Gastroenterology

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Procedures
- Cardiology Tests & Procedures
  - Echocardiogram
    - An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. This common test is used to identify problems with the valves or chambers of the heart, and assess if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
  - Electrocardiogram
    - An electrocardiogram, abbreviated as EKG or ECG, is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG will demonstrate how long the electrical wave takes to pass through the heart to determine if the electrical activity is normal or slow, fast or irregular. This test will also show if parts of the heart are too large or are overworked.
  - Multi-Graded Acquisition (MUGA)
    - A multi-graded acquisition (MUGA) scan is a test that utilizes a radioactive tracer (called a radionuclide) and a special camera to take pictures of the heart as it pumps blood. The test measures how well the heart pumps with every heartbeat. This test may be completed for investigation of chest pain, trouble breathing, tiredness, and dizziness.
  - Stress Test
    - A stress test shows how the heart works during physical activity. An exercise stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while the heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are are monitored. Sometimes, a drug that mimics the effects of exercise is given instead. A nuclear stress test allows for visualization of the heart while during rest and after exercise. The test can show the size of the heart’s chambers, how well the heart is pumping blood, and whether the heart has any damaged or dead muscle. Nuclear stress tests can also provide information about whether arteries are narrowed or blocked because of coronary artery disease.
- Gastroenterology Tests & Procedures
  - Capsule Endoscopy
    - Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of the digestive tract. A capsule endoscopy camera sits inside a vitamin-size capsule. As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder the patient wears on a belt around the waist.
  - Carbohydrate Breath Tests
    - Several carbohydrate breath tests can be utilized to assess carbohydrate malabsorption (lactose, fructose, sucrose), or identify patients with small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Breath testing relies on the intestinal bacteria to metabolize various carbohydrates producing hydrogen and/or methane and leading to the release of measurable levels of these gases in exhaled air from the lungs.
  - Colonoscopy
    - Colonoscopy is a common and safe test to examine the lining of the large bowel. This procedure is often done under sedation to assure maximal patient comfort. Colonoscopy can detect Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis and can treat polyps, colorectal bleeding, and strictures.
  - Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
    - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized technique used to study and treat problems of the liver, pancreas and, on occasion, the gallbladder. ERCP is performed under sedation. ERCP can be used to remove obstructing gallstones, and investigate causes of jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
  - Hemorrhoid banding
    - Hemorrhoid banding is a non-surgical approach to treat hemorrhoids. The procedure places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which causes it to shrink down and eventually fall off. This procedure can successfully treat hemorrhoids in just three office visits. It does not require sedation, it’s painless, there is no preparation or fasting needed prior to the hemorrhoid banding procedure and the entire process only takes minutes. This method allows patients to return to their normal routine after each procedure.
  - Upper Endoscopy
    - An upper endoscopy allows for examination of the lining of the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). Upper endoscopy is often done under sedation to assure maximal patient comfort. Upper endoscopy can be performed to evaluate persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Upper endoscopy can also be used to detect Barrett's esophagus (a possibly precancerous alteration in the esophageal lining), detect and biopsy gastrointestinal cancers, treat bleeding, and detect and treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Pulmonary Tests & Procedures
  - Bronchoscopy
    - Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows for the visualization of the lungs and air passages. During bronchoscopy, a thin tube (bronchoscope) is passed through the nose or mouth, down the throat and into the lungs. Bronchoscopy is usually done to find the cause of a lung problems and can also treat some medical problems.
  - Polysomnography
    - Polysomnography, also called a sleep study, is a test used to diagnose sleep disorders. Polysomnography records brain waves, the oxygen level in blood, heart rate and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during the study.
      
      Polysomnography monitors the sleep stages and cycles to identify if or when sleep patterns are disrupted and why.
  - Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
    - Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.
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Gastroenterology

Our Gastroenterology staff consists of four board certified gastroenterologists, two nurse practitioners, and two physician assistants. Together we provide consultative and endoscopic services for a variety of digestive tract disorders.

Gastroenterology procedures and services :

Breath tests
Capsule endoscopy
Colonoscopy
ERCP
Hemorrhoidal banding
Upper endoscopy

Diseases:

Abdominal pain
Acid reflux
Barrett’s esophagus
Belching
Celiac disease
Constipation and defecation problems
Colon cancer screening
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia/Indigestion
Gallstone pancreatitis
Hemorrhoids and other anal disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease
Irritable bowel syndrome

Meet Our- Gastroenterologists -

gastroenterology
Dr. Steven Koerner Click here to view full profile

Dr. Steven Koerner

Dr. Steven Koerner is the Chief of Gastroenterology at Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) where he has brought the latest in technology and medicine for nearly 25 years. As a member of the medical staff, he has severed as Chairman of the Pharmacy and helped develop the first integrative formulary in the state. He then served 4 years as Chief of the Department of Internal Medicine and most recently as the President of the Medical staff and Board member for Meridian Health during the critical merger of Meridian Health and SOMC.

His undergraduate education was in Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University where he had the privilege of studying under and working with T. Colin Campbell PhD (“China Study” bestselling author). Dr. Koerner then received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, MO before returning to NJ to complete his internship, residency and fellowship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ. He was the Chief GI Fellow and performed research on the impact of GERD on COPD. Dr. Koerner continues to be dual board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine.

Dr. Koerner has performed over 25,000 endoscopic procedures including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, and small bowel enteroscopy. He also performs capsule endoscopy and hemorrhoidal banding. His interests include all facets of the digestive system including liver and pancreatic diseases. “I get the greatest joy in figuring out why a patient is ill, treating the root cause and then helping them return to health.”

In addition to his private practice, he is an active teacher of medical students and he also lectures throughout the state. Recent awards include nomination for Physician of the Year and the Robert S. Irvine, M.D. award for medical service. When not busy at work, Dr. Koerner enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters, cycling, and furthering his education in plant-based nutrition.
Dr. Melissa Reynon Click here to view full profile

Dr. Melissa Reynon

Dr. Melissa Reynon is dual board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. She has been practicing in Manahawkin, NJ since 2014.

She completed her undergraduate education in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry at Rutgers University in 2002 and was a Henry Rutgers Honors Scholar. She received her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2008. She completed her internship, residency and Gastroenterology fellowship training at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 2014.

Dr. Reynon’s areas of interest include capsule endoscopy, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, gastroesophageal reflux disease, colorectal cancer prevention/screening, inflammatory bowel disease, nutrition, hemorrhoids (including hemorrhoidal banding), and women's gastrointestinal health.

When Dr. Reynon is not working, she loves spending time with her family, going on Disney vacations, playing volleyball, and playing the piano.
Dr. Neelam Gidwaney Click here to view full profile

Dr. Neelam Gidwaney

Dr. Neelam Gidwaney is a young and energetic physician who is board certified in both Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree at Binghamton University where she focused on Biology, Psychology, and Africana Studies. Dr. Gidwaney obtained her medical degree from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. She then completed research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD where she focused on esophageal cancer. Dr. Gidwaney went on to complete her internship, residency, and Gastroenterology fellowship at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ.

Dr. Gidwaney is an active member of the American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Her areas of interest include upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, colorectal cancer screening and prevention, gastrointestinal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver diseases. Dr. Gidwaney is an avid writer and has authored book chapters and her research has been published in World Journal of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, and Practical Gastroenterology.

Dr. Gidwaney is fluent in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Sindhi. When Dr. Gidwaney is not busy at work, she enjoys participating in national and international medical missions, traveling, writing, learning new languages, and painting.

Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants

Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants
Megan Saia, PAC Click here to view full profile

Megan Saia, PAC

Megan Saia, PA-C is a Physican Assistant who specializes in gastroenterology. She is a graduate of Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University graduating at the top of her class. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Her interests include: colorectal cancer prevention/screening, hemorrhoids (including hemorrhoidal banding), gastroesophageal reflux disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and esophageal motility disorders. She also has a strong interest in nutrition and integrative medicine.
Stephanie Dolan, PAC Click here to view full profile

Stephanie Dolan, PAC

Stephanie Dolan, PA-C is a board certified Physician Assistant with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Ms. Dolan first attended Penn State University where she attained her Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health. She then went on to receive her Master degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Philadelphia University in August 2015. She has a long-standing passion for gastroenterology and shares specific interests in gastrointestinal bleeding disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal motility disorders, swallowing disorders, gastroparesis, peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease, small bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, hemorrhoidal concerns (including hemorrhoid banding), and colorectal cancer prevention and screening.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son. Stephanie can also be found watching or attending various sporting events from the collegiate to professional level. Her loyalties mostly lie with teams from her alma mater, Penn State. She also enjoys time spent on the beach, cooking, sampling different ethnic foods, reading, and entertaining for family and friends.
Dawn M. Calabrese, NP Click here to view full profile

Dawn M. Calabrese, NP

Dawn “Michelle” Calabrese, NP is a board certified Gerontological Adult Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her Associate Degree in Nursing at Ocean County College and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Kean University. Ms. Calabrese furthered her education and obtained her Master in Nursing through Stockton University and is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Advanced Practice Nurse. Her interests include colon cancer screening and prevention, gastrointestinal bleeding disorders, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoidal banding, and diverticular disease.

In her spare time, Michele enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, cats and her grandchild. Her hobbies include boating, gardening, vacationing with her family, cheering for the New York Giants and her hometown University of Kentucky Wildcats.
Jordyn Platz, P.A Click here to view full profile

Jordyn Platz, P.A

Jordyn Platz, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). She received her Bachelor of Science from Quinnipiac University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Departmental Honors. She then attended Rutgers University where she received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

She has long been interested in gastroenterology, the gut microbiome, and preventative medicine. Her interests include colorectal cancer screening and prevention, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, swallowing disorders, Barrett’s Esophagus, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and diverticular disease. Her interests include spending time with her family and friends as well as her two cats, trying new foods, music, hiking, and traveling.

Testimonials

Very good experience. Would highly recommend Dr. Koerner.

Verified patient

Dr. Reynon's calm confidence instills the same in her patients. Her manner and skill as a surgeon is a gift she, freely, shares.

Verified patient

Dr Shah is great he takes pride in the care of his patients.

Verified patient

Dr. Gidwaney was professional, friendly and very knowledgeable. Dr. Gidwaney is very thorough and pays attention to all details. She made me feel like I was her only patient!

Gastroenterology

Our physicians collaborate actively to provide high-quality care to patients
with multiple medical conditions.