Gastroenterology
Watson Clinic is in the process of recruiting additional Gastroenterologist for our community.
Dr. Gregory Churchill will be starting with Watson Clinic in January of 2027. In the meantime, please schedule your next appointment with an Orlando Health Gastroenterologist by calling 863-226-6011.
Helping You Stay Well.Gastroenterology is a specialty concerned with the function of the digestive system and its disorders. Disorders affect the stomach, intestines and related organs of the gastrointestinal tract; such as the liver and pancreas. Physicians practicing in this field of medicine are called gastroenterologists. Important advances have been made since Watson Clinic employed their first gastroenterology expert, contributing to the rapid expansion of its department.
Colorectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. It is an easy disease to ignore because it’s hidden. Early detection is the primary defense against this deadly disease. There are several tests that are available to screen for colorectal cancer, including:
- FOBT (fecal occult blood test) looks for blood in your stool, a sign that cancer may be present. This is a take home test that you can get from your doctor. You’ll place three stool smears on a test card and return it to your doctor or mail it to a laboratory. You may also elect to administer the test on-site in our lab.
- Colonoscopy provides a view of your entire colon and rectum by using a flexible tube that has a tiny camera attached to it. During the exam, your doctor can remove most polyps and some cancers if necessary. A sedative is usually given for this test.
- Double-contrast barium enema requires a barium enema followed by an air enema. It provides an x-ray image of the rectum and entire colon. You may have some discomfort during or after this procedure.
- Pillcam is a vitamin-size camera (complete with light and batteries) that can be used to examine the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for cancer. It’s quick and painless. You simply swallow the small device, which snaps pictures as it moves along before being expelled naturally from the body. Images are transmitted so a doctor can view them. The camera can help detect problems such as precancerous changes in the GI tract.
The barium enema and colonoscopy all require clearing the intestinal tract before the examination. You will need to drink only clear liquids and take laxatives the day before the procedure.
What are symptoms of colorectal cancer?
- A change in bowel habits.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Bright red or dark blood in the stool.
- Stools that are narrower than usual.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Weight loss for no known reason.
- Constant fatigue.
- Vomiting.
If you have one or more of these systems please see your doctor.
When is a good time to get screened?
Watson Clinic’s Gastroenterologists and the American Cancer Society recommend the following screening guidelines for cancer.
- Annual colonoscopy screening should start at age 45 for patients at average risk. These screenings should continue every year until the age of 76, after which your doctor may recommend a new schedule.
The criteria used to determine a person's average risk for the disease is the absence of any "above average" risk factors listed below.
Screening is especially urgent for people most at risk for cancers of the colon and rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, the following groups of people are at an above average risk for colorectal cancer:
- A strong family history (mother, father, siblings) of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
Gastroenterology Physician:
Gregory F. Churchill, DO
- Medical School: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME, DO
- Residency: Lankenau Medical Center/Main Line Health, Wynnewood, PA, Internal Medicine
- Fellowship: University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, Gastroenterology
- Board-certified: Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Transplant Hepatology, Obesity Medicine
- Member: American College of Gastroenterology, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Obesity Medicine Association, American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Please call 863-680-7490 for additional information.