The 20 Best Swallowing Difficulty Doctors Near Me in Watkinsville, GA

Find the Top Swallowing Difficulty Experts and Specialists

The 20 Best Swallowing Difficulty Doctors near Watkinsville, GA

Last Updated: 02/22/2026

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MediFind found 39 doctor with experience in Swallowing Difficulty near Watkinsville, GA. Of these, 31 are Experienced, 6 are Advanced and 2 are Distinguished.

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39 providers found
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Distinguished in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Athens Digestive Healthcare Associates

    1360 Caduceus Way, Suite 101, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (5.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Asif Qadri is a Gastroenterologist in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Qadri is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Diarrhea, Trichohepatoenteric Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Qadri is currently accepting new patients.

    Thomas W. Wells
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Piedmont Physicians Hawthorne Medical At Oconee Health Campus

    1305 Jennings Mill Road, Suite 220, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (4.8 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Wells earned his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency at Medical College of Georgia. He is board certified with American Board of Internal Medicine.Dr. Wells has been practicing medicine for 26 years. He specializes in internal medicine. He enjoys the entire spectrum of adult medicine while developing a personal relationship with the patients in his care. Prior to joining Piedmont Hawthorne OHC, Dr. Wells was a practicing partner at Hawthorne Medical Associates.In his spare time, Dr. Wells enjoys spending time with his family. He enjoys sports and back-packing. He is active in Boy Scouts, local high school football and church activities. Dr. Wells is not accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Wells is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, Hypertension, and Hypothyroidism.

    Dennis G. Bullock
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Piedmont Physicians At Oconee Health Campus

    1305 Jennings Mill Road, Suite 210, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (4.8 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Bullock specializes in family medicine. He provides ongoing medical management for all members of a family including geriatrics, adults, adolescents and pediatrics. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.Dr. Bullock is married with four children. In his spare time, he enjoys going on family trips, reading, playing chess, hunting and fishing. He is a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and enjoys attending games when possible. Dr. Bullock is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Glossitis, Pernicious Anemia, Subacute Combined Degeneration, and Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

    Learn about our expert tiers
    Thomas A. Mcelhannon
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Piedmont Physicians At Oconee Health Campus

    1305 Jennings Mill Road, Suite 210, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (4.8 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. McElhannon specializes in family medicine. As a family medicine physician, he is uniquely trained to treat both males and females of all ages. In addition to treating acute and chronic illnesses, Dr. McElhannon also provides routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent illnesses before they develop.In his spare time, Dr. McElhannon enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He enjoys the outdoors, gardening, old tractors and UGA athletics. Dr. Mcelhannon is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Osteomyelitis in Children, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Hypertension, and Familial Hypertension.

    Keith W. Zimmerman
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Family Medicine

    Piedmont Physicians At Oconee Health Campus

    1305 Jennings Mill Road, Suite 210, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (4.8 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Zimmerman received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1984. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at The Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia in 1987. He is certified by The American Board of Family Medicine.He treats adolescents and adults with a broad range of conditions.In his spare time, Dr. Zimmerman is an amateur musician with classical piano and organ as his main instruments. Dr. Zimmerman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Bronchitis, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology

    ENT Of Athens

    150 Nacoochee Ave, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Blake Kimbrell is an Otolaryngologist in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Kimbrell is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Mikulicz Disease, Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss, Deafness Hypogonadism Syndrome, Infant Hearing Loss, and Myringotomy. Dr. Kimbrell is currently accepting new patients.

    Charles L. Braucher
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine | Pediatrics
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine | Pediatrics

    Piedmont Physicians At Resource Medical - Suite 3400

    1500 Oglethorpe Avenue, Suite 3400, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Braucher earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency at the University of Arkansas. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Georgia and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Hospice and Palliative Care.Dr. Braucher has been practicing medicine for 32 years. Prior to joining Piedmont Physician Group, Dr. Braucher was a member of the Athens Regional Physician Group. He has historically been in private practice as well.In his spare time, Dr. Braucher enjoys spending time with his family. He enjoys landscaping, canoeing, hiking, and swimming. Please call the office to inquire about becoming a new patient. Dr. Braucher is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Glossitis, Pernicious Anemia, Melorheostosis with Osteopoikilosis, and Melorheostosis.

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

    Michelle Woodard M.D LLC

    2410 Hog Mountain Rd Ste 303, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (2.3 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Michelle Woodard is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Woodard is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Vitamin D Deficiency, Folate Deficiency, Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia, and Multiple Carboxylase Deficiency.

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

    Greater Athens Physicians Inc.

    1550 Mars Hill Rd, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (3.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Raymond Gilbert is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Gilbert is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Common Cold, Low Sodium Level, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

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

    Oconee Family Practice PC

    1747 Langford Drive, Building 400, Suite 105, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (5.1 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Mark Earhart is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Earhart is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are High Cholesterol, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology | Pediatrics | Sleep Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology | Pediatrics | Sleep Medicine

    ENT Of Athens

    150 Nacoochee Ave, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Charles Mixson is an Otolaryngologist and a Pediatrics provider in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Mixson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss, Deafness Hypogonadism Syndrome, Macroglossia, and Infant Hearing Loss. Dr. Mixson is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology

    ENT Of Athens

    150 Nacoochee Ave, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Byron Norris is an Otolaryngologist in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Norris is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Deafness Hypogonadism Syndrome, and Sinusitis. Dr. Norris is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology

    ENT Of Athens

    150 Nacoochee Ave, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Elizabeth Katz is an Otolaryngologist in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Katz is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss, Deafness Hypogonadism Syndrome, DFNB1, Infant Hearing Loss, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Katz is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology | Plastic Surgery
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Otolaryngology | Plastic Surgery

    ENT Of Athens

    150 Nacoochee Ave, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Christian Barnes is an Otolaryngologist and a Plastic Surgeon in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Barnes is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss, Deafness Hypogonadism Syndrome, DFNB1, and Infant Hearing Loss. Dr. Barnes is currently accepting new patients.

    Raghda A. Anbari
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine | Endocrinology
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine | Endocrinology

    Piedmont Physicians Endocrinology Athens

    1500 Oglethorpe Avenue Suite 3600, 
    Athens, GA 
     (5.2 miles away)
    Experience:
    17+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Arabic
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Raghda Al Anbari, MD, earned her medical degree from Al-Mustansiriyah University - College of Medicine and completed her residency at Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University. Dr. Al Anbari is fellowship trained in Endocrinology from University of Florida. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and brings with her more than five years of experience.Dr. Al Anbari specializes in Endocrinology. Her special interests include diabetes mellitus, thyroid and osteoporosis and has done research in thyroid disease.Dr. Al Anbari is proficient in Arabic.In her spare time, Dr. Al Anbari enjoys her time in outdoor activities with her family. Dr. Al Anbari is accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans.PLEASE NOTE:Dr. Al Anbari is in the office on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dr. Anbari is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Thyroid Storm, Diabetic Nephropathy, Hyperthyroidism, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Gastroenterology Associates Of Athens-Watkinsville

    1305 Jennings Mill Rd Ste 260 Bldg 20, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (5.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    Bradley Shepherd is a Gastroenterologist in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Shepherd is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Colitis, Hepatitis, Ascites, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Gastroenterology

    Office

    1460 Resurgence Dr, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (5.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Vikas Sangwan is a Gastroenterologist in Watkinsville, Georgia. Dr. Sangwan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Iron Deficiency Anemia, Jaundice, Hiatal Hernia, Endoscopy, and Pancreatectomy.

    Amanda J. Downs
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Piedmont Physicians Hawthorne Medical Of Watkinsville

    1351 Stonebridge Parkway, Building 105, 
    Watkinsville, GA 
     (5.9 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Downs earned her medical degree from The Medical College of Georgia and completed her residency at The Medical College of Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology from The University of Georgia and is board certified in Internal Medicine.Dr. Downs has been practicing medicine for 24 years. Prior to joining PPG Hawthorne Medical, Dr. Downs was a practicing partner of Hawthorne Medical Associates.In her spare time, Dr. Downs enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys playing tennis. Dr. Downs is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypothyroidism, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

    Fred Young
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Piedmont Physicians Athens Prince Avenue

    1010 Prince Avenue, Ste 500, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.0 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Young earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency at Tulane Medical School and the University of Maryland. He received his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Georgia and is board certified in Internal Medicine.Dr. Young has been practicing medicine for 31 years. Prior to joining, Piedmont Hawthorne OHC Dr. Young was a practicing partner with Hawthorne Medical Associates.In his spare time, Dr. Young enjoys spending time with his family; he has 5 children and 2 grandchildren). He enjoys being active in his church, bicycling, and reading.Dr. Young welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Young is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Childhood Iron Deficiency Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.

    Robert P. Lucas
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine
    Experienced in Swallowing Difficulty
    Internal Medicine

    Piedmont Physicians Hawthorne Medical Of Athens

    120 Hawthorne Park, 
    Athens, GA 
     (7.4 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients
    Offers Telehealth

    Dr. Patrick Lucas earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. He earned his Associates of Science in Biology from Middle Georgia College and his Bachelors of Science in Biology from The University of Georgia. Dr. Lucas is board certified in Internal Medicine.Dr. Lucas has been practicing medicine in Athens for 15 years. In additional to practicing Internal Medicine, Dr. Lucas serves as the Medical Director of a local Hospice company.Dr. Lucas was chosen as a Harry S. Truman Scholar in 1997 while attending the University of Georgia. He was also chosen one of UGA's 40 Under 40 outstanding alumni in 2013. He and his wife, Julie, were members of the 2016 Class of Leadership Georgia. Dr. Lucas has served on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees since 2018. The also serves on the Board of Directors of his home Methodist church.In his spare time, Dr. Lucas enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. He also teaches youth Sunday School and has coached his son and daughter in various youth sports. He also enjoys painting, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and playing golf. Dr. Lucas is not accepting new patients and welcomes most major insurance plans. Dr. Lucas is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Sitosterolemia, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.

    Showing 1-20 of 39

    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 Watkinsville, GA?

    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 Watkinsville, GA?

    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 Watkinsville, GA?

    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 Watkinsville, GA?

    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 Watkinsville, GA?

    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 Watkinsville, GA?

    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 Watkinsville, GA?

    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 

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