Philosophy
It’s all in the name – COMPREHENSIVE. Today’s informed patients want to focus on understanding the underlying causes of their digestive issues rather than just being prescribed a medication to alleviate symptoms. We will guide this diagnostic process with meticulous care and attention. We recognize how complex the interactions are between an individual’s personal health history, genetics, nutrition, gut microbiome, and mind-gut connection. One size does not fit all. Our team coordinates a systematic approach to identify and tailor the treatment program that works best for YOUR life and preferences.
Our eye-opening journey of learning and developing a different strategy of care has evolved over the past several years. As gastroenterologists trained at The University of Chicago in traditional Western medicine, our awareness and fund of knowledge regarding the principles of complementary and alternative medicine were limited. We found ourselves frustrated and disappointed when our best efforts with diagnostic tests, endoscopic procedures, and pharmacologic therapies would fail to improve a patient’s symptoms.
It was evident that increasing numbers of people were hesitant to jump to medications and were more interested in alternative non-pharmaceutical options. Western medicine has been slow and somewhat reluctant to embrace these alternative strategies. Despite this resistance, the general public has proceeded to spend billions of dollars on nutritional interventions and supplements. Unfortunately, many of the dietary programs and products advertised are not supported by credible scientific evidence. We became determined to learn about the alternative modalities that DO have the research to support their widespread use. Our interest in identifying these holistic solutions was driven not by the field of gastroenterology, but by our patients’ motivation and queries. We thank you all for that inspiration.
We are also aware that patients have become increasingly frustrated by the limitations of large impersonal medical practices. We at Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health aim to create a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where patients’ needs are front and center. We want the process of scheduling appointments to be efficient and effortless. We want endoscopic procedures to feel as stress-free as possible.
With patient health and wellness as our top priority, we have assembled a like-minded team of support professionals. We are dedicated to continually educating ourselves on the latest research and developments regarding using food as medicine, creating a healthy gut microbiome, and optimizing the connection between the mind and the gut. With this knowledge, our team will help identify factors that you can influence or control and guide you through the overwhelming options flooding the marketplace.
The team wants to empower YOU to impact change on your gastrointestinal health. Educating patients on the causes and treatments that affect their digestive system is a priority. We hope the creation of this meaningful physician-patient partnership will help individuals replace feelings of helplessness with means of empowerment. Please do not mistake our enthusiasm for alternative treatment options as disdain for traditional gastroenterology. We will simultaneously remain up to date on and be ready to prescribe all the best innovations that standard Western medicine has to offer when necessary and appropriate.
By consolidating these expert resources in one easy to access location and creating a collaborative team approach to coordinate your care, we have tried to reduce barriers to achieving your best digestive health and overall well-being. Our team welcomes the opportunity to assist you in fulfilling your wellness goals.
– Tara Troy, M.D. Founder and Gastroenterologist at Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health
– Jeff Nathanson, M.D. Partner and Gastroenterologist at Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health
