The 20 Best Swallowing Difficulty Doctors Near Me in Seattle, WA
Find the Top Swallowing Difficulty Experts and Specialists
Swedish Gastroenterology - Ballard
Philosophy of Care: I believe that one’s digestive health is key to their overall sense of wellness. As physicians, we have the tools to educate our patients so that they can be active participants in their treatment. Good communication is the foundation of good care. Dr. Padhya is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Diverticular Disease, Esophagitis, Colonoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Padhya is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Padhya is currently accepting new patients.
Swedish Head And Neck Surgery
Dr. Golden most recently received the 2024 Head and Neck Surgery Top Doc designation and has received the Seattle Top Doc award for multiple years. Dr. Golden is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Head and Neck Surgeon. He practices the full spectrum of Head and Neck Oncology, including Endocrine Surgery, Microvascular Reconstruction, and Robotic Surgery among others. After serving on active duty in the United States Army, he joined the Swedish Head and Neck Surgery practice in 2017. Dr. Golden focuses on treating the patient, not the disease. This means listening to the patient's concerns, discussing diagnoses and treatment options in understandable terms, and making decisions with the patient, not for the patient. Dr. Golden is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art, cutting edge cancer care. In his free time, Dr. Golden enjoys running, surfing, hiking, and cooking. Dr. Golden is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Tongue Cancer, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Throat Cancer, Thyroidectomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Golden is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery. Dr. Golden is currently accepting new patients.
Swedish Otolaryngology Specialists - First Hill
Dr. Gabriela Sanchez is an otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat) specialist in Seattle, WA and has been practicing for 15 years. She graduated from Baylor University in 2003 and specializes in ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Sanchez is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her clinical expertise encompasses Salivary Duct Stones, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Infant Hearing Loss, and Tonsil Stones. Dr. Sanchez is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery. Dr. Sanchez is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. She is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Encopresis, Bowel Incontinence, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Zhang is board certified in Gastroenterology, American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Zhang is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 45 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Cholecystitis, Gastrointestinal Fistula, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Gastric Bypass. Dr. Irani is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Subspecialty In Gastroenterology. Dr. Irani is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Acinic Cell Carcinoma of Salivary Glands, Salivary Gland Tumors, Tongue Cancer, Laryngectomy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Bayles is board certified in Head And Neck Surgery, American Board Of Otolaryngology. Dr. Bayles is currently accepting new patients.
Otolaryngology-Head And Neck Surgery Center At UW Medical Center - Montlake
Albert Merati is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Merati is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses 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 Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Crohn's Disease, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Venu is board certified in Gastroenterology, American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Venu is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hiatal Hernia, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Achalasia, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Blais is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology. Dr. Blais is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Stomach Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Mankaney is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Subspecialty In Gastroenterology. Dr. Mankaney is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Gas Bloat Syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Lin is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Subspecialty In Gastroenterology. Dr. Lin 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 Swallowing Difficulty. His clinical expertise encompasses Hiatal Hernia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, and Trichohepatoenteric Syndrome. Dr. Brandler is board certified in Gastroenterology, American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Brandler is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. She is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Tonsil Stones, and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). Dr. Eriksson is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology. Dr. Eriksson is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. His clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Turcot Syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Anand is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine and American Board Of Internal Medicine, Subspecialty In Gastroenterology. Dr. Anand is currently accepting new patients.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Alana Aylward, MD, is an otolaryngologist with specialty training in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction. Conditions she treats include oral cavity cancers, thyroid and parathyroid disease, and salivary gland tumors.Incorporating the latest evidence-based practices and techniques, Dr. Aylward strives to provide care that both effectively treats disease and maximizes a patient's quality of life during and after treatment. She recognizes that having a trusting, supportive relationship with her patients is a critical part of treatment. She also understands the importance of taking the time to address her patients' priorities and concerns, and to educate and guide them through the shared decision-making process. Especially with respect to cancer, Dr. Aylward believes working as part of a multidisciplinary team is critical to providing the best outcomes for her patients.Dr. Aylward is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society.Away from work, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, yoga, cooking and spending time with her husband and dog. Dr. Aylward is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. Her clinical expertise encompasses Mikulicz Disease, Acinic Cell Carcinoma of Salivary Glands, Salivary Gland Tumors, and Male Pattern Baldness. Dr. Aylward is currently accepting new patients.
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 Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Salivary Duct Stones, Infant Hearing Loss, and Sinusitis. Dr. Deschenes is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology. Dr. Deschenes is currently accepting new patients.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Aditya Gutta is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Gutta is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hereditary Pancreatitis, Esophageal Varices, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Gutta is currently accepting new patients.
Office
George Winters is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Bellevue, Washington. Dr. Winters is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Swallowing Difficulty, Painful Swallowing, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.
Seattle Gastroenterology Northgate
Darik Taniguchi is a provider with privileges at a Swedish Medical Center. Dr. Taniguchi is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Swallowing Difficulty. He is also highly rated in 29 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Childhood Volvulus, Portal Hypertension, Indigestion, Diarrhea, and Endoscopy. Dr. Taniguchi is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
The Polyclinic Broadway - Gastroenterology
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 Swallowing Difficulty. She is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Trichohepatoenteric Syndrome, Diarrhea, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy. Dr. Headstrom is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Headstrom is currently accepting new patients.
Last Updated: 04/28/2026


















