Gastroenterology Associates Marks 20-Year Milestone

Gastroenterology Associates celebrates 20 years of serving western North Carolina as Board Certified Specialists in Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease.

Founded in 1996 by Dr. Caroll Koscheski and Dr. John Meier, the practice has grown from two doctors with three employees to an eight physician group with more than 50 full and part-time employees.

Gastroenterologists include (shown seated from left) John Meier, MD; Gaa Richardson, MD; Susan Nikrooz, MD; and Caroll Koscheski, MD. Standing from left are Siddharth Sura, MD; Simon Allport, MD; Gregory Diamonti, MD; and Frank Wright, MD. All are board-certified physicians affiliated with Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center.

"It is gratifying to see what our practice has become with two decades of hard work by our physicians and employees,” said Dr. Meier.

"We feel we have had a very positive impact on the Hickory medical community and on the lives of our patients. It has been exciting to see major advancements within the GI specialty. We offer a broad range of services not usually available in a community of this size."

A major development in the growth of Gastroenterology Associates was the opening of the first in-office endoscopy facility in the greater Hickory area in 2005. Today, most endoscopy procedures for the practice are performed on-site in the award-winning facility. Colonoscopies, the preferred colorectal cancer screening test, are the primary endoscopic procedures performed at the Gastroenterology Associates endoscopy unit.

"Patients like the privacy of our facility, and our caring staff creates a comfortable atmosphere for each and every patient," said Dr. Koscheski. The practice has safely performed tens of thousands of examinations in the facility since 2005.

“Colon cancer deaths have decreased by about 35% in Catawba County over the last 10 years. Much of this progress is attributable to colonoscopy and awareness of the need for screening,” noted Dr. Koscheski.

“One of the biggest changes we have seen in twenty years is patient and community acceptance for colonoscopy,” explained Dr. Koscheski. “Patients are very proactive today. They understand that screening saves lives and can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 80-90%. Patients call us and say they just turned 50. Let’s get the process started.”

 “Our staff has been instrumental in our growth. We would not have achieved the success we have without their dedication, outstanding service and commitment,” said Dr. Koscheski.