The 20 Best Swallowing Difficulty Doctors Near Me in Santa Maria, CA

Find the Top Swallowing Difficulty Experts and Specialists

The 20 Best Swallowing Difficulty Doctors near Santa Maria, CA

Last Updated: 02/22/2026

Save doctors for later
Sign Up
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
Already have a doctor?
Find A Second Opinion

MediFind found 35 doctor with experience in Swallowing Difficulty near Santa Maria, CA. Of these, 25 are Experienced, 7 are Advanced and 3 are Distinguished.

Location
LocationClose
35 providers found
    Atul B. Vachhani
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    We understand that visiting the gastroenterologist may be a new experience for you and that you may be in pain or worried about your health. That?s why all the staff at the Santa Maria Digestive Diagnostic Center and Santa Maria Gastroenterology focus on making you feel comfortable and confident in our care. Our physicians and our medical team take extra care to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions and thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Dr. Vachhani is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gardner Syndrome, Turcot Syndrome, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy.

    Keval D. Shah
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Dr. Keval Shah is board certified in Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Internal Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at St. John Providence Health System in Detroit, Michigan. Following residency, he completed his Gastroenterology & Hepatology fellowship at Beaumont Health System in Detroit, Michigan. During his fellowship, he received special training in both Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Hepatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was also selected as a fellow under the American Neurogastroenterology Motility Society where he received advanced clinical training in Motility at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Shah's interests include nutrition and weight loss, esophageal disorders, reflux disease and management, colorectal cancer screening, and providing patients with a holistic approach to their gastrointestinal care.Dr. Keval Shah was born and raised in California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Human Biology from Pitzer College in Claremont, CA. He studied abroad in Costa Rica and Nicaragua where he spent time working in Emergency Medicine and became fluent in Spanish. He played tennis while in Claremont and was chosen as an NCAA Scholar-Athlete. He then attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences/COMP in Pomona, CA. Upon medical school graduation, he was awarded the prestigious San Miguel Scholarship.When not practicing Gastroenterology, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with his wife and two beautiful children. He enjoys playing basketball and tennis during his free time. Other hobbies include martial arts. Dr. Shah competed in the 1996 Junior Olympics and has both a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do as well as a first-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate.Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity.— Hippocrates. Dr. Shah is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Indigestion, Gastric Dysmotility, Childhood Volvulus, Endoscopy, and Thrombectomy.

    Sukhpreet S. Walia
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Dr. Sukhpreet S. Walia earned his medical degree from Delhi University in India. He completed his internship and residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He was selected as Chief Resident and worked as a Hospitalist prior to completing his Gastroenterology fellowship.Dr. Walia's background in Internal Medicine allows for a comprehensive approach in treating gastrointestinal diseases. He strives to provide the highest quality gastrointestinal care for his patients.Dr. Walia believes that both the patient and physician should work together to create an atmosphere for long-lasting health outcomes. Dr. Walia is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gastric Dysmotility, Gardner Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Paramjit S. Benipal
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Hindi, Punjabi
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    We understand that visiting the gastroenterologist may be a new experience for you and that you may be in pain or worried about your health. That?s why all the staff at the Santa Maria Digestive Diagnostic Center and Santa Maria Gastroenterology focus on making you feel comfortable and confident in our care. Our physicians and our medical team take extra care to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions and thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Dr. Benipal is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Colonic Malakoplakia, Gardner Syndrome, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

    Constantine Melitas
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Surgical Oncology - Dignity Health - Santa Maria, CA

    1325 E Church St, Suite 202, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    My approach to patient care is based on an individualized care plan which provides distinctive advanced medical and procedural therapy yet also meeting the unique emotional needs of each patient. I pride myself on utilizing both the cognitive and procedural aspects of my Advanced Therapeutic and Gastroenterologic training in providing cutting edge and evidence based care to my patients. Dr. Melitas earned his Medical degree from Spartan Health Sciences University and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine.He completed an Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship at University of Illinois at Chicago and a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Michigan State University.As an advanced therapeutic endoscopist, Dr. Melitas has been trained to manage many complex gastrointestinal, pancreatic, biliary, and liver diseases endoscopically.Dr. Melitas is active in several Medical Associations including the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association. Dr. Melitas is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Jaundice, Bile Duct Obstruction, Cholangitis, Acute Pancreatitis, and Endoscopy.

    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Office

    361 Town Ctr W Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Robert Evans is a Gastroenterologist in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Evans is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Gastric Dysmotility, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Santa Maria Gastroenterology Medical Group

    361 Town Center West, Ste 101, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    We understand that visiting the gastroenterologist may be a new experience for you and that you may be in pain or worried about your health. That?s why all the staff at the Santa Maria Digestive Diagnostic Center and Santa Maria Gastroenterology focus on making you feel comfortable and confident in our care. Our physicians and our medical team take extra care to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions and thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Dr. Nastaskin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Albert W. Hawkins
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Albert W. Hawkins, MD Private Practice

    1300 E Cypress St, Ste G1, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    I strive to provide my patients with the best medical care possible. Dr. Hawkins is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Autosomal Dominant Partial Epilepsy with Auditory Features, Visceromegaly, Hepatitis C, and Memory Loss.

    Robert W. Okerblom
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Okerblom, Voegele, And Hole MD

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste C, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Dr. Okerblom has a free ambulatory Family Practice and Women's Health Care Clinic for the uninsured. Services in Santa Maria on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 - 8:30 by appointment only. To volunteer or to schedule an appointment, call 805-680-5974. To quality for services, one must be without any form of health insurance. Dr. Okerblom is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are CAPOS Syndrome, Cryptococcosis, Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, and Xanthoma.

    John P. Okerblom
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    CCFC - Chapel Office

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Experience:
    47+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    I strive to provide my patients with the best medical care possible. Dr. Okerblom is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and High Cholesterol.

    Donald J. Hole
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Okerblom, Voegele, And Hole MD

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste C, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    I strive to provide my patients with the best medical care possible. Dr. Hole is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Osteoporosis, Cirrhosis, and Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia.

    Melinda K. Jezierski
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    CCFC - Chapel Office

    915 E Stowell Rd, Ste B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.2 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dedicated to providing high quality primary health care in Santa Maria and Orcutt. I believe in long-term relationships with patients based on clear communication. These relationships are my highest priority, and I will always strive to be advocates for your health care needs. Dr. Jezierski is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia, Xanthoma, Cirrhosis, and High Cholesterol.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Marian Regional Medical Center

    1400 E Church St, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Vance Rodgers is a Gastroenterologist in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Rodgers is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Hemorrhagic Proctocolitis, Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Brian Desmond
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    CCFM - Palisades

    220 S Palisade Dr, Ste 104B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Central Coast Family Care of Santa Maria is dedicated to providing high quality primary health care in Santa Maria and Orcutt. Our doctors believe in long-term relationships with their patients based on clear communication. These relationships are our highest priority, & we will always strive to be advocates for your health care needs. Our groups physicians are dedicated to working together seven days a week to provide state-of-the-art health care at convenient locations in Santa Maria & Orcutt. Dr. Desmond is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are High Cholesterol, Sitosterolemia, Hyperlipidemia Type 3, and Chronic Cough.

    Victor M. Guerrero
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    CHC-Santa Maria-Palisade Primary Care

    1510 E. Main St, Ste 104B, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (1.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Victor Guerrero is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Guerrero is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Familial Hypertension, and Hypertension.

    Peter A. Krause
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Peter Alan Krause Medical Corp

    2151 S College Dr, Ste 203, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (2.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    I am also a strong believer in life after death. Our place in this world, and our mere existence on Earth, is not by chance. We all have a purpose for our existence, and it is important that we spend time daily striving to meet that purpose.I am a big believer in helping the body and mind heal themselves. Illness in general can be looked on as a breakdown of the body's natural balance. I, as a physician can aid you as a patient regain that natural balance that allows your body, mind and spirit to function at their best, no matter what your age. Using this philosophy, along with the power of modern medical science, goes a long way to maximizing our potential. Dr. Krause is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Caroli Disease, Hepatic Cystic Hamartoma, Osteoporosis, and Postmenopausal Osteoporosis.

    Michael S. Haverty
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Haverty Vanterpool & Allen Medical Group

    2342 Professional Pkwy, Ste 260, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (2.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    I strive to provide my patients with the best medical care possible. Dr. Haverty is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Chronic Cough, and Ventricular Fibrillation.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Arlene C Gonzales M D Inc

    722 E Chapel St, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (0.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Arlene Gonzales is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Gonzales is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Pacific Central Coast Health Centers

    117 W Bunny Ave, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (0.7 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Mary Brown is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Brown is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Gastric Dysmotility, Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Michael Kazak MD Inc.

    1040 W Main St, 
    Santa Maria, CA 
     (0.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Michael Kazak is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Kazak is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Memory Loss, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, and Enlarged Liver.

    Showing 1-20 of 35

    Last Updated: 02/22/2026

    What is the definition of Swallowing Difficulty?

    Difficulty with swallowing is the feeling that food or liquid is stuck in the throat or at any point before the food enters the stomach. This problem is also called dysphagia.

    When should I see a Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctors near Santa Maria, 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctors near Santa Maria, 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Swallowing Difficulty 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctor near Santa Maria, 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 Swallowing Difficulty 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 Swallowing Difficulty 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctors near Santa Maria, CA?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Swallowing Difficulty 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 Swallowing Difficulty doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Swallowing Difficulty 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 

    Read more about our Content Policy

    More Swallowing Difficulty Doctors by city