The 20 Best Painful Swallowing Doctors Near Me in Stanford, CA

Find the Top Painful Swallowing Experts and Specialists

Last Updated: 04/28/2026

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MediFind found 189 doctor with experience in Painful Swallowing near Stanford, CA. Of these, 158 are Experienced, 26 are Advanced and 5 are Distinguished.

Location
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189 providers found
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery

    Stanford Hospital And Clinics

    801 Welch Rd, 
    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Edward Damrose is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Damrose is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Throat Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, Perichondritis, Laryngectomy, and Endoscopy.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Stanford Hospital And Clinics

    965 High St, 
    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    John Clarke is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Clarke is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 36 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Achalasia, Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Nikhil Agarwal is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Agarwal is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gastroparesis, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC), Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Agarwal is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Agarwal is currently accepting new patients.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Frank Fazzolari is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Fazzolari is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Heartburn, Turcot Syndrome, and Gardner Syndrome. Dr. Fazzolari is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Fazzolari is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Brennan Scott is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Scott is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, and Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome. Dr. Scott is board certified in Internal Medicine and Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Scott is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Jennifer Roost is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Roost is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Colonoscopy. Dr. Roost is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Roost is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology

    Palo Alto Medical Foundation

    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.6 miles away)
    Experience:
    17+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Brendan Pierce is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. He has been practicing medicine for over 17 years. Dr. Pierce is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Leukoplakia, Mouth Ulcers, Mouth Sores, Aphthous Stomatitis, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Pierce is board certified in Otolaryngology. Dr. Pierce is currently accepting new patients.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Anesthesia Preoperative Evaluation Clinic At Stanford Medicine Outpatient Center

    420 Broadway St, 
    Redwood City, CA 
     (4.7 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Afrin Kamal is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Redwood City, California. Dr. Kamal is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Achalasia, Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Anesthesia Preoperative Evaluation Clinic At Stanford Medicine Outpatient Center

    420 Broadway St, 
    Redwood City, CA 
     (4.7 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Irene Sonu is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Redwood City, California. Dr. Sonu is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 40 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gastroparesis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastric Dysmotility, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Anesthesia Preoperative Evaluation Clinic At Stanford Medicine Outpatient Center

    420 Broadway St, 
    Redwood City, CA 
     (4.7 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Nielsen Fernandez is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Redwood City, California. Dr. Fernandez is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 27 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Celiac Disease, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Esophagitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Mountain View, CA 
     (5.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Katerina Shetler is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Mountain View, California. Dr. Shetler is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gas Bloat Syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Encopresis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Shetler is board certified in Gastroenterology. Dr. Shetler is currently accepting new patients.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Digestive Care Medical Center

    1000 Laurel St, 
    San Carlos, CA 
     (7.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    In his free time, Dr. Kao enjoys playing the piano, listening to live music, enjoying the outdoors and traveling to Italy. He and his wife, who were married in her hometown of Padova, Italy, also love to bike, run and enjoy the outdoors. Dr. Roger Kao is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and conversational medical Spanish and Italian. Dr. Kao is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gastric Dysmotility, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Kao is board certified in Internal Medicine (Sub: Gastroenterology). Dr. Kao is currently accepting new patients.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine

    Office

    300 Pasteur Dr Rm M211, 
    Stanford, CA 
     (0.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Anson Lowe is an Internal Medicine provider practicing medicine in Stanford, California. Dr. Lowe is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Swallowing Difficulty, Painful Swallowing, Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, Viral Gastroenteritis, and Colonoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Office

    300 Pasteur Dr, 
    Stanford, CA 
     (0.8 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Linda Nguyen is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Stanford, California. Dr. Nguyen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastroparesis, Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, Thrombectomy, and Colonoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Stanford Health Care

    300 Pasteur Dr, 
    Stanford, CA 
     (0.8 miles away)
    Experience:
    18+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Patricia Garcia is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Stanford, California. She has been practicing medicine for over 18 years. Dr. Garcia is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Bowel Incontinence, Achalasia, Gas Bloat Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery

    Tanya W Spirtos MD Wommens Cancer

    900 Blake Wilbur Dr, 
    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Floyd Holsinger is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Holsinger is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Throat Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Gastrostomy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery

    Stanford Hospital And Clinics

    801 Welch Rd, 
    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Chih-kwang Sung is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Sung is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Spasmodic Dysphonia, Laryngitis, Laryngeal Nerve Damage, Laryngectomy, and Endoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Pediatric Otolaryngology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Pediatric Otolaryngology

    Stanford Hospital And Clinics

    801 Welch Rd, 
    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Douglas Sidell is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Sidell is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 51 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Tracheal Agenesis, Laryngeal Cleft, Micrognathia, Endoscopy, and Osteotomy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    General Surgery

    Stanford Hospital And Clinics

    801 Welch Rd, 
    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Experience:
    10+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Brian Nuyen is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. He has been practicing medicine for over 10 years. Dr. Nuyen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Laryngeal Nerve Damage, and Perichondritis.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Pediatric Otolaryngology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Pediatric Otolaryngology

    Stanford Hospital And Clinics

    801 Welch Rd, 
    Palo Alto, CA 
     (1.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Kara Meister is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Meister is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. She is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Stridor, Tongue Tie, Enlarged Adenoids, Adenoidectomy, and Myringotomy.

    Showing 1-20 of 189

    Last Updated: 04/28/2026

    What is the definition of Painful Swallowing?

    Painful swallowing is any pain or discomfort while swallowing. You may feel it high in the neck or lower down behind the breastbone. Most often, the pain feels like a strong sensation of squeezing or burning. Painful swallowing may be a symptom of a serious disorder.

    When should I see a Painful Swallowing doctor near Stanford, CA?

    There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

    • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
    • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
    • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
    • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
    • You want a second opinion.  

    What should I consider when choosing a Painful Swallowing doctor near Stanford, CA?

    It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

    How does MediFind rank Painful Swallowing doctors near Stanford, CA?

    MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

    What types of insurance are accepted by Painful Swallowing doctors near Stanford, CA?

    Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

    How can I book an appointment online with a Painful Swallowing doctor near Stanford, CA?

    MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Painful Swallowing doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Painful Swallowing doctor?

    Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

    How can I prepare for my appointment with a Painful Swallowing doctor near Stanford, CA?

    Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

    • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
    • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
    • Family history of disease 
    • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
    • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
    • List of questions and concerns 
    • Your insurance card 

    You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

    What questions should I ask my Painful Swallowing doctor?

    Here are some sample questions: 

    • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
    • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
    • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
    • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
    • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

    How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Painful Swallowing doctor may know about?

    MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

    MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

    Can I filter my search to show male or female Painful Swallowing doctors near Stanford, CA?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Painful Swallowing doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

    Can I filter my search to find a Painful Swallowing doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Painful Swallowing doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

    Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

    By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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