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BEST RATED SAN DIEGO, CA GASTROENTEROLOGISTS

3 Best Gastroenterologists in San Diego, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Gastroenterologists in San Diego, California. All of our gastroenterologists actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

Simon Ritchken, MD - San Diego, CA Gastroenterologists - Doctor Portrait Image
7+ YEARS IN TBR

SIMON RITCHKEN, MD

(4.8 Score)
SHARP HEALTHCARE 4282 Genesee Avenue, Suite 103,
San Diego, CA 92117 Directions

Since 1981

Specialty:

✓Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance ✓Colitis ✓Crohn's Disease ✓Diverticulitis ✓Esophageal Reflux ✓Fatty Liver ✓Heartburn ✓Hemorrhoids ✓Hepatitis ✓Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✓Liver Disease ✓Pancreatic Biliary Disease ✓Swallowing Difficulties/Disorders and Ulcerative Colitis ✓Colon Cancer Screening ✓Colonoscopy ✓Endoscopy ✓Ulcer Evaluation and Treatment

" Dr. Simon Ritchken earned his medical degree at the University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences in 1973. He completed an internship in medicine at Groote Schuur Hospital in 1975. His residency training included internal medicine at Groote Schuur Hospital in 1976 and at Baylor College of Medicine in 1978. He further specialized with a fellowship in gastroenterology at Scripps Clinic and Research Institute in 1981. Dr. Ritchken is board-certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology. He has been practicing since 1981 and is affiliated with Sharp Memorial Hospital. His areas of expertise include a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer screening, and liver diseases. Dr. Ritchken is currently accepting new patients. Sharp Memorial Hospital offers 24-hour care.

2026 Highlights: Dr. Simon Ritchken speaks English and Spanish. "

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License #A34151

Contact:

(858) 292-0108

By Appointment

TBR® Inspection Report:

Vijayalakshmi Pratha, MD - San Diego, CA Gastroenterologists - Doctor Portrait Image
8+ YEARS IN TBR
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VIJAYALAKSHMI PRATHA, MD

(4.8 Score)
3330 Third Avenue, Suite 304,
San Diego, CA 92103 Directions

Since 1986

Specialty:

✓Abdominal Pain ✓Barrett’s Esophagus ✓Colitis ✓Gastroesophageal Reflux ✓Crohn’s and Peptic Ulcer Disease ✓Colorectal Cancer ✓Diseases of the Pancreas ✓Gastrointestinal Bleeding ✓Swallowing Disorders ✓Hepatitis B and C ✓Stomach Disorder ✓Ulcerative Colitis and Constipation ✓Colonoscopy ✓ Endoscopy ✓Upper GI Endoscopy ✓Acid Reflux

“ Dr. Vijayalakshmi Pratha is a board-certified gastroenterologist who earned her medical degree from Andhra Medical College. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University and her fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of California, San Diego, in 1995. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Pratha is affiliated with Scripps Mercy Hospital and the San Diego Endoscopy Center. She is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Dr. Vijayalakshmi has presented at medical conferences and authored dozens of articles and abstracts for scientific journals on gastroenterology topics. She provides a wide range of gastrointestinal services to the people of San Diego. She speaks French, Hindi, Telugu, and English fluently. ”

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America's 250 Best Hospitals Award in 2019 & 2018
General Surgery Excellence Award in 2018
Patient Safety Excellence Award in 2018
License #A51136

Contact:

(619) 260-1012

By Appointment

TBR® Inspection Report:

Alexander Shpaner, MD - San Diego, CA Gastroenterologists - Doctor Portrait Image

ALEXANDER SHPANER, MD

(4.6 Score)
SHARP HEALTHCARE 6719 Alvarado Road, Suite 206,
San Diego, CA 92120 Directions

Since 2002

Specialty:

✓Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance ✓Colitis ✓Colon Cancer Screening ✓Crohn's Disease ✓Diseases of the Gallbladder and Bile Duct ✓Diseases of the Pancreas ✓Diverticulitis ✓Esophageal Reflux ✓Fatty Liver ✓Gallstones and Bile Duct Stones ✓Heartburn ✓Hemorrhoids ✓Hepatitis ✓Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✓Liver Disease ✓Malabsorption ✓Pancreatic Cancer ✓Peptic Ulcer Disease ✓Swallowing Difficulties/Disorders and Ulcerative Colitis ✓ERCP ✓Endoscopy ✓Enteral Stenting ✓Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Cryotherapy to Ablate Neoplastic Barrett ✓ Barrx System Esophageal Ablation ✓Biopsy ✓Colonoscopy

" Dr. Alexander Shpaner is a board-certified gastroenterologist with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in 2002. Dr. Shpaner completed his residency at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, followed by a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston from 2006 to 2009. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal and liver conditions. Dr. Shpaner is fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish. Sharp HealthCare includes four acute-care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, three affiliated medical groups, and a full spectrum of other facilities and services. They are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care by utilizing the latest medical technology and delivering exceptional service.

2026 Highlights: He believes in creating a trusted partnership with patients toward overall well-being. "

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License #A86958

Contact:

(619) 287-9100

By Appointment

TBR® Inspection Report:

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SIMON RITCHKEN, MD REVIEWS

I never leave reviews, I had 2 other doctors basically tell me I was fine after throwing up blood and gave me acid reflux meds. Dr Ritchken was extremely thorough and truly cares about his patients. He took his time during my examination and explained his thought process throughout. At the end he told me what he thought it was but ordered blood work and image screening to make sure he was right. I’ve been actually scared for the past few days after the incident and having someone go through all of the steps to make sure he is making the right decision had me leaving there extremely confident with who I trusted my health in. Highly recommend.

Dr. Ritchken is a wonderful doctor. Old school approach to examinations. The most thorough physical examination by any physician I've ever had. It leaves you with the felling that he is very passionate about his roll as a doctor. One of the doctors I look forward to seeing. Always happy and engaging. He's the BEST!!.

Had my first visit with Dr. Ritchkin today. I am thrilled. He is so kind,friendly,energetic and funny. I wish all doctors were like him!.

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VIJAYALAKSHMI PRATHA, MD REVIEWS

I am all about integrative medicine with holistic being first. Dr. Pratha is intuitive and very knowledgeable about gut health which is the largest part of the immune system. Being a kidney transplant patient, I have many challenges because of the anti rejection meds I have to take which raises havoc on my upper GI health. I am confident that Dr. Pratha will keep helping me to keep on top of it especially with herbal medicine. She is kind with a wonderful bedside manner and listens. I have referred my voice students to her who have gut problems or acid reflux. She is a really good doctor!.

Dr. Pratha is wonderful. She spent so much time with me and really listened to what I felt was going on. She was willing to do some digging and find out what was wrong with me, way more than any other Dr. my favorite thing about her is she chooses a holistic approach and natural remedies first over any prescribed medication. She is very knowledgeable in this area. I am so thankful to have found her!.

Dr Pratha is very kind and patient with our case. Is able to give us new perspectives which any other doctor I've met for my son has failed to give. She is an amazing person and we are lucky to have found her!.

ALEXANDER SHPANER, MD REVIEWS

Dr. Shpaner is the only doctor to ever take the time to listen and talk to me. He talked with my mom and me for 45 minutes today. Also, his nurse is wonderful and has ton of clinical experience. She always answers the phone or returns my calls within a few minutes. When you have a terrible disease, it means a lot when your treated like a person instead of a number.

Awesome doctor! He has operated my friend twice!!! Highly recommend him ! Ppl, please separate your emotions about office staff from reviews about the doctor and his skills and knowledge!!!.

The staff was friendly and efficient. Wait times were low. Dr. Shpaner was easy to talk to, listened to my questions and concerns. He impressed me as being a very good doctor.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

SIMON RITCHKEN, MD Total Inspection Points: 116/120
Business Images: 8
Contact Info: 8
Acknowledgments: 10
Insurance : 10
License: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Review Analysis: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

VIJAYALAKSHMI PRATHA, MD Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Business Images: 8
Complete Info: 8
Review Analysis: 9
Reviews Accuracy of : 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Insurance : 10
Contact Info: 10
License: 10
Exact Services: 10
Experience: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

ALEXANDER SHPANER, MD Total Inspection Points: 111/120
Business Hours: 8
Complete Info: 8
Contact Info: 8
Review Analysis: 8
Experience: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Insurance : 10
License: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Reviews Accuracy of : 10