Seth Lipka, MD
Dr. Seth Lipka joined Associates in Digestive Health in July of 2017. Dr. Lipka’s education and experience make him a perfect fit for our practice. After completing medical school and his residency in internal medicine, he went on to complete his gastroenterology fellowship at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition. He comes to us with an ERCP certification and extensive experience in both endoscopies and colonoscopies. His love of research keeps him on the cutting edge of our field and we’re excited to have him on the team.
MY EDUCATION:
Undergraduate Education:
Saint Louis University: 2005
Saint Louis, Missouri
Medical Education:
American University of the Caribbean: 2010
St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
Residency:
Internal Medicine: 2013
Nassau University Medical Center
East Meadow, New York
Chief Resident:
Internal Medicine: 2013
University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
Tampa, Florida
Fellowship:
Gastroenterology: 2014-2017
University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
Tampa, Florida
Board Certifications:
American Gastroenterological Association: 2010-present
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: 2012-present
In Practice Since:
2017
Harold Scott Harris, MD
Dr. H. Scott Harris returned to Fort Myers in 1988 when he joined The Clinic for Digestive Diseases and Endoscopy. He has been actively involved in numerous patient advocacy issues and serves on instrumental hospital boards. He has been voted a “Best Doctor in United States” in consecutive years. Dr. Harris enjoys golf, boating, and travel to mountains of North Carolina. He is a graduate of Ft. Myers High School and the University of Florida College of Medicine. He received his post graduate medical education with an internship and residency in internal medicine as well as a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Florida. Dr. Harris and his wife, Mary Jane, and their three daughters enjoy wonderful SW Florida.
MY EDUCATION:
Undergraduate Education:
Carson-Newman College: 1978
Jefferson City, Tennessee
Medical Education:
University of Florida College of Medicine: 1983
Gainesville, Florida
Residency:
Internal Medicine: 1986
University of Florida at Shands Hospital, Gainesville, Florida
Fellowship:
Gastroenterology: 1988
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Board Certifications:
American Board of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology: 1989
American Board of Internal Medicine: 1986
In Practice Since:
1988
William (Rick) Keith, MD FACG
Dr. William Keith arrived in Fort Myers in 1991 when he joined The Clinic for Digestive Diseases. He is actively involved in numerous patient initiatives and has special interest in reflux and swallowing disorders, as well as primary and secondary prevention of colon cancer. He was the first doctor in Lee County to perform endoscopic treatment for reflux including the bard endocinch as well as the stretta procedure.
Dr. Keith was awarded early entrance to Medical school and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society. He has lectured nationally on topics to include endoscopic therapies of GERD, H. Pylori induced ulcer disease, and electronic medical records. He is a former faculty member at the University of South Florida.
He was voted “Best Doctors” by his peers, as well as one of the Castle Connolly “Top Doctors,” as seen in Gulfshore Life.
MY EDUCATION:
Primary Specialty:
Gastroenterology
Secondary Specialty:
Internal Medicine
Undergraduate Education:
University of Colorado/University of Florida: 1981
Medical Education:
University of Florida School of Medicine: 1984
Residency:
University of Alabama in Birmingham: 1987
Internal Medicine
Fellowship:
University of South Florida: 1989
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
Academic Appointments:
Assistant Professor: 1989-1990
University of South Florida
Board Certifications:
ABIM/Gastroenterology: 1989
American Board of Internal Medicine: 1987
In Practice Since:
1991
Honors and Awards:
Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
Early entrance to medical school
Bradley Trope, MD
Dr. Bradley Trope, originally from South Africa, received his gastroenterology training at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Trope relocated to Southwest Florida in July 2005, when he joined Associates in Digestive Health. He brings with him expertise in endoscopic ultrasound, and diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopy.
Dr. Trope has an interest in integrative gastroenterology and has completed the Integrative Medicine Fellowship under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Trope uses an integrative gastroenterology approach to treat his patients’ digestive symptoms and conditions with the best evidence-based practices that enhance conventional care. His goal is for his patients to achieve optimal digestive health and wellness as well as help them with disease prevention.
Integrative gastroenterology is an approach to care that puts the patient at the center and addresses the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and environmental influences that affect the patients’ digestive health.
Dr. Trope’s integrative gastroenterology approach includes a focus on food as medicine—how his patients’ diets play a role in controlling inflammation levels, balancing blood sugar, regulating cardiovascular health (including blood pressure and cholesterol levels), and helping the digestive organs process and eliminate waste.
MY EDUCATION:
Primary Specialty:
Gastroenterology
Including Endoscopic Ultrasound
Undergraduate Education:
Bachelor of Commerce: 1987-1989
University of Commerce, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Medical Education:
Medical Degree: 1990-1995
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Residency:
Internal Medicine: 1999-2002
St. Mary’s Health Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Fellowship:
Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine by pioneer Andrew Weil, MD: 2019
Gastroenterology: 2002-2005
Fellowship in gastroenterology obtained from Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C.
Board Certifications:
Gastroenterology: 2006
Board Certified in Gastroenterology: 2006
American Board of Internal Medicine: 2003
In Practice Since:
2005
Brian P. Rajca, MD
Dr. Brian Rajca joined Associates in Digestive Health in July of 2015. Originally from Chicago, he and his family relocated to Florida to complete his post graduate training and enjoy the warmer weather. While in Chicago, he was recognized with several awards for resident education and for providing excellent clinical care. After completing his residency and fellowship at the University of Florida, he completed another, one year fellowship, in advanced and therapeutic endoscopy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Rajca has been involved in research centered on improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. He has presented at national and international meetings and has authored several publications, including journal articles and a book chapter.
Dr. Rajca brings to southwest Florida expertise in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In addition he is trained in the management of Barrett’s esophagus, including endoscopic mucosal resection and the Halo Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) procedure for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus.
Erin Barth, MD
Dr. Erin Barth comes to Associates in Digestive Health from her most recent appointment at Kaiser Permanente in North California. She was in private practice in Phoenix and served eight years as a physician for the USAF. Dr. Barth is known for being patient and a good listener, which has earned her a high rating with patients. Her special interest is Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Dr. Barth has family in Sarasota. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and kayaking and tasting unique cuisines.
MY EDUCATION:
Undergraduate Education:
James Madison University
Medical Education:
Tulane School of Medicine Medical Doctorate
Tulane School of Medicine Masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Residency:
University of California San Diego Medical Center
Fellowship:
Gastroenterology
Brooke Army Medical Center
Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America
Mount Sinai Hospital
Board Certifications:
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Board Certified in Gastroenterology
Languages:
French
In Practice Since:
2009
Christopher Fernandez, MD
Dr. Christopher Fernandez was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He is a graduate of University of Miami and received his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Fernandez moved to Michigan for his residency at University of Michigan Hospital and completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at the Henry Ford Hospital. He has extensive training in Inflammatory Bowel Disease management with an emphasis on Colon Cancer surveillance in at risk demographics.
Dr. Fernandez is an avid outdoor enthusiast and excited to be back not only to be with family but to enjoy the warm, small town feel of SWFL. In addition, he feels his Cuban background and Spanish speaking skills will enable him to make a greater impact to a more diverse community.
MY EDUCATION:
Undergraduate Education:
University of Miami
Medical Education:
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Residency:
University of Michigan Hospital
Fellowship:
Gastroenterology
Henry Ford Hospital
Board Certifications:
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Professional Memberships:
American College of Physicians
American Gastroenterology Association
Society of Hospital Medicine
Languages:
Spanish