1. Why did you choose to go into Gastro and Hepatology?
I chose to go into gastroenterology and hepatology because it is a complex field that requires deep understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and technical skills that are necessary for performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
2. What can a GI doctor diagnose and treat?
A GI doctor can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions from inflammatory conditions (ie inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis), autoimmune conditions (ie celiac disease), infectious conditions (ie C. difficile, giardia), irritable bowel syndrome to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to name a few.
3. What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition where backflow of stomach contents can cause troublesome symptoms including but not limited to heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, throat symptoms and difficulty swallowing.
4. Why would I need to see a hepatologist?
A consultation with a hepatologist is recommended when there is concern for scarring of the liver (fibrosis and/or cirrhosis), abnormal liver tests on blood work, infectious or autoimmune hepatitis, or other structural abnormalities including liver mass or cancer.
5. Can you explain diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis and diverticulosis are often confused. Diverticulosis refers to the formation of small pouches (diverticula) that develop in the lining of your digestive tract. When one or more of diverticula become inflamed and/or infected, this is referred to as diverticulitis.
6. If Crohn’s/IBD runs in my family am I prone to get it and how will I know?
If inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) runs in your family, you are more prone to developing it as well. Symptoms of IBD include rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and/or diarrhea. A consultation with a gastroenterologist is recommended if these symptoms arise.
Mindy Lee, M.D.
o Dr. Mindy Lee is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine. She earned her medical degree at the State University of New York at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. She subsequently completed her gastroenterology fellowship at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT where she was given the Samuel Kushlan Award for Clinical Excellence.