"Philosophy of care | My philosophy of care is patient-centered. I believe in a strong doctor and patient relationship that involves mutual respect, honesty, compassion and personal responsibility. I believe an essential part of ""doctoring"" is providing quality medical care in a caring atmosphere where every patient is heard and treated as a unique individual. | Why I entered medicine | Ever since I could remember I had always wanted to go into medicine. I am one of seven children. My mother was a nurse and she always encouraged me to enter the medical profession. She entered nursing school when I was 8 years old. I was brought up watching her study, listening to stories about patients and the hospital. My enthusiasm for medicine continued in high school and college; I loved the sciences. When it was time to fill out my application, I knew being a doctor would enable me to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of people when they need it most, and there are not many professions that give us that privilege. | Community involvement | I remain active in the community supporting my church, childrens schools and sports teams. I am also active in the American Heart Association's Lehigh Valley chapter. | Personal interests | As a mother of three beautiful children, wife of a wonderful cardiologist and a solo medical practitioner in internal medicine, personal interests are hard to fit in. My father purchased a home on the Jersey Shore in 1994, which allows me to enjoy the beach and precious time with my family. I also love to ski. I started skiing in medical school and make a yearly trek out West with my family and friends. As a physician, I am always reminding patients of the benefits of regular exercise, and I, too, try to remain physically active. In 2011, I completed the Lehigh Valley Marathon -- that was a very proud moment!". Dr. Persin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Vitamin D Deficiency, Sitosterolemia, High Cholesterol, and Hypertension.

Philosophy of care | I believe in taking care of you as a whole, investing in your emotional well-being as well as treating your physical ailment. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine because I wanted to help people. I have always found medicine and science fascinating, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to know. Gastroenterology is by far the most interesting specialty to me, and with the variety of pathology we see, it is never boring. | Community involvement | I routinely participate in local Step Beyond Celiac 5K events to raise money for celiac disease research, and have spoken at local PA gluten free expos. My personal and professional passion is to raise awareness for and to focus on patient education for celiac disease. | Personal interests | I love spending time with my son, daughter and husband, and enjoy improving on my gluten-free cooking skills. Dr. Baragona is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Celiac Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastric Dysmotility, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Paola Blanco is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Blanco is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Gastric Dysmotility, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy centers around building relationships with patients, whether it be for a routine screening colonoscopy or long-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. | Why I entered medicine | Medicine should focus 100% on patient care. I entered the field to treat you and all my patients the way I would want my family members treated: with care, respect and to the best of my knowledge and skill. | Community involvement | Saint Thomas More Catholic Church. South Parkland Youth Association. | Personal interests | I enjoy sports, hiking, muscle cars and grandkids. Dr. Bross is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Crohn's Disease, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Edward Chen is a Gastroenterologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Chen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Barrett Esophagus, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), Celiac Disease, and Heartburn.

Philosophy of care | Healing and comfort are a passion to me. As your doctor, I will treat you with compassion and respect. I consider these interpersonal traits as critical to the power of healing. | Why I entered medicine | I always had a personal interest in science. I also really enjoy working with and understanding people. I chose medicine because it offered me the opportunity to integrate these interests. | Community involvement | I love educating and teaching the community about topics in medicine. | Personal interests | I enjoy the beach, fishing, cooking and spending time with my family. Dr. Santiago is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Endoscopy, and Ureteroscopy.

Why I entered medicine | I cannot say I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a doctor, but I can say from an early age I wanted to help people. The desire to help people and my interest in the sciences eventually took me in the direction of medicine. Dr. Brndjar is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Sitosterolemia, and Pachyonychia Congenita.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to provide you and your family the best medical care I can through communication, understanding and partnership. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine because of my interest in science and the connection it provides with people. Dr. Wong is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Jaundice, Visceromegaly, Enlarged Liver, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Eric Nellis is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nellis is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | For health to work, it truly needs to be individualized and centered on you. Everyone is different and it's hard to fit everyone into a medical textbook mold. I believe many things can be achieved by understanding disease processes, and sometimes less is more. Medications and procedures all have risks and benefits and deciding what truly needs to be prescribed or done is a discussion between me and you. Just because something can be done doesn't always mean it should be done. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine to help people take control of their health, feel empowered and make positive life changes based on informed decisions with me as a guide. Understanding the human body is challenging and it’s my job to translate all the medical jargon so you understand what is happening to you, why it is happening and what options you have. I've always viewed medicine as a partnership with patients and not a dictatorship; most people enjoy being in control of their own bodies and health. | Personal interests | I spend most of my free time outside with my husband and daughters hiking, biking, jogging or snowboarding and just living and being in the moment. Dr. Patek is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastritis, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I am a board-certified gastroenterologist with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of digestive disorders, especially gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal motility disorders and functional bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), I help you improve your quality of life through personalized care and evidence-based treatment. My patient-centered approach combines the latest advancements in gastroenterology with compassionate care to manage both common and complex digestive conditions. Dr. Hickey is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Biliary Hypoplasia, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I provide the best possible evidence-based care to my patients, and look forward to helping you. | Why I entered medicine | The medical field fascinated me, and I loved how I could apply the science of gastroenterology to improve lives. | Community involvement | I am active at the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. | Personal interests | I enjoy skiing, long-distance running and spending quality time with my wife and children. Dr. Mendelson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Painful Swallowing, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | My aim is to provide quality care by educating you about your conditions so you feel more comfortable sharing your health concerns, have a better understanding of the treatment plan, and ultimately become a more active participant in your care. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine because I wanted to enter a field that combined my interest in science with the ability to work closely with people. Medicine provides this plus the opportunity to stay on the leading edge of technology and research while being a lifelong learner. | Community involvement | Locally, I am a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Gastroenterology. | Personal interests | I am an avid sports fan and season-ticket holder. I enjoy traveling to national parks and other new places, running, hiking, kayaking, listening to informative podcasts, and spending time with my family and dog. Dr. Sullivan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Lower Esophageal Ring, Biliary Hypoplasia, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I strongly believe health care access should be for all. Regardless of their socio-economic status, religious background and beliefs, every person should have access to quality health care. I try to participate in free clinics set up by my mosque and eagerly supervise residents and fellows at Lehigh Valley Hospital clinics serving indigent patients. | Why I entered medicine | The field of medicine has the pulse of society. A caring doctor not only knows a patient's medical problems, but also is closely aware of the patient's circumstances and living environment. I entered medicine because I love science and for the dignity and respect doctors carry in society. | Community involvement | During more than two decades in the Lehigh Valley area, I have been involved through my mosque in community projects such as free clinics and soup kitchens. I have participated in LVHN charity walks and colorectal cancer awareness events. I also have been an active member of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, which undertakes educational and legislative campaigns. | Personal interests | I am interested in reading world history, enjoy listening to music and watching cricket. I enjoy long walks and pickleball. Dr. Imam is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

Michael Engels is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Engels is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I provide the best available care based on the latest research and standard of care. This can only be achieved through close interaction with each patient, listening to their history and helping them choose the treatment that best meets their goals and lifestyle. | Why I entered medicine | I have always been passionate about providing healing and care. I love to use insights about how the body functions and modern medicine to provide a cure and respite from disease. | Community involvement | I have led a team of passionate medical clinicians on three international trips to provide medical care to Ukrainian refugees. My team was able to bring medicine and care to hundreds of people escaping the ravages of war. | Personal interests | My free time is spent with my children and husband. We love to travel to experience different foods and cultures. Dr. Shnitser is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to treat you as I would a member of my own family, offering guidance in your time of need. I strive to provide state-of-the-art care for each patient during every encounter. I will do my best to make sure you understand your condition so you can continue to take strides toward optimum health. | Why I entered medicine | It hurts my soul when people don’t feel good. Since childhood I’ve been passionate about wanting to help people feel better. Growing up I saw the relationship my father had with his own doctor, and that inspired me. | Community involvement | I have volunteered in Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta, India. I also have organized and managed a team of 30-plus staffers for Lustgarten Foundation pancreatic cancer fundraiser walks in Allentown the last 12 years. | Personal interests | In my spare time I enjoy biking with family, tennis and meditation. Dr. Shah is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Liver Transplant.

Philosophy of care | I believe a strong physician-patient relationship is key to providing excellent care. You should be able to trust that your physician is open and honest about your care. | Why I entered medicine | Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my dad's medical office and as a volunteer at a local hospital, observing the interactions between physicians and their patients. It was amazing to see how happy and grateful patients were when they were able to maintain their health or felt better after treatment. This instilled in me a desire to want to help people feel their best. | Community involvement | I helped to take care of the uninsured population at the health centers in Philadelphia during my years of training and I hope to continue by helping the underserved population in the Lehigh Valley. | Personal interests | I love Philadelphia sports, traveling, trying new foods and spending time with my family. Dr. Javia is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. Her top areas of expertise are Gastritis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Hiral Shah is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shah is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Barrett Esophagus, Endoscopy, and Pancreatectomy.

Philosophy of care | The physician’s role is to accurately diagnose and treat disease, but the practice of medicine also requires the doctor to see the entirety of who our patients are. Illness is disruptive and disorienting, and it can chip away at the big and small joys of life. I want to ease this suffering by guiding my patients through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. I aim to see my patients and their families for all their complexities, and my goal is to help them get back to what they love doing. | Why I entered medicine | My grandfather was a family physician here in the Lehigh Valley, and I grew up witnessing his dedication to healing and his unwavering empathy. Medicine offers the perfect blend of cognitive and technical challenges, and it’s a career that guarantees the privilege of knowing and taking care of our patients. | Community involvement | I’ve been involved in Scouting throughout my life. As an Eagle Scout, I’m excited to be the leader for my son’s Cub Scout den. | Personal interests | In my free time, I enjoy distance running and hobby board gaming. I love being outside and traveling with my wife and three children. Dr. Zator is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Celiac Disease. His top areas of expertise are Bile Duct Obstruction, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.