr. Thompson has memberships in National Societies including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Thompson provides outstanding care to his patients every day and wants to put his patients on the path to better health.
Jonathan Snyder, MD is Associate Professor of Surgery for the University of Cincinnati. He is a colorectal surgeon and is board-certified in both colon and rectal surgery as well as general surgery. He attended medical school at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, completed residency in general surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, and received his fellowship training in colorectal surgery at the Georgia Colon and Rectal Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. He joined the UC Department of Surgery in 2013.
Dr. Snyder specializes in treating patients with colon, rectal and anal cancer, benign anorectal conditions (including fecal incontinence), inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as complex abdominal and pelvic surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery - both laparoscopic and robotic surgery. He has led advancement in patient care through initiation of an enhanced recovery pathway for surgical patients.
Expertise
Adenocarcinoma
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli
Adenomatous Polyps
Adenosquamous Carcinoma
Anal Cancer
Anal Dysplasia
Anal Fissure
Anal Fistula
Anal Itching (Pruritis ani)
Bowel Obstruction
C. difficile colitis (Pseudomembranous colitis)
Cancer
Education
Bachelor's Degree: University of Virginia, 2002
Medical Degree: University of Cincinnati, 2007
Loren P. Brook, MD, MS, is a highly respected and experienced physician specialized in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Born on April 14, 1986, Dr. Brook is currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has spent the majority of his academic and professional career in the Ohio area.
Dr. Brook began his academic journey at The Ohio State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008 with a major in Biology. He then went on to attend the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, from which he graduated in 2013 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. During his time at the University of Cincinnati, he also earned a Master of Science in Nutrition, making him the first medical student in the nation to earn a dual MD/MS Nutrition degree.
Upon completing his medical studies, Dr. Brook joined the Internal Medicine Residency Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where he trained from 2013 to 2016. Following his residency, he pursued a Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he further specialized his medical expertise.
As of 2023, Dr. Brook has been contributing to the field through extensive research. His research interests and endeavors include several ongoing studies and abstracts related to Gastroenterology and Hepatology, such as the study of Vitamin-D levels prior to liver transplant and its impact on post-transplant cytomegalovirus infection, and the evaluation of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Aside from his medical training and research, Dr. Brook has also taken on various leadership roles. He has been the President of the Mercer Phase III Home Owners Association since 2016, where he handles communications between members of the HOA and management, assists with monthly financials and yearly budgets, and coordinates property improvements.
Despite his packed schedule, Dr. Brook has always made time for service. He has volunteered as a big brother to an Israeli immigrant, served as a camp counselor, and raised funds for various causes, including the American Cancer Society. His commitment to both his profession and his community reflects his dedication and versatility as a medical professional.
Dr. Brook is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has successfully passed the United States Medical Licensing Exams (Step 1, Step 2 CK/CS, and Step 3). His professional affiliations include the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Student Association. As he continues to forge his career path, Dr. Brook stands as a testament to dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to improving patient health and wellbeing.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Clinical Medicine
Dr. Lara is currently a Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition in the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. He is also Medical Director of the Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Cell Transplant Program and is Medical Director of University Hospital Endoscopy.
His education overview is as follows:
Dr. Lara is a member of a wide array of professional groups within the medical community including the American Pancreatic Assoc., American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American College of Gastroenterology, Ohio Gastroenterology along with many more. He is board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine.