For Dr. Asfar Waraich opening an Aiken practice to treat diseases included a vision that took a lot of planning.
Waraich's practice, Palmetto Gastroenterology & Hepatology, recently opened at 103 Gregg Ave.
Gastroenterologists are physicians with training and experience in the management of diseases of the digestive systems. They receive specialized training in doing endoscopies and colonoscopies.
According to a press release, Palmetto Gastroenterology & Hepatology specializes in managing all forms of gastrointestinal problems and GI procedures. These include screening, pre-emptive and corrective procedures such as colonoscopy and endoscopy.
Waraich has a special interest in treating inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn's Disease/Ulcerative Colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, prevention of colon cancer, Hepatitis C and management of cirrhosis.
"Aiken is a wonderful town in many aspects but from a health care perspective, it offers a unique opportunity to practice independently and to provide comprehensive subspecialty care," Waraich said."
He added that Aiken has great compliment of physicians to work with, a good hospital and a growing population that requires specialty care in gastroenterology.
According to the press release, the most critical emphasis during training and the practice of gastroenterology is attention to detail and incorporation of comprehensive knowledge of the entire gastrointestinal tract. That factor helps provide the highest quality of endoscopy and consultative services.
Waraich is a board-certified gastroenterologist and has practiced gastroenterology in South Carolina for 20 years.
In addition, Waraich is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation - a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases.
He received his internal medicine training at State University of New York at Stony Brook and completed his gastroenterology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital and affiliated medical centers in New York.
Palmetto Gastro & Hepatology opens Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, it opens a half hour later at 8:30. The business can be reached at 803-649-4699 or online at pghclinic.org and on Facebook.
Derrek Asberry is the SRS beat reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the paper since June 2013. He is originally from Vidalia, Ga., and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Follow him on Twitter @DerrekAsberry.