
Chao Digestive Health Institute
We bring a multispecialty, comprehensive and patient-focused approach to prevent, diagnose and treat the most complex digestive disorders and cancers.
At the forefront of digestive health
At the UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute, our collaborative team includes nationally recognized, board-certified specialists in gastroenterology, hepatology and surgery. We work together to diagnose, prevent and treat the full range of digestive disorders and cancers.
Our approach to digestive health
For more than two decades, we’ve taken a unique multispecialty, patient-centered approach to digestive health, focusing on collaboration and innovation to provide the best care possible.
As part of the largest academic health system in California — and the only one in Orange County—we offer the most advanced techniques to treat complex digestive conditions and cancers.
We were the first in the region to create a fully integrated medical and surgical program, ensuring you receive coordinated, expert care from top specialists.
Whether you’re here for prevention, diagnosis or treatment, you’ll benefit from the expertise of nationally recognized, board-certified physicians who are at the forefront of digestive health.
Looking for more options?
View all cliniciansWhy choose UCI Health for your digestive health?
Multispecialty, collaborative care
Our team of gastroenterologists and surgeons works closely with medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, dietitians, nurses, social workers and case managers to give you high quality, comprehensive care.
Advanced technology and treatments
Using the latest research and technology, our digestive health experts create a care plan to meet your specific needs. In many cases, we offer robot-assisted, minimally invasive and noninvasive treatments not available at most other health systems.
Convenient locations
With nearly a dozen locations throughout the region, we make it convenient to access advanced digestive healthcare.
More choices for true personalization
Looking for a female doctor or someone who speaks your language? Our broad and diverse team of digestive health experts means you can find the right provider for you.
Better patient outcomes
We specialize in treating complex digestive diseases and cancers, so we are among the most experienced in performing advanced procedures to treat them. That means we maintain higher quality standards and our patients have better outcomes with shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
Clinical trials to advance care
UCI Health is Orange County’s only academic health system, so our doctors are actively involved in innovating new treatments and conducting clinical research trials. This means you have access to leading-edge therapies and technologies well before they are available elsewhere.

Get started
Experience advanced care for digestive diseases at the UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute. We’re leading the way in early detection and treatment. To schedule call 888-717-4463, or

Find a digestive health clinical trial
Talk to your doctor to see if a digestive health clinical trial is right for you.
We welcome referrals from community physicians
Simply complete and fax the appropriate referral form to the Chao Digestive Health Institute.
We look forward to serving you and your patients.
Our clinicians
Gastroenterologists
- Gregory Albers, MD
- Robert I. Fearn, MD
- William Karnes, MD
- Robert Lee, MD
- Christina Ling, MD
- Hooshang Meshkinpour, MD
- Nimisha Parekh, MD
- Sandra Park, MD
- Shravani R. Reddy, MD
- Carlos Saad, MD
- Kiran Sachdev, MD
- Mark Salem, MD
- Elliot Yu, MD
Hepatologists
Interventional gastroenterologists
Colorectal surgeons
- Joseph Carmichael, MD
- Steven Mills, MD
- Skandan Shanmugan, MD
- Valery Vilchez Parra, MD
- Matthew D. Whealon, MD
- Catherine Zhu, MD
Gastrointestinal surgeons
- Shaun C. Daly, MD
- Kishore M. Gadde, MD
- Marcelo Hinojosa, MD
- Ninh Nguyen, MD
- Brian Smith, MD
- Annie Wang, MD
Hepatobiliary surgeons
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