The 20 Best Swallowing Difficulty Doctors near Durham, NC

I have a clinical practice that focuses on the evaluation and management of patients with esophageal and swallowing disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), Barrett’s esophagus and achalasia. Also, I have a strong academic and professional interest in health outcomes and quality of care. I am excited to be a part of Duke Health, where I can utilize revolutionary technologies like high resolution esophageal manometry and radiofrequency ablation to improve the care of my patients. Dr. Leiman is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Swallowing Difficulty, Esophagitis, Abdominal Wall Surgery, and Endoscopy.

Voice is central to human communication, social interaction, identity, and may be critical for professional success. Many professionals depend on having a good voice, including teachers, singers, clergy, attorneys, and call center operators. Swallowing and breathing are also vital life functions and problems in either area can lead to significant reduction in quality of life. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help people every day who are experiencing voice, breathing or swallowing problems. My goal is to collaborate with patients in a team-based, interdisciplinary approach to restore patients' voices and ability to communicate and perform, swallow, and breathe. I work with patients to personalize treatment decisions to fit their individual needs. This may include medical treatments and/or surgical interventions, as well as voice and swallowing therapy in collaboration with my speech-language pathology and singing voice specialist colleagues. Dr. Cohen is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Spasmodic Dysphonia, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, Laryngeal Nerve Damage, and Laryngectomy.

I’m a general gastroenterologist and treat a wide range of GI problems, but my area of specialty is in esophageal disorders. I see patients who may have swallowing disorders, hard-to-control acid reflux disease, or disorders or problems with the muscles of their esophagus. I also see patients with Barrett's esophagus, which is a gastroesophageal reflux disease where the lining of the esophagus may change over long periods of time. We need to treat it to prevent patients from getting esophageal cancer. It is important to establish a level of trust and have compassion for patients, making sure they feel that I’m completely invested in what’s important for them, doing everything to get to the right answers of what’s causing their symptoms, and coming up with a plan that works best to treat their problem. Dr. Wood is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Benign Esophageal Stricture, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

I perform upper endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures, and help evaluate GI disorders. I have special interests in the esophagus, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and esophageal motor disorders, such as achalasia. I am passionate about clinical care, education and mentorship, guideline development, and clinical investigation. At Duke, I have been awarded the Paul Killenberg Faculty Teaching and Malcolm Tyor Faculty Scholar Awards. Dr. Patel is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Rathke Cleft Cyst, and Esophageal Varices.

I specialize in gastroenterology, specifically adult inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. I also see patients with a variety of digestive issues including fecal transplant for C. diff. colitis. I became a physician because I truly enjoy interacting with people and helping them feel better in whatever way I can. I like to emphasize good communication between providers and patients. It is important to work together with each patient to provide education and a personalized treatment plan that we both agree upon. Listening and understanding what each patient needs is vital to our success. Before working at Duke Health, I practiced as a gastroenterologist in the greater Boston area at the Lahey Clinic for 12 years. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, reading fiction novels, and practicing yoga. Dr. Barto is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Pseudomembranous Colitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

I specialize in performing advanced luminal endoscopic procedures, such as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of certain disorders of the esophagus and stomach, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), mucosal resection (EMR), full thickness resection (EFTR), and endoscopic suturing for the removal of lesions from the GI tract, as well as transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). It is important to me that my patients understand that they are part of the team when it comes to taking care of their gastrointestinal conditions. I will help them make the best decisions, but will not push them to do anything with which they are uncomfortable. Therefore, it is also very important to me that my patients feel well-educated about their gastrointestinal condition so that they can help make the decisions that are best for them. I am originally from Apex, North Carolina, and after many years away, I am excited to be back in the Triangle taking care of the community that raised me. Dr. Dufault is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Achalasia, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Angiodysplasia of the Colon, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

I am thrilled to return to Duke Health after my recent retirement to provide much-needed part-time endoscopy services and improve access to colon cancer screening and surveillance. I first came to Duke from Kansas in 1989 and loved the pine trees and people so much that I never went back. I was the first female gastroenterologist (and 20 weeks pregnant) when I started private practice in Raleigh in 1994. After nearly 30 years of uninterrupted service to my beloved patients in central North Carolina, I retired in January 2024. It was difficult to give up my passion for gastroenterology, colonoscopy, and patient interaction. I am eager to return with a schedule that allows me to travel more with my husband. I enjoy meeting patients and easing their anxiety through rapport and detailed explanations. A little humor and hand-holding also help. I love safely removing large polyps.I have two grown children; my daughter is a physical rehabilitation PA in RDU, and my son is a game quality control specialist in Austin, Texas. My passions include crosswords, concerts, Broadway shows, sporting events, and traveling. Dr. Hutzenbuhler is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Diverticular Disease, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

I care for a wide variety of general gastrointestinal disorders and routinely performs upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Additionally, I have a specific interest in small bowel diseases, such as celiac sprue and gastrointestinal bleeding, and regularly perform double balloon enteroscopy and video capsule endoscopy to diagnosis and manage these problems. Dr. Wild is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Angiodysplasia of the Colon, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, Watermelon Stomach, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

I treat patients with benign and cancerous conditions of the bile duct and pancreas. I specialize in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic stenting and the removal of large, complex colon polyps. I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of performing these procedures. However, the most gratifying parts of my work are interacting with patients, relating to them on a personal level and providing compassionate care. Dr. Burbridge is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Stricture, Cholestasis, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy.

As a gastroenterologist, I specialize in digestive disorders that affect the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, and pancreas. In addition to seeing patients, I perform upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. I was drawn to Gastroenterology as a specialty because digestive disorders come in many different forms and affect patients of all backgrounds and ages. My practice focuses on patient-centered care and shared decision making, and I enjoy working with patients to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific problems. I believe patients should feel empowered to participate in their medical care. Outside of the office, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my wife and children and music, especially playing the guitar. Dr. Lloyd is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Colitis, Viral Gastroenteritis, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

I am a general gastroenterologist, and I perform a wide range of procedures including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. In the office, I see patients with small bowel, stomach, and esophageal and colonic digestive diseases. I have a particular interest in treating small bowel diseases, such as celiac and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. I also perform procedures for specialized evaluation of the small bowel, such as capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy, including double balloon enteroscopy. I enjoy getting to know my patients and practice a collaborative approach to care and medical decision-making. Dr. Vance is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Angiodysplasia of the Colon, Watermelon Stomach, Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.

After completing a general gastroenterology fellowship as well as an additional advanced endoscopy fellowship at Duke, I joined the talented faculty. This opportunity allows me to continue my clinical focus on caring for patients with complicated pancreas and biliary tree disorders. Outside of the hospital I enjoy spending time with my wife and young daughter. Dr. Spaete is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Pancreatitis, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

I am a researcher and heart transplant specialist who also serves as medical director for the heart transplant program at Duke. From the time I was a child, I have been fascinated by how the human body works, specifically by how blood travels around the body. I became especially interested in how the heart behaves when it is normal and how it adapts when it is damaged. As a transplant cardiologist, I get to combine these interests with cutting-edge medicine to help people to live longer and feel better, even when hearts fail. I enjoy getting to know patients and their loved ones as they go through their transplant journey at Duke. I am also fortunate to be part of an experienced team that has been together for over a decade taking care of heart transplant patients. Dr. Patel is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, Pulmonary Edema, Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, and Endoscopy.

I see patients with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and abnormal imaging findings. I also perform a wide variety of procedures in my day-to-day practice, including diagnostic upper endoscopy, push enteroscopy and colonoscopy, and numerous therapeutic procedures. I have expertise in removing large pre-cancerous polyps through a technique called endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and I have a particular interest in using technology to improve procedural outcomes. My goal is to listen to my patients, help interpret the scientific literature and other sources of information, make diagnoses, and come up with an individualized treatment plan. My hope is that each patient leaves the office with a better understanding of what is going on and what we are doing to address it. Dr. Glissen is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, Diarrhea, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.

As an otolaryngologist, I treat people with common ear, nose, and throat complaints, including enlarged thyroid gland, hoarseness, and swallowing difficulties. I also do complex reconstructive surgeries following trauma or cancer operations. I specialize in caring for patients with cancer of the facial skin, mouth, throat, thyroid, salivary glands, and voice box. When my dad had cancer, seeing the amazing care he received made me want to treat this wonderful patient population. I love getting to know my patients on a personal level and establishing real relationships with them during the years that I follow them. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, pencil sketches, reading, and spending time with my son and my grandson. Dr. Cannon is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Acinic Cell Carcinoma of Salivary Glands, Salivary Gland Tumors, Laryngeal Cancer, Thyroidectomy, and Laryngectomy.

I started my health care career during college as a nursing assistant in a nursing home in Pennsylvania. During my training at Brown University, I came to discover that my true passion was caring for people with serious illness and spent the first decade of my career in hospitals, providing palliative services to patients admitted to the floors or intensive care units. Since then, missing longer-term relationships with patients, I've spent more time on the outpatient side of palliative care, working to partner with those with serious or advanced illnesses to help make life better. Whether treating pain, constipation, nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, fatigue, poor appetite, poor sleep, or any other symptoms making people feel lousy, I aim to use medicines and non-medicine strategies to improve quality of life and function. I also support everyone's Plan A of getting better and back to normal life and Plan B if things don't go as we hope. Helping someone become well enough to take a trip to the beach or the mountains or play a bit more with their kids or grandkids is what makes me tick!. Dr. Jones is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Swallowing Difficulty, and Vascular Dementia.

I provide comprehensive care of ear, nose, and throat problems. I have particular interest in surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, offering some of the most novel approaches to provide a permanent solution to sleep apnea. I also have interest in nasal and sinus problems. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, I manage the allergy program (allergy drops), and I care for patients with some of the most chronic sinus diseases. I have now more than 25 years of experience caring for children and adult patients with routine issues (like ear infections, tonsil problems) and complex problems (like head and neck masses and cancers, thyroid problems). My clinic is next to Duke Raleigh Hospital, where we've built an excellent team of fellow otolaryngologists, nurses and medical assistants, front office staff, and therapists. We look forward to meeting you. Dr. Ellison is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Male Pattern Baldness, Sinusitis, Infant Hearing Loss, and Septoplasty.

I am a clinical investigator and geriatrician. I enjoy helping to care for older adults who are admitted to the hospital. I have a special interest in patients with multiple chronic conditions, and who are at greatest risk of delirium and other geriatric syndromes that frequently occur in the hospital. Dr. Whitson is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Delirium, Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, and Acute Pain.

I found myself fascinated by otolaryngology early in my medical school training because of the wide variety of patients and procedures we get to manage. I have always enjoyed technology and thinking outside of the box, which is a perfect match for this specialty. Additionally, I really love working with children and their families; it is a privilege to play a small role in a child's growth and development. I am drawn to surgery because it epitomizes the combination of art and science in medicine allowing for creative solutions to complicated problems. In my free time, I also pursue creative hobbies. I play the piano, and I still take lessons weekly. I started piano with my daughter when she was four and both my children are in musical fields now. I also make jewelry, enjoy learning languages, such as Spanish and Russian, reading, traveling, and practicing photography with my husband. We both like being with friends and family whether we are cooking at home or checking out new cuisine. Dr. Raynor is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her top areas of expertise are Infant Hearing Loss, Otitis Media with Effusion, Hearing Loss, Myringotomy, and Adenoidectomy.

Hearing and balance are among the most fundamental ways people interact with the world. As an ENT doctor, otologist, and neurotologist, I am very fortunate to work in a profession that allows me to help patients having problems with these most basic functions. Every patient I work with presents a unique and challenging problem that needs a creative solution. Whether is it surgery to remove a complex tumor at the base of the skull, placing a cochlear implant to restore hearing to the deaf, or diagnosing a complex balance problem, I am motivated to work with my patients to come up with a custom solution to their personal problem. I measure my success by my patients’ improvement and satisfaction. Dr. Kaylie is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. His top areas of expertise are Acoustic Neuroma, Schwannoma, Hearing Loss, Mastoidectomy, and Myringotomy.