Our Team

Our team of expert providers is dedicated to offering compassionate and comprehensive care for all your digestive health needs. With years of specialized experience, our doctors are committed to diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions using the latest advancements in medical technology. Meet our highly skilled providers who are here to guide you on your journey to better digestive health.

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Koscheski has been in practice in Hickory since 1991. He founded Gastroenterology Associates with Dr. John Meier in 1996. Dr. Koscheski received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma and his medical degree from Louisiana State University, where he completed his residency and fellowship. He is board certified in gastroenterology and is a Master of the American College of Gastroenterology. 

Dr. Koscheski is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. He has served as Chief of Staff at Frye Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Koscheski completed two terms for the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) as Governor for the State of North Carolina.

In 2018, he received the William D. Carey Award from the American College of Gastroenterology in honor of his years of distinguished service to the Board of Trustees and the College, including leadership positions, participation in educational efforts, and committee service. 

Dr. Koscheski also served as a member of the North Carolina Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.

He is President of the Digestive Disease National Coalition.

Dr. Koscheski has been selected by his peers to the “Best Doctors in North Carolina” list.

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Meier joined in practice with Dr. Caroll Koscheski in 1994. In 1996, Dr. Koscheski and Dr. Meier founded Gastroenterology Associates.

A native of Atlanta, Dr. Meier received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his residency and fellowship at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. He is board certified in gastroenterology and is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. 

Dr. Meier is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Dr. Meier has been selected by his peers to the “Best Doctors in North Carolina” list. 

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Richardson joined Gastroenterology Associates in 2008. Following undergraduate training at New York University and Louisiana State University, she received her medical degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Dr. Richardson completed her residency and fellowship at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is board certified in gastroenterology.

Dr. Richardson is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory. 

Dr. Richardson has been selected by her peers to the “Best Doctors in North Carolina” list.

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Nikrooz joined Gastroenterology Associates in 2009. A native of Lincolnton, NC, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Nikrooz received her medical degree from East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. Dr. Nikrooz completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in gastroenterology at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is board certified in gastroenterology.

Dr. Nikrooz is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Dr. Nikrooz has been selected by her peers to the “Castle Connolly Top Doctors” list and the “Best Doctors in North Carolina” list.

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Mussari joined Gastroenterology Associates in August 2019. Dr. Mussari is a native of Pennsylvania where she completed her medical training. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and received her medical degree from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton.

After completing an internship and residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Dr. Mussari went on to complete a fellowship in gastroenterology at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh. Dr. Mussari is board certified in gastroenterology.

Dr. Mussari is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Shah joined Gastroenterology Associates in August 2021. A native of New York, she earned her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Rosemont College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shah received her medical degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She served as Chief Resident at New York- Presbyterian Queens Hospital, where she also completed her fellowship in gastroenterology. Dr. Shah is board certified in gastroenterology.

Dr. Shah is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Zins joined Gastroenterology Associates in May 2022, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the field. Prior to his current role, Dr. Zins served as a gastroenterologist at the Billings Clinic, the largest multi-specialty physician group in Montana.

Dr. Zins earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. He completed both his residency and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, Minnesota, where he also conducted research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). He continued his clinical research in IBD during his time in Billings. Dr. Zins is board certified in gastroenterology.

A highly skilled advanced therapeutic endoscopist, Dr. Zins is proficient in ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and has a special interest in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. He is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

Dr. Patel joined Gastroenterology Associates in September 2024.

Dr. Patel earned his undergraduate degree in Health Systems Management from Loyola University in Chicago and his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed his residency and fellowship training at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Patel is board certified in gastroenterology.

Dr. Patel is on the medical staff of Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Justin joined Gastroenterology Associates in 2015 and brings more than fifteen years experience as a physician assistant to the practice. He grew up in Statesville, NC. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Campbell University in Buies Creek. He completed his physician assistant program at Mountain State University in Beckley, West Virginia.

Justin is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed in the state of North Carolina. Justin is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Board-Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner

Diane joined Gastroenterology Associates in August 2016 as a licensed adult certified nurse practitioner. Prior to joining Gastroenterology Associates, Diane gained extensive experience as a certified nurse practitioner with gastroenterology practices in Shelby, NC and Toledo, Ohio. She began her career as a registered nurse at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, working in critical care, then later served there as a certified nurse practitioner for trauma patients.

She is a graduate of the University of Toledo College of Nursing, where she also earned a Master of Science degree in nursing. A member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Diane is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and a two-time recipient of Nursing Excellence Awards for Patient Care.

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Kristie joined Gastroenterology Associates in August 2018. She brings more than ten years of experience as a gastroenterology physician assistant to the practice. Previously, she was a physician assistant with a gastroenterology practice in the Charlotte region caring for patients at four hospitals. Kristie also served as a medical assistant with an internal medicine practice in Statesville.

Kristie is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed in the state of North Carolina. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Kristie earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Elon University and a Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant degree from Wake Forest University.

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Mayla joined Gastroenterology Associates in March 2021. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she worked as a research assistant. She received a master’s degree in physiology from NC State University and her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Wingate University. Prior to joining Gastroenterology Associates, she served as an ophthalmic technician, pharmacy technician, and biochemistry teaching assistant.

Mayla is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed in the state of North Carolina. She is a member of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Mayla is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Alicia joined Gastroenterology Associates in April 2021. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Florida. She received her Master of Health Science–Physician Assistant degree from the University of South Alabama. Most recently, Alicia served as physician assistant in transplant cardiology and advanced GI surgery with Tampa General Medical Group at Tampa General Hospital Transplant Institute. Prior to that, she was a physician assistant in colorectal surgery with Tampa General Hospital-University of South Florida. Additional physician assistant experience includes work in cardiothoracic surgery, clinical cardiology, family practice and emergency medicine.

Alicia is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed in the state of North Carolina. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Alicia is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Michelle joined Gastroenterology Associates in September 2023. She earned her undergraduate degree in nursing from Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana. She completed her Master of Science degree specializing in the family health nurse practitioner program at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. Michelle began her career as a registered nurse, then later served as nurse practitioner with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections and Appalachian State University.

Michelle is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Michelle is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology.