The Division operates from Augusta University's Digestive Health Center, an integrated facility where clinic, advanced endoscopy, the Motility Center, research space, and faculty and administrative offices sit together and connect directly to Augusta University Medical Center. Physicians move between clinic, procedures, and inpatient services within one building.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Setting | Outpatient-focused academic practice |
| Clinical Home | Digestive Health Center, connected to the hospital |
| Annual Volume | ~10,000 clinic visits, ~8,000 procedures |
| Endoscopy Scheduling | Block scheduling; incoming Chief may modify workflows |
| Inpatient Coverage | Two full-time GI Hospitalists, 7-on / 7-off |
| APP Support | Four APPs working directly with attendings |
The Division provides the full range of academic digestive care across general gastroenterology, hepatology, IBD, motility, and advanced endoscopy. The incoming Chief continues an active clinical practice in outpatient gastroenterology, endoscopy, and advanced procedures depending on expertise.
Three faculty currently perform advanced endoscopy, giving the division a strong procedural foundation for growth. Current capabilities include:
Endoscopy equipment is updated on an ongoing basis, with active scope replacement. Candidates review equipment during the interview process with physician subject matter experts.
The Motility Program is one of Augusta University's signature academic strengths. It is led by Satish Rao, MD, internationally recognized in neurogastroenterology and motility, and an NIH-funded physician scientist. The program supports a complex referral practice, operates a dedicated Motility Center, and continues to expand into build-out space adjacent to the Digestive Health Center.
The GI Hospitalist model is one of the division's strongest recruiting advantages. Two full-time GI Hospitalists work a 7-on / 7-off schedule and manage routine inpatient coverage, which keeps faculty inpatient responsibilities low.
Teaching is a core part of the role. The Division trains nine GI fellows, with a newly approved one-position Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship beginning July 1, 2027. Faculty teach across medical students, residents, and fellows.
Research remains a vital part of the division's mission, spanning basic, translational, and clinical work. The environment includes one NIH-funded physician scientist, active clinical trials, translational research opportunities, and fellowship scholarly activity. Support includes a grant coordinator, a research associate, a research assistant, and administrative, regulatory, and grant support.
Current research interests include: