Mark S Desantis, PAC - AHN Westmoreland Gastroenterology

Carrie Ritenour is a certified physician assistant who specializes in gastroenterology. Her clinical interests include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.A native of Westmoreland County, she focuses on developing a good connection with her patients. Her bachelors degree in psychology helps her understand how mental and emotional factors play a role in the mind-gut connection. She sees patients ages 14 and up and speaks English. Carrie Ritenour earned her Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a member of American Academy of PAs, American College of Gastroenterology, and Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.

Dr. Komatsu is a fellowship-trained surgeon who treats patients with esophageal and gastric cancer, GERD/reflux disease, Barretts esophagus, hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernia, achalasia, gastroparesis, esophageal and gastric motility disorders, Zenkers diverticulum, and swallowing disorders. Dr. Komatsu has fellowship training in minimally invasive esophageal and gastric surgery and advanced endoscopy. He is also certified in robotic surgery and offers this approach to many patients.Dr. Komatsu completed his general surgery residency at Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital in Shizuoka, Japan, where he also served as a clinical fellow. He continued his postdoctoral training as a research associate at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His research work continued as a study coordinator at the Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Allegheny Health Network. He then completed his minimally invasive surgery and advanced endoscopy fellowship training at the Esophageal and Lung Institute at Allegheny Health Network. He has published articles and book chapters of his research work and presented his findings to medical audiences at annual meetings and conferences.

Heather Lawrence is a certified physician assistant (PA-C) who specializes in internal medicine. Heather received a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Physician Assistant Science from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. She is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants. She sees patients ages 16 and older and speaks English.