The 20 Best Painful Swallowing Doctors Near Me in Seattle, WA
Find the Top Painful Swallowing Experts and Specialists
The 20 Best Painful Swallowing Doctors near Seattle, WA
MediFind found 216 doctor with experience in Painful Swallowing near Seattle, WA. Of these, 178 are Experienced, 36 are Advanced and 2 are Distinguished.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Qing Zhang, MD, PhD, specializes in general gastroenterology, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphagia and GI motility disorders. Dr. Zhang is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Encopresis, Bowel Incontinence, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Shayan Irani, MD, specializes in pancreaticobiliary diseases, gastrointestinal oncology, Barrett's Esophagus, gastrointestinal stenting, endoscopic mucosal resection, submucosal dissection, radio frequency ablation and other advanced therapeutic and emerging techniques.Dr. Irani enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, the outdoors, traveling and Scuba diving. Dr. Irani is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Cholecystitis, Gastrointestinal Fistula, Gallbladder Disease, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Stephen Bayles, MD, is a board-certified head and neck surgeon specializing in head and neck oncology, microvascular reconstruction, conservation laryngeal surgery, skull base surgery, thyroid/parathyroid surgery, mediastinal surgery and sinus surgery. He offers state-of-the-art treatment options, including minimally invasive, robotic and microvascular surgery.Dr. Bayles strives to not only take care of a patient’s cancer but also to return them to the most functional status they can achieve. He understands their vulnerability and the importance of having somebody they trust delivering their care and addressing their physical and emotional concerns. He hopes his patients leave his office knowing they have been heard and cared for, and will continue to feel safe and cared for throughout their cancer journey.Dr. Bayles serves as the Director of Head and Neck Oncology, and Section Head for Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, at Virginia Mason. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been named a Top Doctor by Seattle and Seattle Met magazines in 2008-2021.Outside his practice, Dr. Bayles enjoys hiking, fishing and mountaineering. Dr. Bayles is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Acinic Cell Carcinoma of Salivary Glands, Salivary Gland Tumors, Tongue Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Gastrostomy.
Dr. Fan is committed to providing the highest quality of care and is a proud recipient of the Physician Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence Award. Her passion for gastroenterology has earned her consistent recognition for exceptional contributions to patient care, medical education, and influential research. Dr. Fan is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and American Gastroenterology Association. In addition to her dedication to patient well-being, Dr. Fan has been honored for her Exemplary Teaching of medical students at Brown University, shaping the next generation of physicians with her expertise and commitment to excellence. Dr. Fan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Hemorrhoids, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
Dr. Alao is passionate about investigating health problems and helping patients understand them to better make an informed decision. She approaches each patient with dedication, compassion, and understanding because it is an honor to have their health entrusted to her. Dr. Alao's Awards Include: ASGE Leadership Education and Development AGA/AASLD Academic Skills Workshop NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence AASLD miRNA Single Conference Travel Award AASLD Young Investigator Travel Award. Dr. Alao is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Hepatitis, and Hepatitis C.
Swedish Gastroenterology - First Hill
As the medical director of therapeutic Endoscopy at Swedish, I am dedicated to providing care that is both comprehensive and compassionate, uniquely tailored to your individual needs. My goal is to ensure your health journey is supported with expertise and understanding. After graduating from Madras Medical College in India, I completed my residency in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit, where I also served as the Chief Resident in patient safety and quality (CRQS). Further honing my skills, I pursued a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN and received advanced endoscopy training at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. These experiences have equipped me with expertise in managing pancreaticobiliary disease, esophageal disorders, and early GI malignancies. In addition to my clinical practice, I am actively engaged in research and have contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications. As an invited reviewer for leading journals, I remain committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements, ensuring the highest quality of care for my patients. I look forward to partnering with you in your healthcare journey. Dr. Krishnamoorthi 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, Cholestasis, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass.
Dr. Headstrom focuses on evaluation and management of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. She performs endoscopic procedures including upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. She has a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Headstrom is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Trichohepatoenteric Syndrome, Diarrhea, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.
Otolaryngology-Head And Neck Surgery Center At UW Medical Center - Montlake
Albert Merati is an Otolaryngologist in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Merati is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Spasmodic Dysphonia, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Laryngeal Nerve Damage, Laryngectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Merati is currently accepting new patients.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Nanda Venu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who specializes in inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, esophageal diseases, colon cancer, endoscopy and food allergies. He strives to offer his patients good treatment options and helps them to make informed choices.Dr. Venu enjoys building long-lasting relationships with patients and helping them to stay well and maintain a high quality of life over a lifetime. He feels he learns a lot from his patients, as he listens to their stories and witnesses their health journeys. Dr. Venu is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Peter Blais, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who provides digestive disease care. He specializes in general gastroenterology, esophageal motility, functional bowel disease and colon cancer screening.Dr. Blais plays the banjo in his free time. Dr. Blais is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hiatal Hernia, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Gautam Mankaney, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who specializes in hereditary cancer syndromes (lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, PTEN-tumor hamartoma syndromes, juvenile polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers, Li-Fraumeni, MutYH-associated polyposis, sessile serrated polyposis), fecal microbiota transplantation, endoscopy, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal cancer.Dr. Mankaney has a special medical interest in treating individuals with a personal or family history of a hereditary cancer syndrome, or at high risk for developing cancer.Dr. Mankaney serves as both the Director of Endoscopy and Director of Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention. Previously, he has served as a Committee Chair for the Collaborative Group of Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Syndromes, and as a Training Committee member with the American College of Gastroenterology. He has received multiple teaching awards.Away from work, he enjoys tennis, bouldering, hiking and traveling. Dr. Mankaney is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Stomach Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Otto Lin, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who specializes in colonoscopy. Other areas of expertise include inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis B and C, gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease. He is also active in outcomes research, particularly as it relates to colon cancer screening.Dr. Lin finds it highly rewarding to follow patients over time. He believes that a positive physician-patient relationship can promote healing.Dr. Lin is the medical director of Quality Improvement for the Digestive Disease Institute at Virginia Mason, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington and a consultant for the Radiological Devices Panel at the FDA. He is also the recipient of several awards including the Franklin Ebaugh Award for Outstanding Research (Stanford Hospital), Glaxo Institute of Digestive Health Resource Award, Cabot Prize (Harvard Medical School) and Clinical Research Award (Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason). Dr. Lin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gas Bloat Syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gardner Syndrome, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Tracy Eriksson, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist who specializes in ear, nose and throat conditions, head and neck surgery (including minimally invasive options), and sleep apnea.In otolaryngology, there are a number of surgeries that are easy to tolerate that can make a big difference in people's lives. Dr. Eriksson enjoys being part of that process, helping her patients breathe and sleep better. Hearing how she has helped to make a positive difference in her patient's lives is why she does what she does.Dr. Eriksson works closely with a sleep team to care for patients with sleep apnea. She refers out to many subspecialties to ensure her patients are treated as a whole and receive the comprehensive care they require.Away from work, Dr. Eriksson enjoys sports (especially soccer) with her husband and three boys. Dr. Eriksson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, Tonsil Stones, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP).
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Vikram Anand, MD, is a general gastroenterology provider specializing in the management of an array of complex digestive conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease. He also serves as a non-transplant hepatology provider with interest in the management of viral hepatitis and autoimmune liver disease. He performs endoscopy and colonoscopy.Dr. Anand educates his patients regarding normal anatomy and physiology, then directs their attention to their specific disease pathology so they understand its process and management. He believes good communication and information is essential so that his patients can be involved in their own care.Dr. Anand is a member of the American College of Gastroenterologists, American Gastroenterological Association and American College of Physicians.Away from work, Dr. Anand enjoys spending time with his wife and toddler, where they often find themselves enjoying the outdoors and exploring restaurants in and around Seattle. Dr. Anand is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Geoffrey Deschenes, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist. He treats ear, nose and throat disorders and performs head and neck surgery. He sees patients with a wide variety of issues, including hearing loss; ear infections; tonsillitis; sinusitis; nasal congestion and sleep apnea; salivary gland and thyroid disorders; allergies; and voice disturbances.He sees one of his primary roles as that of an educator, helping each patient understand their condition and treatment options, and, together, making decisions about their care. Through a strong patient-provider partnership, he empowers his patients to take control of their own health.When not practicing medicine, Dr. Deschenes enjoys many outdoor activities including golfing, running, hiking, mountain climbing and skiing. He is also a patron of the arts, enjoying museums and the opera, ballet and symphony. Dr. Deschenes is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Salivary Duct Stones, Infant Hearing Loss, and Sinusitis.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Aditya Gutta is a Gastroenterologist in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Gutta is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Hereditary Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Chronic Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Gutta is currently accepting new patients.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
"Justin Brandler, MD, cares for patients with gastrointestinal conditions, both general and complex. Dr. Brandler believes it is his calling and responsibility to serve as a healer and teacher for his patients. Through evidence-based medicine and comprehensive, personalized care plans developed through a strong patient-physician partnership, he desires to empower patients with tools for hope and healing.In addition to using medication to treat disease, Dr. Brandler thoughtfully harnesses therapeutic tools from nutrition, psychology, integrative medicine and spiritual care. He strives to earn his patients' trust, and seeks to provide a safe and welcoming space through empathetic listening, humor and compassionate care.Dr. Brandler holds certification as a Certified Professional Life Coach and the Harvard Health and Wellness Coaching certification. He integrates this additional training to empower patients to achieve their health goals.Away from work, Dr. Brandler enjoys sipping coffee with his wife and being a jungle gym for his two energetic young boys and sweet daughter. He also enjoys running, swimming and weight-lifting, and is a superhero enthusiast.Procedures and conditions treated:Diarrhea and constipationIrritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders of brain-gut interactionFecal incontinence and other pelvic floor disordersGeneral gastroenterologyNeurogastroenterology and motilityAwards/AccoladesOctober 2022 - Awarded the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) ""Social Media Acumen"" award for his ACG magazine article on his Twitter initiative, #GIEmpathyInitiative, where Dr. Brandler put himself through various uncomfortable tests and treatments patients are asked to go through, documenting the process along the way". Dr. Brandler is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastroparesis, and Colonoscopy.
Dr. Strohl is a board-certified and fellowship-trained head and neck oncologic and microvascular reconstructive surgeon. She completed her undergraduate at Yale University, medical school at Case Western Reserve University, residency training at UCSF and a dedicated head and neck cancer fellowship at the University of Miami. She has clinical and surgical expertise in treating both benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck, mouth/tongue/throat cancers, salivary glands, skin cancers, transoral robotic surgery, facial trauma, and thyroid/parathyroid surgery. She also specializes in microvascular reconstruction, which utilizes transferring tissue from other parts of the body to rebuild parts of the head after either facial trauma or head and neck cancer removal. Dr. Strohl believes in patient-centered care. She uses both her knowledge and skill to understand and treat disease, but also her compassion to alleviate suffering and partner with patients and their families to deliver the best outcomes possible. Dr. Strohl is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Laryngeal Cancer, Throat Cancer, Sinus Cancer, Gastrostomy, and Tenotomy.
I strive to work with patients to develop a clear plan for gastrointestinal health and wellness. Dr. Broussard's medical interests include: clostridium difficile diarrhea and fecal microbiota transplant, irritable bowel syndrome, women’s health, colon cancer screening, liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Broussard is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.
I try to personalize my approach to each patient, while incorporating evidence-based medicine. Dr. Brooling's medical interests include: luminal gastroenterology disease, hepatology and functional gastroenterology disease. Dr. Brooling is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Painful Swallowing. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Sclerosing Cholangitis, Swallowing Difficulty, and Painful Swallowing.
Last Updated: 02/22/2026



















