Our Physicians
Gastroenterologists
To schedule an appointment with our top gastroenterologists in Florida, call (407)506-0006.
Gastroenterologist in Orlando
Srinivas Seela, MD
Dr. Seela moved to Orlando, Florida after finishing his fellowship in Gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine, one of the finest programs in the country. During his training he spent a significant amount of time in basic and clinical research, and has published articles in Gastroenterology literature.
His interests include advanced and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, colorectal cancer screening, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), metabolic and other liver disorders.
Dr. Seela is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and Crohn’s Colitis Foundation (CCF).
In addition to being an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida School of Medicine, he is also a teaching attending physician at both the Florida Hospital Internal Medicine Residency and Family Practice Residence (MD and DO) programs. He is a regular contributing writer for Orlando Medical News and Spanish Magazine Tu Revista Mujer.
Gastroenterologist in Orlando
Harinath Sheela, MD
Dr. Sheela moved to Orlando, Florida after finishing his fellowship in Gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine, one of the finest programs in the country. During his training he spent a significant amount of time in basic and clinical research and has published articles in Gastroenterology literature.
His interests include Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Metabolic and other liver disorders.
Dr. Sheela is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), and Crohn’s Colitis Foundation (CCF).
Dr. Harinath Sheela has served as the Chairman at Florida Hospital’s Department of Gastroenterology. He is also an active member of the Orange County Medical Society and sits on the Board of Directors.
In addition to being an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida School of Medicine, he is also a teaching attending physician at both the Florida Hospital Internal Medicine Residency and Family Practice Residence (MD and DO) programs.
Contributing writer for Orlando Medical News, Insight Magazine, Spanish Magazine Tu Revista Mujer and the Healthy Advice session from Orlando Sentinel.
Gastroenterologist in Orlando & Kissimmee, FL
Basher Atiquzzaman, MD, "Dr. Atiq"
Affectionately known to his patients and staff simply as “Dr. Atiq” Basher Atiquzzaman, MD, brings an exceptional level of expertise to the treatment of diseases and disorders that affect the stomach, colon, intestines, liver, pancreas, and esophagus.
A family lineage of doctors led him to pursue medicine; and because he utilizes tiny cameras to diagnose and treat patients, his natural talent for
photography compliments his skill set as a gastroenterology and hepatology
specialist.
With more than 20 years of clinical experience, and advanced endoscopy training, his skilled hands, precise techniques and compassionate approach are preferred by many for therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopies
and colonoscopies. Providing full service gastroenterology and hepatology medical services, Dr. Atiq performs endoscopy procedures at the Endo-Surgical Center of Florida.
Patients are not the only ones who seek Dr. Atiq for his specialized gastroenterology and hepatology care. He also educates the next generation of doctors by training medical school students in the same treatments and techniques being utilized within his own practice.
Gastroenterologist in Orlando, Winter Garden, & Kissimmee, FL
Moin Kola MD
Dr. Moin Kola is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist who has provided Gastroenterology services in Central Florida for 10 years. Dr. Kola completed his Gastroenterology fellowship at Case Western Reserve University and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) visiting fellowship with Crohn’s and colitis Foundation of America at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Kola served as Chief Fellow during the last year of his fellowship training.
Dr. Kola started his gastroenterology training in England and hold the distinction of being a member of Royal College of physicians of the United Kingdom , MRCP (UK). Dr. Kola was actively involved in the clinical and basic science research during the course of his fellowship. He has published his work in the the national and international peer reviewed Gastroenterology and Hepatology journals.
Dr. Kola’s expertise include colon cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, fatty liver disease and various and various other gastroenterology and liver disorders. Dr. Kola is a member of Amercian College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
Gastroenterologist in Orlando
Jessica Narváez-Lugo, MD
Dr. Jessica Narváez-Lugo, a board-certified doctor in Gastroenterology, obtained her medical degree in 2003 from Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico, formerly known as Ponce School of Medicine. After completing her internal medicine residency at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, she pursued an additional year as a training program leader becoming a Chief Resident. She acquired a high-quality training during her fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals.
Dr. Narváez-Lugo is passionate about diagnosing and treating all gastrointestinal disorders but has special interest for Abdominal Pain, Anemias, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Constipation, Diarrhea, Diverticulosis, Swallowing Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Liver Diseases such as Hepatitis C (HCV), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Peptic Ulcer Disease.
She is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Gastroenterologist in Orlando & Sanford
Seth Lipka, MD
Dr. Seth Lipka, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Saint Louis University, holds dual board certifications in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. After earning his medical degree in Netherlands Antilles at American University of the Caribbean, Dr. Lipka completed Internal Medicine Residency in East Meadow, New York at Nassau University Medical Center and was Chief Resident at the Morsani College of Medicine at University of South Florida where he continued with a Gastroenterology Fellowship in the Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Division.
Widely published, Dr. Lipka has 115 peer reviewed research publications and abstracts on topics ranging from ethnic differences in the risk of colorectal adenoma to ulcerative colitis to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Dr. Lipka is certified to perform ERCP and has full scope experience in esophageal stent and manometry, Bravo, radiofrequency ablation, capsule endoscopy, EGD and colonoscopy procedures. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Gastroenterologist in Orlando & Sanford, FL
Joseph Webster, MD, MBA, FACP
Dr. Joseph Webster earned his Medical Degree at the University of Miami Medical School. His Residency, the last year of which he served as Chief Resident, and Fellowship were taken at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Webster earned an MBA in Healthcare Management from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Pharmacy from Florida A&M University. He holds Board Certification in Internal Medicine as well as specialties of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
As owner and CEO of the Webster Surgery Center, he directed a technology-driven clinical practice in a managed care environment. At the same time, Dr. Webster was CEO of the Comprehensive Clinic for Digestive Disorders, also in Tallahassee. With a focus on serving diverse patient populations requiring ethnic and cultural sensitivity, he is a community and physician leader having been elected President of the Florida State Medical Association and continuing as President of the Institute for African American Health.
Dr. Webster’s innovations in GI healthcare have led to professional and community honors, invited lectures and seminars, and medical research. Among his research interests are obesity and diabetes in children and adolescents, ‘reengineering’ traditional roles to meet the challenges of the trend away from ‘fee for service’ and toward ‘value based care’ – preventative care, quality assurance and outcomes measurements, and the role of families in healthy attitudes and living. Dr. Webster is a longstanding member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Gastroenterology.
Gastroenterologist in Orlando & Winter Garden
Sedat Ekici, MD
Dr. Sedat Ekici is a graduate of the University of Istanbul, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine. After earning his medical degree, he continued his studies at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York—where he completed his Internal Medicine Residency as well as his Gastroenterology Fellowship.
Furthermore, he has been a vital part in research publications. His most notable topics being on predicting hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in hepatitis C patients in a community setting, and a case of mucosal bridges associated with idiopathic esophageal ulcers being treated with Argon plasma coagulation.
Dr. Ekici is certified to perform therapeutic ERCP with cholangioscopy, routine endoscopies, and a full scope of gastroenterology office practices with a special interest in liver diseases. He is fluent in English, French, and Turkish, and is in an intermediate level in Spanish; but adequate to carry a conversation in a medical office setting.
Colon & Rectal Surgeons
To schedule an appointment with the best colon & rectal surgeons in Florida, call (407)506-0006.
Colorectal Surgeon in Orlando & Kissimmee, FL
Sergio Larach, MD, FASCRS, FACS
Dr. Sergio Larach completed his fellowship at the University of Texas Medical School. He is board certified in colon and rectal surgery. He has published numerous articles on colon and rectal surgery, conducted clinical research, and authored book chapters in his specialty. Dr Larach has been selected as a “Top Doctor in Orlando” by Orlando Magazine for several years.
His interests include the whole spectrum of colorectal issues, including colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and ano-rectal diseases. Dr. Larach has become a pioneer in performing laparoscopic surgical procedures, and he recently developed the TAMIS procedure for the treatment of rectal tumors
Dr. Sergio Larach has held multiple professional appointments through his career, including Program Director of Orlando Regional and Florida Hospital’s Colon and Rectal Fellowship Program. He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at University of Central Florida and Clinical Associate Professor at Florida State University.
Director of Research & Clinical Trials
Sam Atallah, MD FASCRS, FACS
Dr. Atallah is among the most well known colorectal surgeons in the world. He moved to Orlando in 2007 after completing training at Houston’s Texas Medical Center with Surgical Oncology training at MD Anderson Cancer Center where his training had earned him double-board certification in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery. Two years to the day after completing fellowship training in colon & rectal surgery, Dr. Atallah performed the world’s first TAMIS operation in Winter Park, FL on June 30, 2009. This created a new approach to treating rectal cancers and polyps, that is now being practiced in more than 50 countries. Dr. Atallah pioneered robotic transanal surgery and was the first in the world to perform this technique. He is one of the leaders in advanced technology for rectal cancer surgery and has developed the technique of stereotactic navigation for transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) — an important step forward in the evolution of computer-assisted surgery. Complex treatment of rectal cancer and surgical management of this disease through the new techniques of TAMIS and taTME represent Dr. Atallah’s principal interests in colorectal surgery; and he is currently producing a textbook on these topics scheduled for 2019 publication by Springer Nature. He is also actively involved in the design and assessment of next-generation robotic systems that will be smaller, sleeker, and able to work in places and spaces never before imagined.
Colorectal Surgeon in Orlando & Kissimmee, FL
Elisa Maria Bianchi MD
Dr. Elisa Maria Bianchi is a Board-Certified General Surgeon who completed a Colorectal Surgery Fellowship at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health in New York, where her specialty training encompassed a variety of small bowel, colon, rectal and anal pathologies which included malignant, benign and inflammatory disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). She previously completed her residency in General Surgery at Loma Linda University Health with particular emphasis in robotic techniques.
Dr. Bianchi completed her medical training at the University Illinois at Chicago. Prior to that she completed an undergraduate degree in Bioengineering at the University of Illinois and worked as an engineer at Abbott Laboratories. Dr. Bianchi is a fluent Spanish speaker.
Elisa Bianchi prides herself on developing a close rapport with her patients and making sure that all medical options, not only surgery, are explored to optimally treat disease. She takes a holistic approach to the practice of medicine that is rooted in her desire to engage her patients as equal partners in shared medical decision-making.
Advanced Practice Providers
Wanita Patterson, DNP, APRN
She is a graduate from University of Florida and has over 40 years experience in many areas including gastroenterology, cardiology, internal medicine and functional/restorative medicine. She has been a part of Digestive and Liver Center of Florida since 2013 you might see her making hospital rounds on weekends. She is also a favored frequent speaker at our practice. She also has her own practice called Modern Medical and Wellness and in her practice she specializes in nutritional support w botanical medicine and supplements, weight loss, cancer support and bioidentical hormone therapy for men and women.
Gabrielle Bains, ARNP-C, MSN
She has worked at Digestive and Liver Center of Florida since 2012 helping our practice deliver the highest level of Compassionate, Caring and Sophisticated medical care. She is a graduate from the University of Central Florida. Gabrielle may see you at the hospital along with one of our Physicians if you are ever admitted. Her background in the medical industry includes involvement in an array of Professional Organizations. As an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, she has plenty of experience in Critical care, Multi-system Progressive Care Units, Medical Diabetes Unit, as well as other Health services.
Thelma Teresa Nelson, APRN-C, MSN
She has served our team @ Digestive and Liver Center of Florida since 2014. Some of her past educational merits include an M.S.N., Adult Nurse Practitioner w/ Honors from the University of Central Florida, Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society in 2011. Prior to this achievement, she graduated in May 2008 w/ a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Central Florida. She has worked as an RN since 2008, and carries over 8 years of professional experience as an APRN in the acute care setting, Rehab facility, and office setting.
Monique D. Burnett, MSN APRN NP-C
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in vascular, cardiac, surgical medical and critical care nursing. Nursing experience includes knowledge of modern nursing principles, practices, techniques and theory. Ability to establish a database, identify client’s health care needs, prepare a diagnostic statement, and apply nursing interventions. Provide leadership in the delivery of care and nursing practice within the unit. Proficient in understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions. Participate in Continuous Process Improvement changes and activities.
Anthony Sabu, ARNP
He is a graduate from South University of Savannah, Georgia and has nearly 25 years of experience in many different fields including gastroenterology, hematology and oncology. He has been part of Advent Health Medical Group since 2007 and is now currently performing in Hematology and Oncology as an ARNP. He has also shown a great skill in leadership, as he has earned a Nursing Excellent in leadership during the time he was an Assistant Nurse Manager from Florida East Hospital. In his social life, he is a very well respected member of the Syromalabar Catholic Church, due to being a choir lead and is very talented in many different instruments. He has been selected as the Trustee once again since January 2019, with this role being vital to the organization of the church. Before this, he was the President for 3 years of the Orlando Regional Malayalee Association, otherwise known as ORMA. During his time as the ORMA President, he conducted and organized many programs/stage shows across many platforms, many of which were successful in representing Indian Culture.
Stephanie Reed, MSN, APRN-C
I am a graduate of South Florida with my MSN in 2019 with a specialty in FNP. Prior to this, I obtained my BSN from University of Central Florida. I have worked with Advent Health for the last 8 years and have spent the last 7 years as an Emergency Room nurse.
Herlieni Escalera, MSN, FNP-BC, APRN
Herlieni is one of the newest members to Digestive and Liver Center of Florida. She has earned her Master of Science in Nursing from South University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Central Florida. She has been part of Advent Health Orlando Nursing Team and earned 4 plus years experienced in Digestive, Liver, and Biliary systems. She is not only familiar with EGD and Colonoscopy, but also familiar with Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) procedures. She enjoys working directly with patients and believes in developing strong personalized care.
Susan Mathew, APRN-MSN
Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 18 years of direct patient care experience. Follows Evidence based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation and intuition. Strong analytical skills, capable of assessing conditions and implementing appropriate intervention. Energetic and dedicated to delivering superior patient care in a timely manner. Adept at communicating organizational vision and ensuring goal achievement.
Kimberly Clinton, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Kimberly graduated with a Masters in Nursing with a specialty in Family from South University in 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to her work At Digestive and Liver Center of Florida, Kimberly served at AdventHealth for 6-years where the majority of her clinical experience was in the Emergency Room as a Registered Nurse. When she is not caring for patients Kimberly enjoys spending time with family, her beautiful Yorkie and traveling to new places.
Rayna Mike, MSN, NP-C, APRN
Rayna is a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds national certification with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Central Florida. Clinical experience includes focus in cardiopulmonary disease, lung transplants and pulmonary hypertension. Rayna completed her MSN-FNP at South University and joined the Digestive and Liver Center of Florida family in 2020. She is an exemplary clinician who possesses strong communication and decision-making skills while engaging in evidence-based practice. She takes pride in providing patient-centered care and advocacy. She enjoys achieving personal goals and spending time with her family.
Mai Tien Tran, PA-C
Mai Tran is a Physician Assistant with experience working in outpatient internal medicine and pediatric medicine practices. She received a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University graduating with high honors. Not only did she put maximum effort in her studies, but she also puts it in the examination room because she is passionate about providing quality patient-oriented care.
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