The 20 Best Painful Swallowing Doctors Near Me in St. Louis, MO

Find the Top Painful Swallowing Experts and Specialists

Last Updated: 02/22/2026

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MediFind found 194 doctor with experience in Painful Swallowing near St. Louis, MO. Of these, 154 are Experienced, 37 are Advanced and 3 are Distinguished.

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194 providers found
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Washington University

    660 S Euclid Ave, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Chandra Gyawali is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Gyawali is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hiatal Hernia, Achalasia, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    VAMC St. Louis MO

    915 N Grand Blvd, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (2.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Jeffrey Kreikemeier is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Kreikemeier is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Swallowing Difficulty, Painful Swallowing, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    VAMC St. Louis MO

    915 N Grand Blvd, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (2.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Matthew Nissing is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Nissing is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Morning Sickness, Acute Pancreatitis, Crohn's Disease, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Ron Walker
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology

    SLUCare Physician Group

    1225 S. Grand Blvd., 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (2.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Dr. Ron Walker specializes in surgical treatment of head and neck cancer and endocrine diseases, including thyroid disease, parathyroid disease, and skin cancer of the head and neck. He integrates the latest technologies into his practice, such as robotic approaches to treating cancers of the mouth and pharynx. His research interests include intraoperative margin analysis in oral cavity cancer and overall outcomes and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients. Dr. Walker is an associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Head and Neck Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery, at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, American Head and Neck Society, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Outside of work, Dr. Walker enjoys cooking. Dr. Walker is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Cancer, Throat Cancer, Tongue Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Gastrostomy.

    Jennifer Palagiri
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    SLUCare Physician Group

    1225 S. Grand Blvd., Second Level, 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (2.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    "With clinical expertise in a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal conditions, Dr. Jennifer Palagiri cares for patients using the latest diagnostic technologies and therapies. She treats individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, motility disorders, abdominal pain, Crohn's disease and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. She also conducts colon cancer screening and performs procedures that include double balloon enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy and colonoscopy. A member of the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Palagiri serves as an assistant professor of Internal Medicine. She is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, Crohn's Colitis Foundation of America, the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society. Dr. (LaBundy) Palagiri has the distinction of being named a ""Best Doctor"" in St. Louis Magazine's annual listing of top physicians.". Dr. Palagiri is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Ascites, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    John Eisenbeis
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Otolaryngology

    SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Pediatrics Specialty Services - Grand Boulevard

    1465 S. Grand Blvd., 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (2.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Dr. John Eisenbeis cares for adult and pediatric patients with general problems of the ears, nose and throat. He specializes in laryngology, caring for individuals who use their voice professionally and all patients with vocal complaints. He also treats spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that creates difficulty in speaking due to a neurologic disorder. His areas of clinical interest include sinus and nasal surgery, pediatric cystic fibrosis, pediatric otolaryngology, and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Eisenbeis is a professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Board of Otolaryngology, Missouri Society of Otolaryngology, and the American Rhinologic Society. He has written extensively on issues related to his field and is a frequent contributor to local on-air media programs. Dr. Eisenbeis has traveled to Honduras for many years to provide basic medical and surgical otolaryngology care for people in need. Dr. Eisenbeis is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Nerve Damage, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Laryngitis, and Laryngectomy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Gateway Digestive And Liver Specialists LLC

    4510 Delmar Blvd, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Damon Clines is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Clines is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Hepatitis C, Gastritis, Hepatitis, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Washington University

    660 S Euclid Ave, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Vladimir Kushnir is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Kushnir is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Barrett Esophagus, Bile Duct Obstruction, Choledocholithiasis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Washington University

    660 S Euclid Ave, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Charlene Prather is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Prather is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Indigestion, Crohn's Disease, Bowel Incontinence, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Palliative Medicine
    Advanced in Painful Swallowing
    Palliative Medicine

    Sage Nursing & Rehab

    3421 Gasconade St, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Iqbal Amin is a Palliative Medicine provider in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Amin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS), End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Alzheimer's Disease, and Anemia.

    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Southern Illinois Endoscopy

    2810 Frank Scott Pkwy W Ste 716, 
    Belleville, IL 
     (9.8 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Vasantha Pai is a Gastroenterologist in Belleville, Illinois. Dr. Pai is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Macroamylasemia, Anemia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    VAMC St. Louis MO

    915 N Grand Blvd, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (2.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Michael Presti is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Presti is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction, Biliary Dyskinesia, Crohn's Disease, Colostomy, and Gastrostomy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    SLUCare Physician Group

    1225 S. Grand Blvd., Second Level, 
    St. Louis, MO 
     (2.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Sanjay Bhat is a Gastroenterologist in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Bhat is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    SSM-Sluh Inc.

    1225 S Grand Blvd, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (2.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Christine Hachem is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Hachem is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Swallowing Difficulty, Crohn's Disease, Menetrier Disease, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine

    SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

    3635 Vista Ave, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (2.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Mary Burton is an Internal Medicine provider in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Burton is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Esophageal Varices, Esophagitis, Portal Hypertension, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Office

    3535 S Jefferson Ave Ste 310, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (2.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Frans Handoyo is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Handoyo is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Protein Deficiency, Malnutrition, Gastritis, Gastrostomy, and Gastrectomy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine

    Breeze Hospice Of Missouri LLC

    3535 S Jefferson Ave Ste 118, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (2.9 miles away)
    Experience:
    17+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Shawn Gao is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Gao has been practicing medicine for over 17 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Necrosis, Ringworm, Urinary Tract Infection in Children, Gastrostomy, and Colonoscopy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Internal Medicine

    Office

    4901 Forest Park Ave Ste 10, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Motaz Ashkar is an Internal Medicine provider in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Ashkar is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Acute Pancreatitis, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Childhood Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Gastroenterology

    Washington University

    660 S Euclid Ave, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Chien-huan Chen is a Gastroenterologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Chen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Angiodysplasia of the Colon, Watermelon Stomach, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

    Experienced in Painful Swallowing
    Experienced in Painful Swallowing

    Washington University

    660 S Euclid Ave, 
    Saint Louis, MO 
     (3.5 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Kelsey Rosenquist is an Otolaryngologist in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Rosenquist is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Dysarthria, Laryngeal Nerve Damage, and Laryngectomy. Dr. Rosenquist is currently accepting new patients.

    Showing 1-20 of 194

    Last Updated: 02/22/2026

    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 St. Louis, MO?

    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 St. Louis, MO?

    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 St. Louis, MO?

    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 St. Louis, MO?

    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 St. Louis, MO?

    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 St. Louis, MO?

    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 St. Louis, MO?

    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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