Gastroenterology deals with a wide range of diseases and conditions related to the digestive system and it includes a large number of internal organs: the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Some gastroenterology diseases are chronic and managable, such as gastroesophageal reflux, a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation; gallstones which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder and cause pain, infection, or other complications; and peptic ulcers, open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. More serious gastroenterology diseases can include diseases like cirrhosis of the liver or colorectal, stomach, liver, esophogeal, and pancreatic cancers.
Gastroenterologists use various diagnostic tools and procedures, such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, and imaging studies, to diagnose and treat both mild and more serious conditions. Research has shown that the procedural mindset for the treatment of chronic gastroenterological diseases calls for identifying a fix or definitive solution to the problem. This can be counterproductive with functional disorders where patients are exposed to too many CT scans, endoscopic interventions, and even surgical explorations looking for something to fix or to remove1. For those with chronic conditions, there are often no black-and-white answers and a second opinion can be helpful.
Dr. Patrick Reeves is a triple board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist specializing in care of children
with medical complexity. He also specializes in the care of children with aerodigestive disorders, disorder
of gut-brain interaction, and inflammatory bowel disease. He is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the
University of Texas Health Sciences Center of San Antonio, the Uniformed Services University of the
Health Sciences and serves as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of military medicine at Texas A&M
School of Medicine.
Dr. Reeves is a previous medical director of the Cystic fibrosis Center and currently serves as Medical
Director of the Pediatric Colorectal Center. He maintains Board certifications in General Pediatrics and
Obesity Medicine.
Dr. Reeves completed a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Walter
Reed National Military Medical Center. He is also involved in academic leadership and is the Vice
President of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Section on Uniformed Services, West Chapter. Dr.
Reeves is dedicated to advancing education and research in pediatric medicine.