Fernando C. Diaz, MD

My clinical and research interests center on gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the esophagus. I look to promote early detection and treatment of cancer of the esophagus, including endoscopic treatment of Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition of the esophagus. My team is constantly working on better ways to treat these conditions, and we frequently ask our patients to consider being part of studies to help us better understand how to help patients with these problems. I have authored greater than 400 publications in these areas, including guidelines statements on Barrett’s esophagus, GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis and the use of endoscopy. I have served as senior associate editor for the American Journal of Gastroenterology, and on multiple other editorial boards. I am currently principal investigator on multiple NIH grants investigating aspects of esophagus disease. We believe that through a combination of better early detection, better treatments, and careful post-treatment care, we can reduce the number of people who die from esophageal cancer.

I chose to become a physician to learn more about the human body, and then to have the opportunity to take that knowledge and apply it in an understandable and approachable way to all my patients. I ultimately became a specialist in heart rhythm disorders as it is a rapidly growing field that still has much to be discovered. Heart rhythm disorders can be very frightening, and it is my mission to help my patients understand their condition in a comprehensible way, incorporating their thoughts and opinions into their own plan of care.

I treasure the opportunity to educate and empower patients with chronic endocrine conditions, especially diabetes. I believe that providing empathic and collaborative care allows for the best long term health outcomes. Dividing my time between the hospital wards and the clinic provides opportunities to diagnose and treat a wide variety of endocrine conditions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our three dogs, as well as hiking and golfing.