Salem gastroenterology practice closes, but doctors stay in area

Saturday, September 7, 2013

An independent gastroenterology practice in Salem has closed, with four of its physicians joining Carilion Clinic and two going to LewisGale Physicians.

Carilion announced Friday that Valley Gastroenterology of Southwest Virginia was joining Carilion Clinic Gastroenterology.

The four physicians from the Salem clinic will nearly double the size of Carilion’s practice, the Roanoke-based health care system said in a news release.

However, two of the six doctors at the former Valley Gastroenterology are in the process of joining LewisGale, a spokeswoman for the Salem health care system said.

The moves come at a time of growing demand in the Roanoke Valley for gastroenterology services, which include the treatment of digestive disorders such as heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Carilion’s news release quoted Dr. Robert Moylan, previously of Valley Gastroenterology, who could not be reached Friday.

“Carilion’s expanding role as a medical center and teaching facility makes this an excellent choice for us,” Moylan was quoted as saying.

But LewisGale is also gaining new positions and expanding its services.

“Our gastroenterology program is robust and it’s still growing,” LewisGale spokeswoman Joy Sutton said.

Saturday, September 14, 2013