Strategic Partnership Adds Eight Physicians and Six Advanced Practitioners in Central Florida
(MIAMI, August 7, 2018) — Gastro Health, LLC (“Gastro Health”), one of the nation’s leading gastroenterology groups, today announced that is has acquired Internal Medicine Specialists, Inc. DBA Central Florida Gastroenterology (“Central Florida Gastroenterology”), the largest private practice gastroenterology group in Orlando. This acquisition delivers access to a new market for Gastro Health, with eight notable area physicians, six advanced practitioners, nine new office locations, and two endoscopy centers. The acquisition marks Gastro Health’s first partnership in the Central Florida market.
“We are proud to be entering the Orlando market by partnering with such an esteemed group,” said Gastro Health CEO, Joseph M. Garcia. “Central Florida Gastroenterology brings decades of specialized experience in the region, adding depth to our roster of world-class physicians and bolstering our leadership position in Florida.”
Central Florida Gastroenterology is one of the region’s most trusted resources for the treatment of gastrointestinal and liver disease, and is known for providing specialized diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and radio-frequency ablation (RFA). With nearly 40 years of practice in the area, the addition of the group:
- Positions Gastro Health for continued growth in Central Florida and beyond.
- Enhances Gastro Health’s comprehensive services for patients in need of specialized care for digestive and liver diseases.
- Provides added convenience for patients across Central Florida with more opportunities to access expert physicians close to home.
The professionals who join from Central Florida Gastroenterology include eight gastroenterologists, four nurse practitioners, and two physician’s assistants. Among them are Dr. Steven Brint, Medical Director of the Central Florida Surgical Center, and Sudhir K. Bhaskar, MD, Section Chief Gastroenterology, Orlando Regional Medical Center, a member of the American College of Gastroenterology’s FDA Related Matters Committee and Board of Directors for the Orlando Health Foundation.
“We believe this collaboration will have an immediate and positive impact on our patient community,” said Dr. Avanish M. Aggarwal Managing Partner of Central Florida Gastroenterology. “Gastro Health’s robust infrastructure will allow us to further systematize our approach to exceptional patient care by driving efficiencies that support quality, access, and value.”
“We are excited to join Gastro Health during this period of record growth,” said Dr. Kenneth Feuer of Central Florida Gastroenterology, Chief of Gastroenterology at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and Medical Director of Citrus Ambulatory Surgical Center. “We share Gastro Health’s patient-centered mission and this partnership reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing compassionate, personalized healthcare.”
About Gastro Health
Gastro Health is one of the fastest-growing gastroenterology groups in the United States. With a focus on exceptional gastrointestinal care and the patient experience, its more than 100 board-certified physicians collaborate with allied health professionals through an integrated network of 50+ locations. Gastro Health’s expert care teams utilize technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to provide a personalized approach to digestive health and overall wellness. Learn more at gastrohealth.com.
Media Contact
Frank Manes, Vice President of Business Development
fmanes@gastrohealth.com
305-351-8151