Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to treat you as I would a member of my own family, offering guidance in your time of need. I strive to provide state-of-the-art care for each patient during every encounter. I will do my best to make sure you understand your condition so you can continue to take strides toward optimum health. | Why I entered medicine | It hurts my soul when people don’t feel good. Since childhood I’ve been passionate about wanting to help people feel better. Growing up I saw the relationship my father had with his own doctor, and that inspired me. | Community involvement | I have volunteered in Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta, India. I also have organized and managed a team of 30-plus staffers for Lustgarten Foundation pancreatic cancer fundraiser walks in Allentown the last 12 years. | Personal interests | In my spare time I enjoy biking with family, tennis and meditation. Dr. Shah is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Liver Transplant.

Brian Costello is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Costello is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Peptic Ulcer, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Endoscopy, and Ureteroscopy.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy centers around building relationships with patients, whether it be for a routine screening colonoscopy or long-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. | Why I entered medicine | Medicine should focus 100% on patient care. I entered the field to treat you and all my patients the way I would want my family members treated: with care, respect and to the best of my knowledge and skill. | Community involvement | Saint Thomas More Catholic Church. South Parkland Youth Association. | Personal interests | I enjoy sports, hiking, muscle cars and grandkids. Dr. Bross is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Crohn's Disease, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Hiral Shah is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shah is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Barrett Esophagus, Endoscopy, and Pancreatectomy.

Michael Engels is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Engels is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I strongly believe health care access should be for all. Regardless of their socio-economic status, religious background and beliefs, every person should have access to quality health care. I try to participate in free clinics set up by my mosque and eagerly supervise residents and fellows at Lehigh Valley Hospital clinics serving indigent patients. | Why I entered medicine | The field of medicine has the pulse of society. A caring doctor not only knows a patient's medical problems, but also is closely aware of the patient's circumstances and living environment. I entered medicine because I love science and for the dignity and respect doctors carry in society. | Community involvement | During more than two decades in the Lehigh Valley area, I have been involved through my mosque in community projects such as free clinics and soup kitchens. I have participated in LVHN charity walks and colorectal cancer awareness events. I also have been an active member of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, which undertakes educational and legislative campaigns. | Personal interests | I am interested in reading world history, enjoy listening to music and watching cricket. I enjoy long walks and pickleball. Dr. Imam is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

Philosophy of care | The physician’s role is to accurately diagnose and treat disease, but the practice of medicine also requires the doctor to see the entirety of who our patients are. Illness is disruptive and disorienting, and it can chip away at the big and small joys of life. I want to ease this suffering by guiding my patients through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. I aim to see my patients and their families for all their complexities, and my goal is to help them get back to what they love doing. | Why I entered medicine | My grandfather was a family physician here in the Lehigh Valley, and I grew up witnessing his dedication to healing and his unwavering empathy. Medicine offers the perfect blend of cognitive and technical challenges, and it’s a career that guarantees the privilege of knowing and taking care of our patients. | Community involvement | I’ve been involved in Scouting throughout my life. As an Eagle Scout, I’m excited to be the leader for my son’s Cub Scout den. | Personal interests | In my free time, I enjoy distance running and hobby board gaming. I love being outside and traveling with my wife and three children. Dr. Zator is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Bile Duct Obstruction, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I provide the best possible evidence-based care to my patients, and look forward to helping you. | Why I entered medicine | The medical field fascinated me, and I loved how I could apply the science of gastroenterology to improve lives. | Community involvement | I am active at the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. | Personal interests | I enjoy skiing, long-distance running and spending quality time with my wife and children. Dr. Mendelson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Painful Swallowing, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Paola Blanco is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Blanco is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Gastric Dysmotility, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | My aim is to provide quality care by educating you about your conditions so you feel more comfortable sharing your health concerns, have a better understanding of the treatment plan, and ultimately become a more active participant in your care. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine because I wanted to enter a field that combined my interest in science with the ability to work closely with people. Medicine provides this plus the opportunity to stay on the leading edge of technology and research while being a lifelong learner. | Community involvement | Locally, I am a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Gastroenterology. | Personal interests | I am an avid sports fan and season-ticket holder. I enjoy traveling to national parks and other new places, running, hiking, kayaking, listening to informative podcasts, and spending time with my family and dog. Dr. Sullivan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Lower Esophageal Ring, Biliary Hypoplasia, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I am a board-certified gastroenterologist with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of digestive disorders, especially gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal motility disorders and functional bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), I help you improve your quality of life through personalized care and evidence-based treatment. My patient-centered approach combines the latest advancements in gastroenterology with compassionate care to manage both common and complex digestive conditions. Dr. Hickey is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Biliary Hypoplasia, Swallowing Difficulty, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | For health to work, it truly needs to be individualized and centered on you. Everyone is different and it's hard to fit everyone into a medical textbook mold. I believe many things can be achieved by understanding disease processes, and sometimes less is more. Medications and procedures all have risks and benefits and deciding what truly needs to be prescribed or done is a discussion between me and you. Just because something can be done doesn't always mean it should be done. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine to help people take control of their health, feel empowered and make positive life changes based on informed decisions with me as a guide. Understanding the human body is challenging and it’s my job to translate all the medical jargon so you understand what is happening to you, why it is happening and what options you have. I've always viewed medicine as a partnership with patients and not a dictatorship; most people enjoy being in control of their own bodies and health. | Personal interests | I spend most of my free time outside with my husband and daughters hiking, biking, jogging or snowboarding and just living and being in the moment. Dr. Patek is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gastritis, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I provide the best available care based on the latest research and standard of care. This can only be achieved through close interaction with each patient, listening to their history and helping them choose the treatment that best meets their goals and lifestyle. | Why I entered medicine | I have always been passionate about providing healing and care. I love to use insights about how the body functions and modern medicine to provide a cure and respite from disease. | Community involvement | I have led a team of passionate medical clinicians on three international trips to provide medical care to Ukrainian refugees. My team was able to bring medicine and care to hundreds of people escaping the ravages of war. | Personal interests | My free time is spent with my children and husband. We love to travel to experience different foods and cultures. Dr. Shnitser is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Timothy Harrison is a General Surgeon in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Harrison is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Subdural Hematoma, Delirium, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

Philosophy of care | My goal always is to provide compassionate and personalized care. | Why I entered medicine | I chose medicine to make a difference in people's lives. I specialize in bariatric surgery because obesity is one of the most serious risks to our community's health. I especially enjoy the reduction in medications and medical problems that my patients experience after weight-loss surgery. | Personal interests | I enjoy boating and sports. Dr. Harrison is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Short Bowel Syndrome, Malnutrition, Endoscopy, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Zheng Lin is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Lin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. Her top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Acute Pancreatitis, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.

Ayaz Matin is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Matin is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Kimberly Chaput is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Chaput is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. Her top areas of expertise are Mesenteric Artery Ischemia, Diverticular Disease, Plummer-Vinson Syndrome, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy.

Narien Grover is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Dr. Grover is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Jock Itch, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Premature Ejaculation, and Familial Hypertriglyceridemia.

Philosophy of care | I encourage my patients to say what is on their mind without having them feel uncomfortable. I am a good listener, which is a valuable attribute. I always listen to my patients and include them (and their families) in decisions about their health care. | Why I entered medicine | I wanted to care for people. I have been interested in medicine since I was in high school. I originally became a pharmacist, but soon I decided to become a doctor, feeling I could have a greater impact on patient care. The most enjoyable part of being a doctor is seeing someone get better and knowing he or she appreciates your care. Dr. Lakata is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Acute Pancreatitis. His top areas of expertise are Cirrhosis, Melorheostosis with Osteopoikilosis, Melorheostosis, and Osteopenia.