The impact I have on my patients is what I enjoy most about being a weight loss surgeon. It is amazing that we can do an operation that not only helps a patient lose weight, but also fixes their diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with giving them a better quality of life. There are a lot of options these days for people who are considering weight loss surgery. It’s important for patients to take into account each institution and what resources they have available. Duke is fully equipped to take care of complex cases in a safe manner. We have a multi-institutional team that’s been around the Triangle the longest and has the most experience. Almost every patient comes back after surgery and we see some of their previous medical conditions go away. That’s a good definition of success. Dr. Portenier is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hernia, Short Bowel Syndrome, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

I am a cancer surgeon who specializes in treating patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the pancreas, liver, bile ducts, stomach, and adrenal glands. I initially trained and practiced at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. During this time, I served one year on a forward surgical team in Iraq. Following this service, I practiced for 13 years as a surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. In 2018, I joined the faculty at Duke University and now serve as the chief of surgical oncology for Duke Health. I enjoy getting to know my patients and delivering the highest quality of cancer care. I am dedicated not only to treating and curing your cancer, but also providing you with the highest quality of life. Operations for cancers within the abdomen are a serious undertaking, and I am committed to making sure that they are performed with the highest level of expertise. Dr. Allen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatoblastoma, Small Bowel Resection, and Pancreatectomy.

I’m a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist who specializes in the surgical management of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies—including soft tissue sarcomas and pancreas, colorectal and gastric cancers. Many of my patients have advanced malignancies and I am always amazed at their resilience. Their determination to fight inspires me to aggressively pursue every surgical option and to study novel techniques to improve surgical outcomes. One of the most important reasons for patients to be treated at Duke is the emphasis on a team-oriented approach to every patient. Nearly every surgical cancer patient is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor conference in order to assure state of the art care. When I am not in the hospital, my wife and I can be found chasing our two young children or running with our dog. Dr. Blazer is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

The majority of my practice is focused on treating patients with the disease obesity. I am a general surgeon who completed a fellowship in advanced minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, so that I can offer obesity care using advanced endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. I am also board certified in obesity medicine and my hope is to approach patients comprehensively. Obesity is a chronic disease that needs lifelong follow up. This approach takes a team and here at Duke Health, we have a fantastic team. A true multidisciplinary approach helps us meet all the needs of our patients. With my training, I also treat gallbladder disease, stomach diseases, acid reflux, and hernias. With my laparoscopic and robotic training, I can offer the safest and best approaches for your general surgery needs. When I meet you in clinic, we will talk through all the treatments options for your condition so we make the best and safest decision for you and your family. My goal is to offer you the care that I would want for my family. Dr. Eckhouse is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Obesity, Obesity in Children, Hernia, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

I came to Duke from Nebraska, where I was a medical director for two weight loss surgery programs. I decided to become a weight loss surgeon because it gives me the chance to establish a long-term relationship with my patients. For many patients, weight loss surgery often feels like a fresh start, since they are able to get rid of some of the health problems they may have acquired due to their weight and do certain activities they couldn’t do before. I get a thrill out of being able help patients start this “new life.” My approach to care involves listening to what the patient wants out of the surgery, educating them about various treatment options and performing a full evaluation. Then, I work with the patient to come up with a treatment plan that meets their physical and mental health needs. Dr. Sudan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Obesity, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Gastric Bypass, and Gallbladder Removal.

The majority of my practice focuses on abdominal wall surgery and the repair of ventral, incisional, and inguinal (groin) hernias. I chose to specialize in minimally invasive surgery because I saw the incredible benefits that these procedures provide for patients. By performing complex surgeries using either laparoscopic or robotic instruments, I am able to get patients back to their normal daily activities much faster and with significantly less pain. Whether I am repairing a hernia, performing surgery for weight loss, or helping to treat reflux, I will always try to offer a minimally invasive approach first and foremost. When I get the chance to meet you in the clinic we will discuss all of the possible treatment options for your condition and we will work as a team to pick which is the best choice for you. I feel incredibly fortunate to practice at Duke Health where we have incredible resources to take care of you no matter what problem you may have. I look forward to working with you and caring for you and your family. Dr. Greenberg is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Obesity, Gastric Bypass, and Endoscopy.

Martin Poleski is a Gastroenterologist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Poleski is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD), Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Poleski is currently accepting new patients.

I have a clinical practice that focuses on the evaluation and management of patients with esophageal and swallowing disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), Barrett’s esophagus and achalasia. Also, I have a strong academic and professional interest in health outcomes and quality of care. I am excited to be a part of Duke Health, where I can utilize revolutionary technologies like high resolution esophageal manometry and radiofrequency ablation to improve the care of my patients. Dr. Leiman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Swallowing Difficulty, Esophagitis, Abdominal Wall Surgery, and Endoscopy.

I am thrilled to return to Duke Health after my recent retirement to provide much-needed part-time endoscopy services and improve access to colon cancer screening and surveillance. I first came to Duke from Kansas in 1989 and loved the pine trees and people so much that I never went back. I was the first female gastroenterologist (and 20 weeks pregnant) when I started private practice in Raleigh in 1994. After nearly 30 years of uninterrupted service to my beloved patients in central North Carolina, I retired in January 2024. It was difficult to give up my passion for gastroenterology, colonoscopy, and patient interaction. I am eager to return with a schedule that allows me to travel more with my husband. I enjoy meeting patients and easing their anxiety through rapport and detailed explanations. A little humor and hand-holding also help. I love safely removing large polyps.I have two grown children; my daughter is a physical rehabilitation PA in RDU, and my son is a game quality control specialist in Austin, Texas. My passions include crosswords, concerts, Broadway shows, sporting events, and traveling. Dr. Hutzenbuhler is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Diverticular Disease, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

I went into medicine with a desire to care for individuals of all backgrounds and to help address disparities in health care. Being a surgeon gives me the opportunity to diagnose and treat the individual while my background in public health helps me to focus on preventative care for my patients. I am a general surgeon who cares for emergency and elective general surgery patients. My training in minimally invasive surgery and surgical endoscopy allows me to care for my patients in the least invasive manner possible in order to minimize patient discomfort and improve patient recovery. I aim to perform procedures laparoscopically (with small incisions) or endoscopically (without any incisions). As a surgeon, I aim to provide an open and inclusive clinical environment by listening to and caring for patients of all different races, religions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. Dr. Fathalizadeh is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gastroparesis, Ogilvie Syndrome, Ileostomy, and Gastrectomy.

I care for a wide variety of general gastrointestinal disorders and routinely performs upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Additionally, I have a specific interest in small bowel diseases, such as celiac sprue and gastrointestinal bleeding, and regularly perform double balloon enteroscopy and video capsule endoscopy to diagnosis and manage these problems. Dr. Wild is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Angiodysplasia of the Colon, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Watermelon Stomach, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

My area of interest is inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. I also participate in clinical research to help evaluate new medications or products for use in IBD. These trials enable us to offer cutting-edge treatments for patients with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. I came to Duke as an intern almost 30 years ago and liked it so much I never left. I enjoy the relationships I have developed with my patients, some of whom I have treated for 15-20 years. I have watched many of them graduate from college, marry and have children of their own. I try to treat my patients as I would want a member of my family to be treated, and it is important to me that every patient understands that we are partners and need to work together as a team. When I am not at work, I enjoy going out to dinner or cooking with friends, working on my house, landscaping, and reading. Dr. Onken is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Hemorrhagic Proctocolitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

I am a general gastroenterologist, and I perform a wide range of procedures including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. In the office, I see patients with small bowel, stomach, and esophageal and colonic digestive diseases. I have a particular interest in treating small bowel diseases, such as celiac and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. I also perform procedures for specialized evaluation of the small bowel, such as capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy, including double balloon enteroscopy. I enjoy getting to know my patients and practice a collaborative approach to care and medical decision-making. Dr. Vance is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Angiodysplasia of the Colon, Watermelon Stomach, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.

After completing a general gastroenterology fellowship as well as an additional advanced endoscopy fellowship at Duke, I joined the talented faculty. This opportunity allows me to continue my clinical focus on caring for patients with complicated pancreas and biliary tree disorders. Outside of the hospital I enjoy spending time with my wife and young daughter. Dr. Spaete is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Pancreatitis, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

As a gastroenterologist, I specialize in digestive disorders that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, and pancreas. In addition to seeing patients, I perform upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. I was drawn to Gastroenterology as a specialty because digestive disorders come in many different forms and affect patients of all backgrounds and ages. My practice focuses on patient-centered care and shared decision making, and I enjoy working with patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific problems. I believe patients should feel empowered to participate in their medical care. Outside of the office, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my wife and children and music, especially playing the guitar. Dr. Lloyd is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Colitis, Viral Gastroenteritis, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

I’m a general gastroenterologist and treat a wide range of GI problems, but my area of specialty is in esophageal disorders. I see patients who may have swallowing disorders, hard-to-control acid reflux disease, or disorders or problems with the muscles of their esophagus. I also see patients with Barrett's esophagus, which is a gastroesophageal reflux disease where the lining of the esophagus may change over long periods of time. We need to treat it to prevent patients from getting esophageal cancer. It is important to establish a level of trust and have compassion for patients, making sure they feel that I’m completely invested in what’s important for them, doing everything to get to the right answers of what’s causing their symptoms, and coming up with a plan that works best to treat their problem. Dr. Wood is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Benign Esophageal Stricture, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

I specialize in gastroenterology, specifically adult inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. I also see patients with a variety of digestive issues including fecal transplant for C. diff. colitis. I became a physician because I truly enjoy interacting with people and helping them feel better in whatever way I can. I like to emphasize good communication between providers and patients. It is important to work together with each patient to provide education and a personalized treatment plan that we both agree upon. Listening and understanding what each patient needs is vital to our success. Before working at Duke Health, I practiced as a gastroenterologist in the greater Boston area at the Lahey Clinic for 12 years. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, reading fiction novels, and practicing yoga. Dr. Barto is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Pseudomembranous Colitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

I’m a general surgeon that specializes in operating on the upper abdomen as well as treating complicated abdominal wall problems like large hernias. The benefits of getting treatment at Duke are the extensive resources available that providers like myself can use. When necessary, we collaborate with other specialists and research experts at Duke in a seamless way, so the patient will get the benefit of all that we have to offer. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our three daughters. Dr. Pappas is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (GEP-NET), Umbilical Hernia, Appendectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

My specialty focuses on diseases of the pancreas, diseases of the bile duct, as well as therapeutic endoscopy procedures for complicated GI problems that may not be provided in the community such as treatment of malignant obstruction, Zenker’s diverticula, fistulae or endoscopic removal of premalignant or malign lesions of the GI tract. I’ve been at Duke for over 25 years, and the thing that has kept me here all these years has been the opportunity to provide care for patients that need these advanced services and the wonderful people I work with. I very much enjoy working with colleagues who want to provide the best possible care for our patients and the opportunity to train the future leaders in gastroenterology. We have a great facility, great technology, but most importantly my colleagues and the people I work with share the same vision and values. You take this for granted until you go somewhere else. I wouldn’t be able to provide what I hope is excellent care without the assistance of great nurses, physicians and staff at Duke. I hope you will have this same experience when you come to Duke University Health System. Dr. Stanley is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Bile Duct Stricture, Cholestasis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

I graduated from Harvard University (BA) and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University (MD). I received training in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center. After completing a Fellowship in Thoracic Surgical Oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, I joined the faculty at Duke University Medical Center. I am currently Professor and Vice Chairman of Surgery, Chief of the Section of General Thoracic Surgery, Director of the Training Program in Thoracic Surgery, and Chief Medical Officer of the Duke Cancer Institute. I specialize in the surgical management of lung cancer and esophageal cancer, with a focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery. As Vice Chair of Surgery, I am responsible for the development of technology and innovation in the Department. As Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program of the Duke Cancer Institute, I supervise the clinical and research programs in lung cancer and esophageal cancer. I am also involved in improving safety and quality in cancer care, as a member of the Duke Safety and Quality Committee. Dr. D'amico is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in Gastrectomy. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.