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John O'Brien Clarke, MD
Gastroenterologist, Motility specialist
Clinical Associate Professor, Medicine - Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Bio:
Dr. John Clarke recently joined the Gastroenterology & Hepatology Division at Stanford University as Director of the Esophageal Program. He previously spent 17 years in Baltimore, including 9 years on the faculty at Johns Hopkins University where he was an Associate Professor and at various times Director of Esophageal Motility, Director of Gastrointestinal Motility, Clinical Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology, and Clinical Director of the Gastroenterology & Hepatology Division at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
His career has combined research, education and clinical care. His clinical areas of expertise include achalasia, dysphagia, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal dysmotility, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroparesis, GI-manifestations of scleroderma and GI dysmotility. While at Johns Hopkins University, he was inducted into The Miller-Coulson Academy for Clinical Excellence, an institutional honor society for master clinicians at the time limited to 50 members across the entire university.
From an education standpoint, he has lectured in over a dozen countries, authored over 25 textbook chapters and serves on the educational affairs committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. He has also won several major teaching awards, including The Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Teaching, given to one faculty member per year in the entire School of Medicine.
His research has focused on optimization and characterization of diagnostic studies to evaluate motility disorders, as well the relationship between therapeutic endoscopic techniques and treatment of motility disorders. He was an investigator on the NIH Gastroparesis Consortium and is also a former recipient of the AGA Don Castell Award.
His career has combined research, education and clinical care. His clinical areas of expertise include achalasia, dysphagia, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal dysmotility, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroparesis, GI-manifestations of scleroderma and GI dysmotility. While at Johns Hopkins University, he was inducted into The Miller-Coulson Academy for Clinical Excellence, an institutional honor society for master clinicians at the time limited to 50 members across the entire university.
From an education standpoint, he has lectured in over a dozen countries, authored over 25 textbook chapters and serves on the educational affairs committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. He has also won several major teaching awards, including The Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Teaching, given to one faculty member per year in the entire School of Medicine.
His research has focused on optimization and characterization of diagnostic studies to evaluate motility disorders, as well the relationship between therapeutic endoscopic techniques and treatment of motility disorders. He was an investigator on the NIH Gastroparesis Consortium and is also a former recipient of the AGA Don Castell Award.
- 900 Blake Wilbur Drive
- Palo Alto , CA 94304
- Phone: 650-736-5555
- 300 Pasteur Drive
- 2nd Floor, Room A260
- Stanford , CA 94305
- Phone: 650-725-6186
- 900 Blake Wilbur Drive
- Palo Alto , CA 94304
- Phone: 650-736-5555
- 900 Blake Wilbur Drive
- Palo Alto , CA 94304
- Phone: 650-736-5555
Practice Areas
- 24-hour pH monitoring
- 48-hour bravo pH monitoring
- Ablation
- Balloon Dilation
- Benign Esophageal Disease
- Benign Esophageal Tumors
- Benign Gastric and Esophageal Disease
- Botulinum Toxin for Digestive Disorders
- Capsule endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Endoscopy
- Esophageal Disorders
- Esophageal manometry
- Esophageal Manometry
- Esophageal motility disorders including spasm
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Gastric Electrical Stimulation
- Gastric Pacemaker
- Gastrostomy (Feeding) Tube
- Non-cardiac chest pain
- Other endoscopic procedures
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Small bowel manometry
- Upper GI endoscopy
Professional Education
- Board Certification: Gastroenterology, American Board of Internal Medicine (2007)
- Board Certification: Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine (2002)
- Medical Education: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (1999) NY
- Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital Internal Medicine Residency (2002) MD
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University Dept of Gastroenterology (2007) MD
Honors & Awards
- Award for Excellence in Teaching, John Hopkins University Alumni Association (2015)
Administrative Appointments
- Director, Esophageal Program, Stanford Medicine (2016 - Present)
Publications
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D-1- and D-2-like dopamine receptors are co-localized on the presynaptic varicosities of striatal and nucleus accumbens neurons in vitro
Wong, A. C., Shetreat, M. E., Clarke, J. O., & Rayport, S. (1999). D-1- and D-2-like dopamine receptors are co-localized on the presynaptic varicosities of striatal and nucleus accumbens neurons in vitro. NEUROSCIENCE, 89(1), 221–233. -
Is blood the ideal submucosal cushioning agent? A comparative study in a porcine model
Giday, S. A., Magno, P., Buscaglia, J. M., Canto, M. I., Ko, C.-W., Shin, E. J., … Kantsevoy, S. V. (2006). Is blood the ideal submucosal cushioning agent? A comparative study in a porcine model. ENDOSCOPY, 38(12), 1230–1234. -
Nausea and vomiting in gastroparesis: similarities and differences in idiopathic and diabetic gastroparesis.
Parkman, H. P., Hallinan, E. K., Hasler, W. L., Farrugia, G., Koch, K. L., Calles, J., … HAMILTON, F. (2016). Nausea and vomiting in gastroparesis: similarities and differences in idiopathic and diabetic gastroparesis. Neurogastroenterology and Motility . -
Clinical and pH study characteristics in reflux patients with and without ineffective oesophageal motility (IEM).
Triadafilopoulos, G., Tandon, A., Shetler, K. P., & Clarke, J. (2016). Clinical and pH study characteristics in reflux patients with and without ineffective oesophageal motility (IEM). BMJ Open Gastroenterology, 3(1).
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Pyloric Therapies for Gastroparesis.
Ahuja, N. K., & Clarke, J. O. (2017). Pyloric Therapies for Gastroparesis. Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology.
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The Role of Impedance Planimetry in the Evaluation of Esophageal Disorders.
Ahuja, N. K., & Clarke, J. O. (2017). The Role of Impedance Planimetry in the Evaluation of Esophageal Disorders. Current Gastroenterology Reports, 19(2), 7-?
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Three-Dimensional Anorectal Manometry Enhances Diagnostic Gain by Detecting Sphincter Defects and Puborectalis Pressure.
Raja, S., Okeke, F. C., Stein, E. M., Dhalla, S., Nandwani, M., Lynch, K. L., … Clarke, J. O. (2017). Three-Dimensional Anorectal Manometry Enhances Diagnostic Gain by Detecting Sphincter Defects and Puborectalis Pressure. Digestive Diseases and Sciences.
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What is the clinical significance of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction? evaluation of 60 patients at a tertiary referral center.
Okeke, F. C., Raja, S., Lynch, K. L., Dhalla, S., Nandwani, M., Stein, E. M., … Clarke, J. O. (2017). What is the clinical significance of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction? evaluation of 60 patients at a tertiary referral center. Neurogastroenterology and Motility , 29(6).
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Esophageal distensibility measurement: impact on clinical management and procedure length.
Ahuja, N. K., Agnihotri, A., Lynch, K. L., Hoo-Fatt, D., Onyimba, F., McKnight, M., … Clarke, J. O. (2017). Esophageal distensibility measurement: impact on clinical management and procedure length. Diseases of the Esophagus , 30(8), 1–8.
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The Changing Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Clinical Practice: An Updated Study
Akst, L. M., Haque, O. J., Clarke, J. O., Hillel, A. T., Best, S. R. A., & Altman, K. W. (2017). The Changing Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Clinical Practice: An Updated Study. ANNALS OF OTOLOGY RHINOLOGY AND LARYNGOLOGY, 126(3), 229–35.
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Early satiety and postprandial fullness in gastroparesis correlate with gastroparesis severity, gastric emptying, and water load testing
Parkman, H. P., Hallinan, E. K., Hasler, W. L., Farrugia, G., Koch, K. L., Nguyen, L., … HAMILTON, F. (2017). Early satiety and postprandial fullness in gastroparesis correlate with gastroparesis severity, gastric emptying, and water load testing. NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY, 29(4).
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Learning Curve for PerOral Endoscopic Myotomy Deciphered: a Comprehensive Analysis Using Two Different Methodologies
El Zein, M. H., Kumbhari, V., Saxena, P., Kamal, A., Ngamruengphong, S., Besharati, S., … Khashab, M. (2015). Learning Curve for PerOral Endoscopic Myotomy Deciphered: a Comprehensive Analysis Using Two Different Methodologies. GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY, 81(5), AB167–AB167.
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Intraoperative measurement of esophagogastric junction cross-sectional area by impedance planimetry correlates with clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a multicenter study
Ngamruengphong, S., von Rahden, B. H. A., Filser, J., Tyberg, A., Desai, A., Sharaiha, R. Z., … Khashab, M. A. (2016). Intraoperative measurement of esophagogastric junction cross-sectional area by impedance planimetry correlates with clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a multicenter study. SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES, 30(7), 2886–94.
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Comprehensive analysis of efficacy and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy performed by a gastroenterologist in the endoscopy unit: a single-center experience
Khashab, M. A., El Zein, M., Kumbhari, V., Besharati, S., Ngamruengphong, S., Messallam, A., … Clarke, J. O. (2016). Comprehensive analysis of efficacy and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy performed by a gastroenterologist in the endoscopy unit: a single-center experience. GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY, 83(1), 117–25.
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Gender is a determinative factor in the initial clinical presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis
Lynch, K. L., Dhalla, S., Chedid, V., Ravich, W. J., Stein, E. M., Montgomery, E. A., … Clarke, J. O. (2016). Gender is a determinative factor in the initial clinical presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis. DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, 29(2), 174–78.
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Outcomes and Factors Associated With Reduced Symptoms in Patients With Gastroparesis
Pasricha, P. J., Yates, K. P., Nguyen, L., Clarke, J., Abell, T. L., Farrugia, G., … Parkman, H. P. (2015). Outcomes and Factors Associated With Reduced Symptoms in Patients With Gastroparesis. GASTROENTEROLOGY, 149(7), 1762-?
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Refractory gastroparesis can be successfully managed with endoscopic transpyloric stent placement and fixation (with video)
Khashab, M. A., Besharati, S., Ngamruengphong, S., Kumbhari, V., El Zein, M., Stein, E. M., … Clarke, J. O. (2015). Refractory gastroparesis can be successfully managed with endoscopic transpyloric stent placement and fixation (with video). GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY, 82(6), 1106–9.
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Comprehensive Radionuclide Esophagogastrointestinal Transit Study: Methodology, Reference Values, and Initial Clinical Experience
Antoniou, A. J., Raja, S., El-Khouli, R., Mena, E., Lodge, M. A., Wahl, R. L., … Ziessman, H. A. (2015). Comprehensive Radionuclide Esophagogastrointestinal Transit Study: Methodology, Reference Values, and Initial Clinical Experience. JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE, 56(5), 721–27.
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Small Intestinal Transit Time Is Delayed in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Roland, B. C., Ciarleglio, M. M., Clarke, J. O., Semler, J. R., Tomakin, E., Mullin, G. E., & Pasricha, P. J. (2015). Small Intestinal Transit Time Is Delayed in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY, 49(7), 571–76.
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High-resolution anorectal manometry and dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are complementary technologies
Jodorkovsky, D., Macura, K. J., Gearhart, S. L., Dunbar, K. B., Stein, E. M., & Clarke, J. O. (2015). High-resolution anorectal manometry and dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are complementary technologies. JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, 30(1), 71–74.
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Upper Esophageal Sphincter Abnormalities Frequent Finding on High-resolution Esophageal Manometry and Associated With Poorer Treatment Response in Achalasia
Chavez, Y. H., Ciarleglio, M. M., Clarke, J. O., Nandwani, M., Stein, E., & Roland, B. C. (2015). Upper Esophageal Sphincter Abnormalities Frequent Finding on High-resolution Esophageal Manometry and Associated With Poorer Treatment Response in Achalasia. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY, 49(1), 17–23.
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Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Chedid, V., Dhalla, S., Clarke, J. O., Roland, B. C., Dunbar, K. B., Koh, J., … Mullin, G. E. (2014). Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 3(3), 16–24.
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Low Ileocecal Valve Pressure Is Significantly Associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Roland, B. C., Ciarleglio, M. M., Clarke, J. O., Semler, J. R., Tomakin, E., Mullin, G. E., & Pasricha, P. J. (2014). Low Ileocecal Valve Pressure Is Significantly Associated with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES, 59(6), 1269–77.
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Domperidone for delayed gastric emptying in lung transplant recipients with and without gastroesophageal reflux
Lidor, A. O., Ensor, C. R., Sheer, A. J., Orens, J. B., Clarke, J. O., & McDyer, J. F. (2014). Domperidone for delayed gastric emptying in lung transplant recipients with and without gastroesophageal reflux. PROGRESS IN TRANSPLANTATION, 24(1), 27–32.
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Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance-pH Testing Is Clinically Useful in the Management of Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms
Jodorkovsky, D., Price, J. C., Kim, B., Dhalla, S., Stein, E. M., & Clarke, J. O. (2014). Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance-pH Testing Is Clinically Useful in the Management of Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms. DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES, 59(8), 1817–22.
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Peroral endoscopic myotomy as a platform for the treatment of spastic esophageal disorders refractory to medical therapy (with video)
Khashab, M. A., Saxena, P., Kumbhari, V., Nandwani, M., Roland, B. C., Stein, E., … Pasricha, P. J. (2014). Peroral endoscopic myotomy as a platform for the treatment of spastic esophageal disorders refractory to medical therapy (with video). GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY, 79(1), 136–39.
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Jet injection of dyed saline facilitates efficient peroral endoscopic myotomy
Khashab, M. A., Messallam, A. A., Saxena, P., Kumbhari, V., Ricourt, E., Aguila, G., … Clarke, J. O. (2014). Jet injection of dyed saline facilitates efficient peroral endoscopic myotomy. ENDOSCOPY, 46(4), 298–301.
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Through-the-scope transpyloric stent placement improves symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis
Clarke, J. O., Sharaiha, R. Z., Valeshabad, A. K., Lee, L. A., Kalloo, A. N., & Khashab, M. A. (2013). Through-the-scope transpyloric stent placement improves symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis. ENDOSCOPY, 45, E189–E190.
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Biofeedback Therapy for Defecatory Dysfunction "Real Life" Experience
Jodorkovsky, D., Dunbar, K. B., Gearhart, S. L., Stein, E. M., & Clarke, J. O. (2013). Biofeedback Therapy for Defecatory Dysfunction "Real Life" Experience. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY, 47(3), 252–55.
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The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Voice Handicap Index Scores in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Elam, J. C., Ishman, S. L., Dunbar, K. B., Clarke, J. O., & Gourin, C. G. (2010). The Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Voice Handicap Index Scores in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. LARYNGOSCOPE, 120(9), 1900–1903.
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Enhanced diagnostic yield with prolonged small bowel transit time during capsule endoscopy.
Buscaglia, J. M., Kapoor, S., Clarke, J. O., Bucobo, J. C., Giday, S. A., Magno, P., … Mullin, G. E. (2008). Enhanced diagnostic yield with prolonged small bowel transit time during capsule endoscopy. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 5(6), 303–8.
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Patient Comments
Patients comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
SHC Patient, Feb 2018
Dr. J. O. Clarke was very understanding and answered all my questions. He offered solutions that made sense and overall I felt confident that I will get better.
SHC Patient, Jan 2018
Dr. Clarke was wonderful and made me feel very comfortable.
SHC Patient, Jan 2018
These comments refer to Dr. Clarke. I was somewhat concerned that he thought my connective tissue disorder (EDS) didn't apply to internal organs, muscles and viscera--only to skin and joints. I was pleased that he took note with my concern and correction of this perception. Overall, Dr. Clarke was a very kind and knowledgable and a good listener. I wasn't expecting him to suggest P.O.E.M. and had prepped my questions for dilatation, and so afterwards, thought of questions about P.O.E.M. I should have asked...
SHC Patient, Jan 2018
Excellent service from Dr. John.
SHC Patient, Dec 2017
Both NP and doctor were very informative and helpful. Great bedside manner!
SHC Patient, Dec 2017
Dr. Clarke is a very good & caring doctor.
SHC Patient, Dec 2017
I would recommend my care provider to my family, friends or anyone that I meet.
SHC Patient, Nov 2017
Dr. Clarke is very personable responsive to my needs and issues good listener and extremely well organized with a PLAN at follow up after endo/colo.
SHC Patient, Oct 2017
Dr. Clarke is excellent. Very knowledgeable yet humble. He listens very carefully to his patients. Best GI dr. I had every have.
SHC Patient, Sep 2017
I have already recommended Dr. Clarke to others.
SHC Patient, Sep 2017
Dr. Clarke seemed to care.
SHC Patient, Aug 2017
Dr. Clarke is the best.
SHC Patient, Jul 2017
Again really liked Dr. John Clarke. He's a caring and thoughtful Doctor!
SHC Patient, Jun 2017
He communicates his expertise in a way I understand and lets me know his reasoning for his decisions.
SHC Patient, Jun 2017
Dr. Clarke is and patient. My health issues are unusual and complicated and I have really appreciated his persistence in trying to get to the bottom of the problem even though several tests have not yielded any easy answers.
SHC Patient, May 2017
O'Brien is the best GI Doc I've ever seen; and I've seen many. He's smart, keeps up on latest research, friendly, and takes the time to brainstorm options with me.
SHC Patient, May 2017
This was my first time seeing this dr. He explained things very well.
SHC Patient, Mar 2017
Has better insights than other G.I. dr.'s I have seen.
SHC Patient, Mar 2017
I find it very easy and pleasant to discuss my care with Dr. Clarke. I have great confidence in him.
SHC Patient, Mar 2017
A most reassuring experience.
SHC Patient, Mar 2017
Very caring and thoughtful.
SHC Patient, Feb 2017
Easily the best doctor I have seen. Very precise, helpful. Wish there were more such doctors. When the doctor is confident, the patient feels confident. Dr. Clarke takes the time to answer questions. I trust him.
SHC Patient, Feb 2017
So thankful to have Dr. Clarke caring for me.
SHC Patient, Feb 2017
I was very impressed that he did some research/reading about my issues prior to coming in to the room and then told me about what he had learned. Taking that extra step/time did not go unnoticed
SHC Patient, Feb 2017
Dr. Clarke is amazing! He is very thorough and open to my questions and requests. I have seen several Gastroenterologists and he has been the one to give me the most hope.
SHC Patient, Jan 2017
Dr. Clarke is awesome.
SHC Patient, Jan 2017
Dr. O'Brien reviewed my medications and determined that some were those he would prescribe, but possibly in different doses. We agreed that if my symptoms increased again, I would contact him.
SHC Patient, Jan 2017
Dr. Cooke is a caring, patient, supportive doctor.
SHC Patient, Feb 2018
Dr. J. O. Clarke was very understanding and answered all my questions. He offered solutions that made sense and overall I felt confident that I will get better.
SHC Patient, Jan 2018
Dr. Clarke was wonderful and made me feel very comfortable.
SHC Patient, Jan 2018
These comments refer to Dr. Clarke. I was somewhat concerned that he thought my connective tissue disorder (EDS) didn't apply to internal organs, muscles and viscera--only to skin and joints. I was pleased that he took note with my concern and correction of this perception. Overall, Dr. Clarke was a very kind and knowledgable and a good listener. I wasn't expecting him to suggest P.O.E.M. and had prepped my questions for dilatation, and so afterwards, thought of questions about P.O.E.M. I should have asked...
SHC Patient, Jan 2018
Excellent service from Dr. John.
SHC Patient, Dec 2017
Both NP and doctor were very informative and helpful. Great bedside manner!
SHC Patient, Dec 2017
Dr. Clarke is a very good & caring doctor.
SHC Patient, Dec 2017
I would recommend my care provider to my family, friends or anyone that I meet.
SHC Patient, Nov 2017
Dr. Clarke is very personable responsive to my needs and issues good listener and extremely well organized with a PLAN at follow up after endo/colo.
SHC Patient, Oct 2017
Dr. Clarke is excellent. Very knowledgeable yet humble. He listens very carefully to his patients. Best GI dr. I had every have.
SHC Patient, Sep 2017
I have already recommended Dr. Clarke to others.
SHC Patient, Sep 2017
Dr. Clarke seemed to care.
SHC Patient, Aug 2017
Dr. Clarke is the best.
View All 28 Patient Comments »