Joo Ha Hwang, MD, PhD

Gastroenterologist, Therapeutic endoscopy specialist, Large colon polyp specialist, Gastrointestinal surgeon, Endoscopic ultrasound specialist, Biliary specialist


Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and, by courtesy, of Surgery

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Biography


Dr. Hwang specializes in early detection of gastrointestinal malignancies including esophageal cancer, gastric (stomach) cancer, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer and colon cancer. Dr. Hwang performs advanced endoscopic procedures including EUS-FNA, ERCP and enteroscopy. In addition, Dr. Hwang also performs per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to resect large colorectal polyps, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to resect early esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers.

Dr. Hwang has both a clinical and research interest in improving the early detection of gastric cancer. He is the Principal Investigator of the GAstric Precancerous conditions Study (GAPS), a prospective study of patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia and other precancerous conditions which combines comprehensive clinical and endoscopic data with a large bio-specimen repository. His research group uses both epidemiologic and translational approaches to understand risk factors for gastric cancer, and develop biomarkers to improve the early diagnosis of gastric cancers. He also directed public policy efforts to increase recognition of gastric cancer risk among high-risk populations, and serve as the Chairperson of the Asian American Stomach Cancer Disparity Task Force.

Dr. Hwang received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in electrical engineering. He then received his M.D. degree from the University of Chicago and his Ph.D. in bioengineering from the University of Washington. He did his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Washington and was a faculty member at the University of Washington from 2004 to 2017. He has been selected as one of “Seattle’s Top Doctors” by both Seattle Magazine and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.

Dr. Hwang is board certified in gastroenterology. He is active with local, national and international professional societies. He is a fellow of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE) and is a past-president of the Pacific Northwest Gastroenterology Society.

In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Hwang is interested in medical device innovation. Dr. Hwang actively participates in research related to treatment of pancreatic cancer with focused ultrasound. He currently has NIH funding to investigate the use of focused ultrasound for enhancing drug delivery to pancreatic tumors. He is the current president of the International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (ISTU).

Professional Summary


Education & Certifications
  • Medical Education: Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Registrar (1997) IL
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology (2005)
  • Fellowship: University of Washington School of Medicine (2004) WA
  • MD, University of Chicago - Pritzker School of Medicine, Medicine (1997)
  • Fellowship: University of Washington School of Medicine (2003) WA
  • Internship, University of Washington School of Medicine, Internal Medicine (1998)
  • Residency: University of Washington School of Medicine (2000) WA
  • Residency, University of Washington School of Medicine, Internal Medicine (2000)
  • Fellowship, University of Washington School of Medicine, Gastroenterology (2004)
  • PhD, University of Washington, Bioengineering (2005)

Honors & Awards
  • Career Development Award, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (2004)
  • Fellow, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (2011)
  • Fredric Lizzi Award, International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (2014)
  • Research Fellowship Award, American Cancer Society (1996)
  • Top Doctor, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine (2014, 2015, 2016)
  • Young Investigator Award, International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (2004)

Memberships
  • President, International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (2018 - 2021)
  • Board of Directors, International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (2016 - Present)
  • Chair, Asian American Stomach Cancer Disparity Task Force (2018 - Present)
  • Committee Member, Center for GI Innovation and Technology, AGA Institute (2018 - Present)
  • Editorial Review Board, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (2016 - Present)
  • Board of Directors, Pacific Northwest Gastroenterology Society (2013 - 2017)
  • Councilor, Imaging and Advanced Technology Section, American Gastroenterological Association (2014 - Present)
  • President, Pacific Northwest Gastroenterology Society (2011 - 2013)
  • Member, American Gastroenterological Association (2011 - Present)
  • Secretary General, International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (2010 - 2012)
  • Board of Directors, International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (2008 - 2012)
  • Member, International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound (2002 - Present)
  • Fellow, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (2011 - Present)
  • Member, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (2000 - 2011)

Administrative Appointments
  • Director of Strategy, CARE, Stanford University (2019 - Present)
  • Director, Inpatient Gastroenterology Services, Stanford Health Care (2018 - Present)
  • Director, Interventional Gastroenterology and Innovation, Stanford University (2018 - Present)
  • Director, Korea Outreach, CARE, Stanford University (2019 - Present)

Publications

Clinical Trials

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Practice Locations


Esophagus Center Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, CA

420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor

Redwood City , CA 94063

(650) 736-5555

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Digestive Health Center in Redwood City Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, CA

420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor

Redwood City , CA 94063

(650) 736-5555

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

GI Cancer Prevention Program in Redwood City Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, CA

420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor

Redwood City , CA 94063

(650) 736-5555

Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »

Patient Ratings

(42 Ratings)

Overall Rating
4.9/5

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4.9/5
Friendliness
Friendliness/courtesy of the care provider
4.9/5
Explanations
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
4.9/5
Listens
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
4.9/5
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your treatment
5.0/5
Recommended to others
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
0.0/5
Wait times
Wait time at clinic (from arriving to leaving)

How Our Ratings Work

The Patients Ratings and comments are gathered from our Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety.

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Patient Reviews

(94 reviews)

Can't hardly wait to meet Dr. Hwang, and Dr. Li.......
Dr Hwang was wonderful and knowledgeable. He was caring and answered all of my questions. Dr Li was also fantastic. They provided so much valuable information and I feel confident that I have great care.
DR JOO Hwang is very nice and he takes the time to listen to what you have to say. I like that.
Very professional, kind, and informative. Explained everything and made sure nothing was missed. Job very well done.
Dr. Hwang was very thorough, answered all my questions, and was genuinely interested in treating my symptoms and overall wellbeing. I feel quite fortunate to be under his care.
Visit was excellent. Dr. Hwang was thorough and listened to my concerns. I feel confident in the plan recommended.
He is professional and caring.
Very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Made me feel comfortable about my upcoming surgery. Thank you.
Dr. Hwang was very personable and open to working with my preferences. He offered his recommendations and I was pleased with them. It was a very good visit. I learned so much.
Excellent overview and communicator
Very helpful and professional
He exudes tremendous knowledge, capability, excellence in his profession, thoroughness, curiousity and confidence that he will be an excellent doctor for me.
I was impressed how organized this system is. I live remotely and it takes 9 hours to get to this office. I appreciate the doctor and his staff willing to do these types of visits.
Excellent and caring physician. Very knowledgeable & informative.
Thank You and Your Team for Saving My Life âœ”ï¸ â ¤ï¸
He seemed very personable and knowledgeable.
Excellent initial experience. He understood my concerns and gave clear and helpful answers.
I am so happy with everything
I thought that Dr. Hwang was excellent. He was thorough and explained the procedure in a way that truly made me understand what was involved. I appreciated his thoughtful and caring quality.
Forthright. Open to questions. Clear explanations.
Excellent communication. Extremely knowledgeable.
He was thorough and thoughtful
He is an excellent communicator
I appreciate that he took the time to discuss both possible procedures, provided the pros and cons so I could make an educated decision.
Competent, informative, and friendly.
The entire appointment experience was excellent
Doctor Hwang is an excellent doctor and an excellent communicator.
Dr Hwang was very thorough and informative to my husband's health issues.
My visit was great and the staff dealt with treated me with care and kindness
Very nice Dr
Wonderful physician in every respect. Knows and performs excellent communication skills, in particular evidence when conveying bad news. So grateful and fortunate Dr. Hwang is here in the the Bay Area and also that he took on my difficult, challenging case and swiftly.
Seemed nice enough, cut to the chase, answered my questions…he liked my birds that was a plus:)
Dr. Hwang is open and personable. He asked suitable questions and then asked me to set an appointment before the end of the year. He assured me that if I need to see him before that, to do so. He expressed his pleasure in working with patients.
He’s most excellent. Skilled, compassionate, comunicative, patient
Dr. Hwang is great! I would recommend him to anyone seeking a similar doctor.
Wonderful to talk to about my possible up coming procedure. Very thoughtful and I feel feel that I am in great hands.
He is warm and caring. A very good listener.
He's awesome
He allows his patients to state their concerns, and he tries to accomdate those concerns if they are not unreasonable.
Amazing Doctor in practice and in communication skills. Clear, open comforting and skilled
Doctor was very personable & understanding about my medical condition & feelings.
Thank You
I have liked this MD
I felt comfortable asking questions and he made me feel comfortable that he is competent
See former slide. And add--Dr. Hwang shared his sense of humor along with thoughtful medical information and answers to my questions. In addition, Dr. Hwang and Dr. Li appeared to be comfortable, companion physicians. They made me comfortable to ask questions.
What a great experience
Dr. Hwang was very kind & took the time to really listen to all of my symptoms, then came up with a thorough plan for investigating what’s going on with me. I finally feel like I’ve been heard & am going to get the quality of care that I need!
He is Excellent!
Seems very nice
Very informative.
very talented, kind doctor
Thank you it was a 100% successful 🠔🥞🠟🥩
Dr Hwang and his assistant before and during the video visit was very thorough. Questions were asked and answered with understanding. Dr Hwang was very professional. We will definitely refer him to our friends and family, whenever appropriate. Thank you..
Dr Hwang is committed to getting me better and finding a solution to my problem. I appreciate everything he and his staff are doing for me.
Just excellent communication and knowledge.
Dr Hwang is very knowledgeable and does an excellent job. Thank you Dr Hwang!
Receptionist on the floor gave me some forms with the wrong name. When I told her about she rude. She needs some training.
MD Hwang put together the most amazing team to care for "ME": I state that in this way, as in "I" form. As I felt that it was important to the Team, to get me well again, and that was the goal set for the Team. The Surgery that I had, has changed my life: I have been sick for over five years and have had effects of my condition for over ten years. The P.O.E.M. process worked for me, and I am getting better every day.
Dr Hwang is always warm and caring. I like the way he takes time to explain things. And he is a very good listener.
He is very nice. Made me feel safe. Easy to talk to. He listened to me. He responded to my doctors calls in Los Angeles. Is not arrogant.
He was very informative and answered the questions that I had.
Great communications!
Excellent physician and very personable too.
Such a wonderful doctor! Reassuring, answers all questions in easy language and is pleasant and understanding.
Thank you again for an excellent visit and care.
Dr. Hwang has changed my life…given me the ability to enjoy eating again. He is a confident and highly competent professional who has a nice way of connecting with his patients. I’ve recommended him to several others. He’s one of your best.
Very Pleased
Dr Hwang was very personable and caring. I appreciated the way he took time to listen. He was very clear on guiding me to the next step. He gave me hope and encouragement that we will get the answers needed.
HE IS SUPER!!!! Patient, Interested, Informative, Smart
Thank you Dr. Hwang.
He cares about me, I can see that and he also openly evaluates whether or not he can help me. I really like this doctor.
He is very thorough and I very happy to have him.
Dr. Hwang was very pleasant and reassuring. I feel informed and confident about the procedure I will be having in October.
I appreciate Dr. Hwang so much. He is confident, yet not arrogant. He is kind and understanding.
Joo Hwang is not only a SUPER highly skilled re diagnosis but also has SUPERIOR skills in his specialized surgery he performed.... AND ALSO, has wonderful communication skills AND friendly genuine concern and interest in his patient. HE IS EXCEPTIONAL. I feel extremely fortunate to have been treated by him after 2 unfortunate treatments for the same problem at other health care providers.
Thank you!
He made everything very clear explained what he was doing and what we were going to do I really like the way he handled the visit
Very nice and extremely informative. Doesn't talk down to you as so many surgeons of his caliber do. He has given me hope that my issues will be and can be repaired.
I have complete confidence in him
He is pleasant! He answered all my questions, which was appreciated. He was honest about possible complications and he was very informative about the procedure. His knowledge put my mind at ease. Thank you Dr. Hwang!
Dr Joo Hwang is an excellent doctor. He is confident without being arrogant. Answered every question I had thoroughly. Very friendly and easy to talk to.
He does excellent POEM procedure. He is caring and works with you.
Know he is very busy. Would like to have had a bit more time with him. Would also like to see him in person before the procedure - he did mention that that could be arranged. Overall, an excellent visit.
Absolutely awesome dr!
Excellent Dr
Was very helpful and explaining things thoroughly.
Dr Joo Ha is the best surgeon a d Dr on this planet. Him and his team saved my life and have helped me for the last three years. I am very appreciative of the Stanford Heath team!
Very kind and very thorough
Great.
Excellent experience w/Dr. Hwang. He helped me understand what was going on. Also educated me and had me sit w/him to look at CT scan together. Loved this!
Dr. Hwang is excellent. He listens carefully, speaks clearly and is interested in assuring that his patients have a great experience.
Dr. Hwang treated both my wife and I with respect by answering all of our questions and making sure we understood the process. Could not have asked for anyone better.
Excellent.
Dr. Hwang is the best - I won't see any other surgeon -

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