Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Puneet Kumar, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. He sees patients primarily at the Bremo Road office in Richmond, Virginia, but he also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Kumar earned his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at Georgetown University Medical Center and the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
During his residency he served as Chief Resident. He was then selected for a competitive fellowship in Gastroenterology at Georgetown University Medical School. He continued his fellowship training in Therapeutic ERCP at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. Kumar treats adult patients with a variety of gastroenterology conditions and concerns. He has special expertise and interest in colon cancer screening and caring for patients with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), Barrett’s esophagus, inflammatory bowel disease, GI bleeding, and hepatobiliary & pancreatic malignancies.
He is skilled in performing simple and complex endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), ERCP, radiofrequency ablation of Barrett’s esophagus, endoscopic mucosal resection, biliary manometry, and also therapeutic stenting (biliary, esophageal and enteral).
“I am interested in improving long-term survival and quality of life for my patients with GI cancers and inflammatory bowel disease.”
Dr. Kumar is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM), and the Medical Society of Virginia.
He has presented and published several research studies and authored chapters in major journals, including the American Journal of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Clinics of North America.
Dr. Kumar volunteers for Access Now to provide care to patients who lack access to healthcare due to a lack of insurance. He is fluent in many languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, and is currently learning Spanish. In his free time, he enjoys playing squash, tennis, golf, and hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family.
Michael S. Manetas, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Manetas sees patients primarily at the Hanover office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, but also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Manetas received his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary (WM) in Williamsburg. He completed his Master of Science in Anatomy at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) at Virginia Commonwealth University, and during this time, he made the important decision to become a physician. He stayed at MCV / VCU to earn his medical degree, and complete his internship and residency in internal medicine.
He was then selected for a competitive Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. He received state-of-the-art training in treating patients with digestive and liver diseases, and performing endoscopic procedures.
Dr. Manetas joined Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in 2005. He cares for patients suffering from general gastroenterology disorders. He has vast experience and a special interest in treating patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, GERD, swallowing disorders, IBS or bowel irregularities, and pancreatic & gallbladder disorders.
He is also skilled in performing endoscopic GI procedures, including colonoscopy and colon polyp removal, upper endoscopy (EGD), and ERCP.
“I chose a specialty in gastroenterology because it offers me a unique opportunity to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of conditions. I am reminded daily of the variety of ways in which gastroenterological (GI) conditions can affect the quality of life of my patients, and I am pleased to be an active partner in improving their GI health.”
Dr. Manetas has achieved significant milestones in his medical career. He was named a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF) in 2015. Most recently, he was elected President of Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in 2022.
Dr. Manetas grew up in Northern New Jersey and is now happy to make Richmond his home. He met his wife, Anne, while at the College of William and Mary, and they have two children. Dr. Manetas enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, tennis, traveling, and watching baseball in his spare time. He is also an active member of the Richmond Greek Orthodox Church.
Dr. Mohit Jindal, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Jindal sees patients at the Midlothian Center office in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Dr. Jindal was born in Punjab, India, and grew up in New Delhi. He attended Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, where he won the “Best Medical Student of the Year” award multiple times.
Dr. Jindal moved to New York City to earn his medical degree at the State University of New York (SUNY). He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in gastroenterology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
During the fellowship, he presented research articles and many interesting case studies at the Annual Scientific Meetings held by the American College of Gastroenterology. During his final year, his peers elected him to serve as the Chief Fellow of the program.
After completing his intensive medical and specialized GI training, Dr. Jindal worked briefly in Pennsylvania before relocating to Terre Haute, Indiana.
In addition to his busy GI practice in Indiana, Dr. Jindal remained involved in teaching medical students and residents. He served as an affiliate faculty member at Indiana State University and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Dr. Jindal joined Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in April 2018.
He evaluates and treats adult patients with multiple gastrointestinal medical conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), swallowing disorders, liver diseases, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr. Jindal performs preventive and diagnostic endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, feeding tube placements, and hemorrhoid banding. He is passionate about GI health because he feels convinced that we can make a difference in the health and well-being of our patients by working together.
“I want my patients to know that I will listen to their full story, and I am always on their side. I will keep them involved in their care and do everything I can to help them feel better.”
Dr. Jindal is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM).
Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Jindal enjoys swimming, tennis, traveling, and watching movies. He is fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. He is married and has two sons, and he is delighted to call Richmond his new home.
Taylor Richardson, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates.
He attended the University of Virginia (UVA), earning dual undergraduate degrees in history and economics. He then remained at the University of Virginia School of Medicine to earn his medical degree.
Continuing his medical training, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, Tennessee. He was then selected for a three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Dr. Richardson's clinical interests include a wide variety of digestive diseases, including heartburn/reflux, swallowing disorders, peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, liver disease, and colon cancer screening.
He is skilled in upper endoscopy, esophageal dilation, colonoscopy, colon polyp removal, esophageal manometry, and video capsule endoscopy.
Dr. Richardson is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
A native Virginian, Dr. Richardson grew up in Goochland, Virginia. He enjoys long-distance running, hiking in the mountains, snow skiing, fly fishing, reading American history, and following UVA athletics.
Dr. S. Mubashir A. Shah is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. He sees patients primarily at the Hanover office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, but he also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Shah earned his medical degree from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, where he graduated in the top 1% of his class. Relocating to the United States, he pre-matched in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) and graduated as the Medical Resident of the Year in 2003.
Dr. Shah had the privilege of working another year as Chief Medical Resident at UCONN and was awarded the Chief Medical Resident of the Year Award in 2004. He completed an intensive three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.
Prior to joining Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in February 2011, Dr. Shah was in private practice with Rome Gastroenterology Associates in Georgia. He was also a GI and Hepatology lecturer to the residents and interns enrolled in the Floyd Family Practice Residency Program in Rome, Georgia.
Dr. Shah treats adult patients with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary conditions. His patients benefit from conservative treatments and the endoscopic procedures he performs.
He is highly skilled and experienced with the most up-to-date endoscopic techniques, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and ERCP. He also performs painless hemorrhoid banding using the CRH O’ Regan System, for patients suffering from hemorrhoid-related issues.
Dr. Shah is an active member of several professional societies, including the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the Medical Society of Virginia, and the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM). He has presented at national and local meetings and published extensively in various medical journals.
Dr. Shah enjoys staying physically fit and likes lifting weights, tennis, and soccer. Additional interests include spending time with his family, traveling, and world politics. He is an ardent fan of the game of cricket. He and his wife Ghuncha, a psychologist, have three children and are pleased to call Richmond home.
He is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Pashto and has a working knowledge of Punjabi and Hindko.
Dr. Bimaljit S. Sandhu is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Sandhu sees patients primarily at the Bremo Road office in Richmond, Virginia, but he also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
He cares for patients suffering from gastroenterological disorders, including GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, GI cancer, and pancreatic disease. He has vast experience performing colonoscopy, EGD, complex therapeutic endoscopic procedures, and managing patients with GI cancer and pancreaticobiliary disorders.
After his medical school training, Dr. Sandhu completed additional fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He then joined the VCU Medical Center faculty in the Gastroenterology Division. During the next nine years at VCU, he served as Director of Pancreatic Disorders and actively participated in pancreatic research.
Dr. Sandhu’s patients benefit from his experience with the most recent advancements in gastroenterology. He is among the first in the country to use endoscopic Glue Injection for treating patients with bleeding gastric varices. He is also skilled in the use of Cellvizio®, which enables him to diagnose cancer much more rapidly. Most recently he completed specialty training to perform Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), one of only a few physicians in Virginia to offer this procedure for the treatment of GERD.
Dr. Sandhu has received several honors and awards, including the Outstanding Clinician Award and the Best Plenary Session Paper Award. He is an active member of the North American Pancreatitis Study consortium. He has authored and co-authored several articles in medical journals and books, including the Gastroenterology journal.
He has also contributed to the American Gastroenterological Association’s Digestive Diseases Self-Education Program (DDSEP) and served on the training committee for the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
Dr. Sandhu has been a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins, the University of Pittsburgh, Stanford University, and the University of Virginia. Dr. Sandhu is a “2017 Top Doc” winner in Richmond Magazine’s annual survey of medical professionals.
Dr. Sandhu enjoys spending time with his wife, Ramnita, and their three children. He has organized several blood donation drives and food services at local nursing homes and schools on behalf of his Sikh temple in Richmond. He enjoys tennis, jogging, music, and yard work.
Krista M. Edelman, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist. Dr. Edelman sees patients primarily at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates’ Bremo Road office in Richmond, Virginia, but also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico, Virginia.
Dr. Edelman was born in Richmond and raised in the nearby Town of Ashland. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington (UMW) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She went on to earn her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
Dr. Edelman remained at VCU for her internal medicine residency and was selected to serve as chief resident for an additional year. Dr. Edelman served as the Women’s Health Track Director, overseeing women’s health-specific clinical rotations and teaching sessions.
Upon finishing her internal medicine residency, Dr. Edelman received the John W. Witherspoon Award for Excellence in Primary Care and the Medicine Faculty Award, given to a graduating resident who most demonstrates an intellectual and personal commitment to medicine.
After residency, Dr. Edelman moved to Durham, North Carolina, to complete a three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Duke University. In 2018, Dr. Edelman returned to the Richmond area and joined the practice as a practicing gastroenterologist.
She treats patients with a variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel disease including chronic diarrhea and constipation, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastrointestinal bleeding, swallowing disorders, pelvic floor dysfunction, celiac disease, and liver disease.
She has a specific interest in women’s health and performs colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, esophageal manometry, and radiofrequency ablation of Barrett's esophagus.
Dr. Edelman is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and she serves on the American College of Gastroenterology Women in GI Committee.
“I view practicing medicine as an honor, and it is a privilege to be of service to my community. I always strive to take the time to listen to my patients and engage them in the medical decision-making process. Forming a long-term relationship and partnering in health care decisions is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.”
Dr. Edelman enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She also likes to run and enjoy time outdoors along the James River.
Drew Simmelink, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Simmelink sees patients primarily at the practice’s Hanover office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, but also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Simmelink received his Bachelor of Science Honors Program degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Richmond (U of R) in Virginia, achieving Dean’s Honor List all four years of his undergraduate career. He went to Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) to earn his medical doctorate, receiving honors marks in internal medicine training.
Dr. Simmelink completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was selected to stay for his three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
During the fellowship, Dr. Simmelink gained extensive experience managing complex liver and inflammatory bowel diseases through the CMC liver transplant and inflammatory bowel disease programs. Additionally, he gained insightful experience in motility issues, earning certification from the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS).
While in his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship, Dr. Simmelink exhibited an interest in improving patient safety. He also championed increasing population-wide colorectal cancer and hepatitis-C screening rates through quality improvement projects.
Dr. Simmelink is clinically interested in managing a wide variety of digestive diseases, including, but not limited to, inflammatory bowel disease and immune-mediated bowel disorders, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Celiac disease, medication-induced conditions, liver disease (alcohol and obesity-induced liver disease), Wilson’s disease, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, viral hepatitis, disorders of the gut-brain interaction, IBS, dyspepsia, heartburn and GERD, peptic ulcer disease, constipation, diarrhea, and Barrett’s esophagus.
He is skilled in many GI procedures, including upper endoscopy (EGD), esophageal dilation, Barrett’s esophagus ablation & management, colonoscopy, colorectal cancer screening, colon polyp removal, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic management of inflammatory bowel disease, enteral access (PEG tube placement), and video capsule endoscopy.
He is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and the American College of Physicians (ACP).
Serving his community has always been an integral part of his life, exemplified in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, joining the Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity in college, to helping out with local support groups for Huntington’s disease and aiding underserved patients through Beyond Clinic Walls during his medical school career.
In his spare time, Dr. Simmelink enjoys landscaping and remodeling homes, playing the piano, enjoying water sports, including swimming & kayaking, experimenting with new recipes from different cultures, and mastering the grill.
Dr. Divyang Gandhi is a board-certified gastroenterologist with extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. Joining Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in January 2024, he sees patients at the Hanover office, in Mechanicsville, VA.
Dr. Gandhi earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the Medical College Baroda in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. He then pursued advanced training in Internal Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, NY, followed by a specialized fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
His clinical interests are broad and encompass diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, esophageal motility, and advanced techniques such as variceal band ligation and esophageal dilation. Dr. Gandhi is proficient in managing complex liver diseases, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis, and has expertise in transient elastography.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Gandhi has contributed significantly to medical education. While practicing fulltime with Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA, he also worked as a teaching physician at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences.
Dr. Gandhi’s professional memberships include the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). Before relocating to Richmond, he was a member of the Endoscopy Executive Committee at Augusta Health, where he played a pivotal role in modernizing endoscopic practices and staff training.
His commitment to the field is underscored by numerous honors, including certification in advanced endoscopic techniques and selection for the ACG Early Career Leadership Program. Dr. Gandhi's research contributions are reflected in several peer-reviewed publications, further establishing his expertise and thought leadership in gastroenterology.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Gandhi enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing cricket. He resides in Richmond, VA, with his wife, and their two children.
Dr. Rafaz Hoque is a board-certified gastroenterologist with extensive training and experience in both clinical practice and academic research. He completed his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at Columbia University in 1997, followed by his M.D. at Cornell University Medical College in 2003. Dr. Hoque's medical career began with an internal medicine internship and two residencies at New York University Bellevue Hospital. He then pursued advanced fellowship training in liver disease at the University of California, San Francisco, before becoming a Gastroenterology Fellow at Yale University.
Dr. Hoque’s career has been marked by significant roles in various esteemed institutions. From 2011 to 2018, he served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale University, where he was deeply involved in both clinical practice and research. His clinical work has spanned prestigious centers including Yale New Haven Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Harbor Medical Group, and currently Richmond Gastroenterology Associates, Inc. Dr. Hoque sees patients at RGA’s Midlothian office in North Chesterfield, VA and he practices in-patient at St. Francis Medical Center. His expertise covers complex areas such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, and pancreatic disorders.
A notable aspect of Dr. Hoque's career is his contribution to medical research. He has led several significant projects, including NIH and Global Fibrosis Foundation-funded studies focusing on novel therapies and immune responses in acute organ injury. His research has been recognized at major conferences, such as the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, and he has received multiple awards for his work.
Dr. Hoque is also an accomplished author, having published numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from inflammasome activity to liver and pancreatic injury. His role in peer review and as a member of various professional committees further underscores his influence and commitment to advancing the field of gastroenterology.
Michael S. Manetas, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Manetas sees patients primarily at the Hanover office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, but also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Manetas received his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary (WM) in Williamsburg. He completed his Master of Science in Anatomy at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) at Virginia Commonwealth University, and during this time, he made the important decision to become a physician. He stayed at MCV / VCU to earn his medical degree, and complete his internship and residency in internal medicine.
He was then selected for a competitive Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. He received state-of-the-art training in treating patients with digestive and liver diseases, and performing endoscopic procedures.
Dr. Manetas joined Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in 2005. He cares for patients suffering from general gastroenterology disorders. He has vast experience and a special interest in treating patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, GERD, swallowing disorders, IBS or bowel irregularities, and pancreatic & gallbladder disorders.
He is also skilled in performing endoscopic GI procedures, including colonoscopy and colon polyp removal, upper endoscopy (EGD), and ERCP.
“I chose a specialty in gastroenterology because it offers me a unique opportunity to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of conditions. I am reminded daily of the variety of ways in which gastroenterological (GI) conditions can affect the quality of life of my patients, and I am pleased to be an active partner in improving their GI health.”
Dr. Manetas has achieved significant milestones in his medical career. He was named a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF) in 2015. Most recently, he was elected President of Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in 2022.
Dr. Manetas grew up in Northern New Jersey and is now happy to make Richmond his home. He met his wife, Anne, while at the College of William and Mary, and they have two children. Dr. Manetas enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, tennis, traveling, and watching baseball in his spare time. He is also an active member of the Richmond Greek Orthodox Church.
Christopher Lyons, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Lyons sees patients at the Midlothian Center office in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Dr. Christopher Lyons is a Virginia native who joined Richmond Gastroenterology Associates upon completion of his medical training, in 2005.
Dr. Lyons attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for undergraduate school and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) at VCU. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, and was then selected for a competitive fellowship in Gastroenterology and liver disease, at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV). This training allowed him three years of experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, colonoscopy screening, and caring for patients with digestive and liver diseases.
His residency colleagues selected Dr. Lyons to serve as Chief Resident during his specialty training. This honor was repeated a few years later, during fellowship, when the faculty selected him to serve as Chief GI Fellow.
Dr. Lyons is particularly interested in colon cancer prevention because of his family’s personal experience with the disease. He has completed thousands of colonoscopy procedures for Virginians to remove polyps and screen for colon cancer.
He treats many digestive diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, bile duct disease, liver disease, and cirrhosis. He utilizes lifestyle changes, medications, and endoscopy to improve digestive health.
“My grandfather was fortunate in his day in that his colon cancer was discovered and removed early. Because of his history, my mother was wise to have herself screened early with colonoscopy and had several polyps removed so that she never developed colon cancer.”
“I work very hard to help my patients understand the importance of screening for colon cancer and removing polyps to prevent them from getting colon cancer.”
Dr. Lyons performs endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). On average, he performs more than 50 endoscopic procedures weekly and has completed more than 30,000 endoscopic procedures in his career.
He enjoys learning the evolving roles that endoscopy can provide in patients' care. He recently discovered and began offering intraductal endoscopy during ERCP for laser lithotripsy of large bile duct stones. He is a member of the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
Dr. Lyons recognizes the importance of strong communication and patient education. He has been selected to lecture his colleagues at grand rounds and speak to nursing organizations about digestive disease and management. He frequently presents an educational program called “GI Jeopardy” to engage his audience and help teach about gastroenterology.
Native to Roanoke, Virginia, Dr. Lyons moved to Richmond to attend college at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he met his wife. They now have five children. Dr. Lyons was a competitive swimmer in his youth. He serves as a referee at his children’s recreational league swim meets in the summer.
Puneet Kumar, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. He sees patients primarily at the Bremo Road office in Richmond, Virginia, but he also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Kumar earned his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, India. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at Georgetown University Medical Center and the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
During his residency he served as Chief Resident. He was then selected for a competitive fellowship in Gastroenterology at Georgetown University Medical School. He continued his fellowship training in Therapeutic ERCP at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Dr. Kumar treats adult patients with a variety of gastroenterology conditions and concerns. He has special expertise and interest in colon cancer screening and caring for patients with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), Barrett’s esophagus, inflammatory bowel disease, GI bleeding, and hepatobiliary & pancreatic malignancies.
He is skilled in performing simple and complex endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), ERCP, radiofrequency ablation of Barrett’s esophagus, endoscopic mucosal resection, biliary manometry, and also therapeutic stenting (biliary, esophageal and enteral).
“I am interested in improving long-term survival and quality of life for my patients with GI cancers and inflammatory bowel disease.”
Dr. Kumar is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM), and the Medical Society of Virginia.
He has presented and published several research studies and authored chapters in major journals, including the American Journal of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Clinics of North America.
Dr. Kumar volunteers for Access Now to provide care to patients who lack access to healthcare due to a lack of insurance. He is fluent in many languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, and is currently learning Spanish. In his free time, he enjoys playing squash, tennis, golf, and hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family.
Matthew J. Fasullo, DO is a board-certified Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Fasullo sees patients at the Midlothian Center office in Chesterfield, VA.
Dr. Fasullo earned his medical degree in New York City, New York, in 2016. Upon graduating, he completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Massachusetts (UMass), followed by his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he was elected to serve as the chief fellow in his final year. He earned multiple awards during his clinical training, including ‘Researcher of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Fellow Scholar.’
Following his general gastroenterology fellowship at VCU, Dr. Fasullo spent an additional year at the forefront of interventional endoscopy, completing a fellowship in advanced endoscopy at New York University (NYU), helmed by world-renowned physician Dr. Gregory Haber. He is adept in many complex and innovative techniques, including endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), peroral endoscopy myotomy (POEM), endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR), endo-bariatrics, interventional EUS, ERCP, palliative stenting, pancreatic tumor ablation, and more.
Dr. Fasullo is passionate about gastrointestinal cancer prevention through early screening programs. While working with NYU’s Pancreatic Cancer Center team, he published a blueprint detailing the model for creating a pancreatic cancer screening center. This is an area Dr. Fasullo promptly wishes to develop in the Richmond area. He is an avid proponent of integrative gastroenterology and tries to incorporate psychosocial support, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and healthy eating habits, into his patient’s treatment plans.
He is a distinguished researcher having published more than 50 journal peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and book chapters. He has presented his research at both the national and international levels. He continues to work on several topics including pancreatic cancer, technology development, and novel innovative endoscopic techniques. He plans to support the development of a comprehensive research program at RGA.
He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the New York Society for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy (NYSGE).
In his spare time, Dr. Fasullo enjoys running, hiking, cooking, and traveling. He lives in Richmond with his fiancé.
Dr. S. Mubashir A. Shah is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. He sees patients primarily at the Hanover office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, but he also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Shah earned his medical degree from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, where he graduated in the top 1% of his class. Relocating to the United States, he pre-matched in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) and graduated as the Medical Resident of the Year in 2003.
Dr. Shah had the privilege of working another year as Chief Medical Resident at UCONN and was awarded the Chief Medical Resident of the Year Award in 2004. He completed an intensive three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.
Prior to joining Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in February 2011, Dr. Shah was in private practice with Rome Gastroenterology Associates in Georgia. He was also a GI and Hepatology lecturer to the residents and interns enrolled in the Floyd Family Practice Residency Program in Rome, Georgia.
Dr. Shah treats adult patients with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary conditions. His patients benefit from conservative treatments and the endoscopic procedures he performs.
He is highly skilled and experienced with the most up-to-date endoscopic techniques, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (EGD), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and ERCP. He also performs painless hemorrhoid banding using the CRH O’ Regan System, for patients suffering from hemorrhoid-related issues.
Dr. Shah is an active member of several professional societies, including the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the Medical Society of Virginia, and the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM). He has presented at national and local meetings and published extensively in various medical journals.
Dr. Shah enjoys staying physically fit and likes lifting weights, tennis, and soccer. Additional interests include spending time with his family, traveling, and world politics. He is an ardent fan of the game of cricket. He and his wife Ghuncha, a psychologist, have three children and are pleased to call Richmond home.
He is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Pashto and has a working knowledge of Punjabi and Hindko.
Dr. Bimaljit S. Sandhu is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Sandhu sees patients primarily at the Bremo Road office in Richmond, Virginia, but he also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
He cares for patients suffering from gastroenterological disorders, including GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, GI cancer, and pancreatic disease. He has vast experience performing colonoscopy, EGD, complex therapeutic endoscopic procedures, and managing patients with GI cancer and pancreaticobiliary disorders.
After his medical school training, Dr. Sandhu completed additional fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He then joined the VCU Medical Center faculty in the Gastroenterology Division. During the next nine years at VCU, he served as Director of Pancreatic Disorders and actively participated in pancreatic research.
Dr. Sandhu’s patients benefit from his experience with the most recent advancements in gastroenterology. He is among the first in the country to use endoscopic Glue Injection for treating patients with bleeding gastric varices. He is also skilled in the use of Cellvizio®, which enables him to diagnose cancer much more rapidly. Most recently he completed specialty training to perform Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), one of only a few physicians in Virginia to offer this procedure for the treatment of GERD.
Dr. Sandhu has received several honors and awards, including the Outstanding Clinician Award and the Best Plenary Session Paper Award. He is an active member of the North American Pancreatitis Study consortium. He has authored and co-authored several articles in medical journals and books, including the Gastroenterology journal.
He has also contributed to the American Gastroenterological Association’s Digestive Diseases Self-Education Program (DDSEP) and served on the training committee for the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
Dr. Sandhu has been a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins, the University of Pittsburgh, Stanford University, and the University of Virginia. Dr. Sandhu is a “2017 Top Doc” winner in Richmond Magazine’s annual survey of medical professionals.
Dr. Sandhu enjoys spending time with his wife, Ramnita, and their three children. He has organized several blood donation drives and food services at local nursing homes and schools on behalf of his Sikh temple in Richmond. He enjoys tennis, jogging, music, and yard work.
Taylor Richardson, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates.
He attended the University of Virginia (UVA), earning dual undergraduate degrees in history and economics. He then remained at the University of Virginia School of Medicine to earn his medical degree.
Continuing his medical training, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) in Nashville, Tennessee. He was then selected for a three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Dr. Richardson's clinical interests include a wide variety of digestive diseases, including heartburn/reflux, swallowing disorders, peptic ulcer disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, liver disease, and colon cancer screening.
He is skilled in upper endoscopy, esophageal dilation, colonoscopy, colon polyp removal, esophageal manometry, and video capsule endoscopy.
Dr. Richardson is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
A native Virginian, Dr. Richardson grew up in Goochland, Virginia. He enjoys long-distance running, hiking in the mountains, snow skiing, fly fishing, reading American history, and following UVA athletics.
Drew Simmelink, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Simmelink sees patients primarily at the practice’s Hanover office in Mechanicsville, Virginia, but also takes appointments at the West Creek office in Henrico.
Dr. Simmelink received his Bachelor of Science Honors Program degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Richmond (U of R) in Virginia, achieving Dean’s Honor List all four years of his undergraduate career. He went to Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) to earn his medical doctorate, receiving honors marks in internal medicine training.
Dr. Simmelink completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was selected to stay for his three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
During the fellowship, Dr. Simmelink gained extensive experience managing complex liver and inflammatory bowel diseases through the CMC liver transplant and inflammatory bowel disease programs. Additionally, he gained insightful experience in motility issues, earning certification from the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS).
While in his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship, Dr. Simmelink exhibited an interest in improving patient safety. He also championed increasing population-wide colorectal cancer and hepatitis-C screening rates through quality improvement projects.
Dr. Simmelink is clinically interested in managing a wide variety of digestive diseases, including, but not limited to, inflammatory bowel disease and immune-mediated bowel disorders, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Celiac disease, medication-induced conditions, liver disease (alcohol and obesity-induced liver disease), Wilson’s disease, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, viral hepatitis, disorders of the gut-brain interaction, IBS, dyspepsia, heartburn and GERD, peptic ulcer disease, constipation, diarrhea, and Barrett’s esophagus.
He is skilled in many GI procedures, including upper endoscopy (EGD), esophageal dilation, Barrett’s esophagus ablation & management, colonoscopy, colorectal cancer screening, colon polyp removal, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic management of inflammatory bowel disease, enteral access (PEG tube placement), and video capsule endoscopy.
He is a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and the American College of Physicians (ACP).
Serving his community has always been an integral part of his life, exemplified in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, joining the Alpha Phi Omega national service fraternity in college, to helping out with local support groups for Huntington’s disease and aiding underserved patients through Beyond Clinic Walls during his medical school career.
In his spare time, Dr. Simmelink enjoys landscaping and remodeling homes, playing the piano, enjoying water sports, including swimming & kayaking, experimenting with new recipes from different cultures, and mastering the grill.
