WaqasNawazMD

Summary

• As a gastroenterologist, I’m particularly interested in celiac disease and large polyp removal, and I regularly perform endoscopies and colonoscopies to diagnose problems and diseases of the digestive system. I love my profession because I’m an advocate of preventive medicine, and screening colonoscopies are a type of secondary prevention with great potential to prevent colon cancer and thus save lives. Similarly, diagnosing celiac disease has been a challenge because, on average, its diagnosis is delayed by 7 – 8 years due to overlap with other conditions, but finding it early can improve the quality of life of many patients.
  
  I’m responsive to patients’ messages on MyChart, even when not at the medical center, because effective communication is vital in developing patient-physician rapport that’s key in patient management. I believe in early diagnosis and evidence-based management with focus on medication reconciliation at every visit so that my patients’ needs are met in the most efficient way. In recent years, I’ve noticed that patients on multiple medications may have unnecessary prescriptions according to medical guidelines. Polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of five or more medications to treat one condition, can have negative consequences so I try to ensure patients a better solution.
  
  The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is a place where I can progress with every passing day. I always wanted to join an institution where my academic growth continues even after my residency and fellowship. I can learn from a group of very experienced and senior colleagues who specialize in different areas of gastroenterology. Moreover, teaching has always been my passion because teaching others is the best way of learning. Here, I find ample opportunities to teach and mentor medical students, residents and fellows.