Philosophy of care | I strive to understand your perspective and partner with you to determine the course that best adheres to your needs as my patient. I see myself as the consultant for health care. I had the privilege of attending medical school and residency. I can translate and help you understand the risks vs. benefits of diagnostic testing, screenings and treatments. | Why I entered medicine | My father shared his passion for the human body – how it heals, how it grows, how it survives. I wanted a career in which I could help people and I loved learning about the human body. | Community involvement | I’m involved with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocacy; Moms Demand Action, a grassroots movement fighting for public safety measures regarding gun violence; and in volunteering education for parents to feed children. | Personal interests | I enjoy spending free time with my family, culinary medicine, using the rower and art. Dr. Pinkham is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Hypothyroidism, and Obesity in Children.

Philosophy of care | My main goal is to treat every patient as a person with kindness and respect. I’m passionate about preventative care and educating patients about lifestyle changes that help people live longer, healthier and happier lives. I like to take a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise and helping the body heal itself, as opposed to just using medications. I prescribe them when necessary, but a lot of chronic conditions can be improved or prevented with lifestyle changes alone. I think the extra time I spend counseling and educating patients about caring for their bodies is definitely worth it to their health and well-being. | Why I entered medicine | My grandfather was a physician with his own practice. He had a passion for medicine that I believe was passed on to me. He just loved caring for patients and getting to know them. He literally took care of whole families, delivering babies and caring for each family member throughout their entire lives – a true family practitioner. I saw from a young age how rewarding a career in medicine could be. Fortunately, I found that I really enjoyed studying the sciences. Biology was my favorite subject in high school, and I majored in it in college. I took a year off before applying to medical school to work for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. I triaged all patient phone calls and handled OR scheduling. It wasn’t a clinical role, but working closely with patients showed me without a doubt that I wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. | Community involvement | I have two small children who take a lot of my time when I’m not working, so I give to the community when I can. In college I volunteered with an organization called Dress for Success that helps homeless women dress for job interviews. During my residency, I volunteered at high schools and colleges giving sports physicals. I was a competitive figure skater when I was younger, so I love working with young athletes, talking to them about preventing injuries and staying in peak condition. It’s truly a joy watching them achieve their highest athletic goals. | Personal interests | I love spending time with my two kids and my husband. We like being active outdoors, going for walks as a family and exploring the area. I still skate for fun, and also stay in shape by practicing yoga and spinning (riding a stationary bike). My kitchen is another happy place for me. I love baking and cooking Italian food. My grandparents were born in the United States but met in Rome where my grandfather went to medical school and my grandmother worked for the American embassy. I grew up hearing all about Italian culture and cuisine. In my quieter moments, there’s nothing like a good novel. I’ve always enjoyed losing myself in a book more than watching TV. It’s a wonderful escape and a great way to unwind. Dr. Stockhausen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Otitis.

Georgia Fliakos is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Fliakos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Peptic Ulcer, and Necrosis.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastritis, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

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

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 Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Crohn's Disease, Acute Pancreatitis, 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 Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Gastric Dysmotility, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

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 Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Celiac Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastric Dysmotility, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Biliary Hypoplasia, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Liver Transplant.

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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Lower Esophageal Ring, Biliary Hypoplasia, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Eric Nellis is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nellis is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), 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 Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Painful Swallowing, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Noel Brouse is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Brouse is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Peptic Ulcer, Necrosis, and Otitis.

Philosophy of care | Family medicine gives me the opportunity to practice my passion. I dedicated a lifetime to taking care of my patients and their family by managing their well-being and tracking their progress and needs. I take pride in being a very thorough and dedicated physician with 30 years of experience. I strive to keep my knowledge current and have consistently been complimented for my bedside manner and efforts to uplift my patients. | Why I entered medicine | I consider medicine to be a human service. It’s not a job for me, but a way of life. I chose this life to make a difference in the lives of others and their loved ones. I consider my mission to be helping my patients remain upbeat and positive about their care and overall health. | Community involvement | I help overseas orphanages and in war-torn countries. | Personal interests | I enjoy walking, gardening and yard work. I love cooking for my family and the art of interior design. I travel with my family for pleasure and spend time with my husband, two daughters, son-in-law and granddaughters. I look forward to meeting you and your family. Dr. Hanna is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Bile Acid Malabsorption, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Paige Van Wirt is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Van Wirt is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. Her top areas of expertise are Dementia, COVID-19, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and Alzheimer's Disease.

Philosophy of care | I enjoy the one-on-one interaction I receive from treating patients as a family physician and from helping to treat those who may have a sports-related injury. | Why I entered medicine | I have played soccer for most of my life and that involvement spurred my interest in treating sports injuries. | Community involvement | I served as a team physician for Lehigh University from 2012-2016. | Personal interests | When not working, I enjoy staying active and spending time with my three young children. Dr. Bilali is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Otitis, COVID-19, and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

Philosophy of care | I enjoy providing primary care, particularly internal medicine, because it touches on multiple specialties and spans all ages. | Community involvement | I have served as club president for Parkland Ice Hockey, helping lead them to a national title in 2015. | Personal interests | I consider myself a family man and enjoy spending time with my wife and three children – which makes me particularly suited for primary care. I am also a sports enthusiast with a special interest in hockey. Both my son and daughter play on a travel hockey teams. Dr. Nimeh is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diarrhea. His top areas of expertise are Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.