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.
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.
Puneet Basi, MD, FACG, AGAF, is a highly skilled gastroenterologist and hepatologist dedicated to providing comprehensive care at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in Richmond, Virginia. He earned his MBBS at Dayanand Medical College in Punjab, India, and later completed his internal medicine internship and residency at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where he served as chief resident during his final year.
Dr. Basi pursued advanced training through a hepatology fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2008. He then completed a prestigious gastroenterology fellowship at the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System in Brooklyn, New York, where he refined his expertise in digestive health and liver disease.
As an active member of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), Dr. Basi remains at the forefront of the latest advancements in gastroenterology.
In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Basi enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, and playing cricket. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, allowing him to effectively communicate with a diverse patient population.
Dr. Basi is committed to delivering personalized, high-quality care to each patient he sees at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates.
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. 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.
Harmeet Singh Mashiana, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Mashiana sees patients at the Midlothian Center office in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in 2014 from Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College in India, then completing his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine in 2018, Dr. Mashiana continued to The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, Nebraska, from 2018 to 2022.
In 2022, Dr. Mashiana adeptly completed his Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship at UNMC.
Dr. Mashiana’s clinical experience includes Internal Medicine Moonlighting at CHI Health Center in Omaha, a Gastroenterology Fellowship at UNMC, an Internal Medicine Residency at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine (UNLV) in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a Gastroenterology Fellowship Externship at Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, Virginia.
In addition, Dr. Mashiana completed an Internal Medicine Nephrology Observership at North Edison Family Practice in New Jersey, a Radiology Observership at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and an Internal Medicine Externship at Humboldt Park Health (formerly Norwegian American Hospital) in Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Mashiana regularly contributes to extensive research and studies, such as Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Gastrointestinal Tract Lesions, Biliary Dilatation in Narcotic Users, Guided Ablation of Pancreatic Lesions, and Pancreatoscopy for Pancreatic Duct Stones as seen in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (September 2020) to name a few.
Awarded Poster of Excellence at the United European Gastroenterology Meeting in 2019 and Young Achiever Honor at the ACP National Meeting in 2017 and 2018, Dr. Mashiana is exceptionally bright and innovative, knowledgeable in many conditions, including GERD, diabetes, fatty liver disease, pancreatic lesions, and tumors.
In his spare time, Dr. Mashiana enjoys playing cricket and traveling. He is trilingual and speaks English, Punjabi, and Hindi fluently. He and his wife, who is also a practicing physician in the Chesterfield area, are excited to make Richmond home.
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.
Jason D. Adam, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist on the team at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. He sees patients at the Midlothian Center office in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Although he was born and raised in Pennsylvania, Dr. Adam now considers himself a full-fledged Virginian.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He completed medical school education, internal medicine internship, and residency training at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond.
After residency, Dr. Adam traveled north to our nation's capital to complete a three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at The George Washington University (GWU). Dr. Adam is a third-generation physician and a second-generation gastroenterologist.
He has an interest in a variety of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal swallowing disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic diarrhea and constipation, gastric cancer screening, liver disease, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, esophageal cancer, and Barrett's esophagus screening and management.
Additionally, Dr. Adam is skilled in colonoscopy and colon polyp removal, upper endoscopy (EGD), and hemorrhoidal management and banding.
He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
"My Dad was my idol as both a father and a doctor. I take pride in approaching everything as he would, with compassion and enthusiasm. I strive to be an advocate for my patients in every situation."
Dr. Adam is married and has three children. He is passionate about the outdoors, cooking, Philadelphia sports, and golf. He has traveled and studied in Mexico and Spain and has advanced proficiency in Spanish.
Robert S. Flynn, MD, is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Flynn sees patients at the Midlothian Center office in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Dr. Flynn earned his medical degree from Upstate Medical University (SUNY) in Syracuse, New York. He then moved to Richmond and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in gastroenterology at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While at VCU, he was active in research and received the American Gastroenterology Resident Research Award in 2006.
Dr. Flynn treats all gastrointestinal and liver diseases and has a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer screening and prevention.
Dr. Flynn is highly proficient in performing endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy and polyp removal. Additionally, he performs radiofrequency ablation of Barrett’s esophagus.
Patients like his bedside manner and appreciate his thorough approach. The readers of OurHealth magazine have recognized him as a “Best Bedside Manner” winner for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
“Growing up, my parents taught me the importance and value of hard work. I believe these core values allow me to connect easily with my patients. I believe in a team-based approach with the patient and working together to defeat the problem.”
“Every patient has a story to tell, and it is my job to listen. You will never feel rushed. I make every effort to personally call patients with test, pathology, and lab results.”
He is the first author of several publications related to Crohn’s disease and co-author of a book chapter in the Handbook of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
He has given numerous presentations at both the regional and national levels. Dr. Flynn remains active in the community as a speaker on topics that have included gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), screening colonoscopy, and inflammatory bowel disease.
He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV). He serves on the Board of the Richmond Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Dr. Flynn is married and has two daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family, swimming, music, and rooting for the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners.
W. Colin Gallahan, MD is a board-certified Gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Dr. Gallahan sees patients at the Midlothian Center office in Chesterfield, Virginia.
He received his undergraduate degree and medical degree from the University of Virginia (UVA). After graduating from medical school, Dr. Gallahan completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (WFU).
After completing his GI fellowship, he was selected to stay on at WFU to complete an additional year of specialty training in Advanced Endoscopy, with a primary focus on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). He was fortunate to train with instructors who are nationally recognized experts in Advanced Endoscopy.
Because of his advanced training in endoscopic ultrasound, Dr. Gallahan has a special interest in diagnosing and staging GI cancers and managing pancreas diseases. He also cares for patients with a variety of GI disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, acid reflux, swallowing disorders, liver disease, and biliary and gallbladder disorders.
Dr. Gallahan is a strong advocate for colon cancer screening. He is skilled in performing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), colonoscopy, colon polyp removal, upper endoscopy, and ERCP.
He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). He also serves the community as a member of the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM).
“Taking care of patients is a great privilege and responsibility. I always try to be as thorough as possible, and my goal is to communicate openly and honestly with my patients. I believe patients will ultimately do better if they understand their illness and treatment plan.”
Dr. Gallahan grew up in the Northern Neck of Virginia. He attended Woodberry Forest School before his time in Charlottesville. Dr. Gallahan is married to a native Richmonder and has three children. He and his family regularly attend Hope Church.
Dr. Gallahan is a huge fan of all sports and avidly follows the Washington Commanders and UVA athletics. He enjoys coaching his children’s sports teams and likes to sneak away to the golf course whenever he can.
Sachit Sharma, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Sharma sees patients at the Midlothian office in N. Chesterfield, Virginia.
Dr. Sharma's medical career began with an MBBS degree from Manipal College of Medical Sciences in Nepal, where he graduated with honors in 2013, supported by a full scholarship from the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Government of Nepal. His clinical acumen was further honed during his Internal Medicine Residency at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, IL, followed by a tenure as Chief Resident at the University of Toledo, OH. Dr. Sharma then worked as a Hospitalist at Promedica Toledo Hospital before completing his Fellowship in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Virginia Commonwealth University in July 2024.
His contributions to the field are substantial, with numerous peer-reviewed publications that address diverse topics such as the efficacy of endoscopic techniques, prognostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma, and the impact of various interventions on gastrointestinal outcomes. Noteworthy publications include systematic reviews and meta-analyses on endoscopic treatments and prognostic factors, reflecting his expertise and ongoing research efforts.
Dr. Sharma's professional affiliations include memberships in the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). His commitment to the field is also evidenced by his ABIM Board Certification in Internal Medicine and his active involvement in various national and international medical societies.
Fluent in English, Nepali, Hindi, and Urdu, he brings a diverse linguistic and cultural perspective to his practice. Dr. Sharma's dedication to both clinical excellence and research makes him a valuable asset to the gastroenterology community, continuously working towards improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.
Dr. Sharma resides in the suburbs of Richmond, VA with his family.
Parth Maheshwari, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates in Richmond, Virginia. Joining RGA in August 2024, directly after completing his fellowship, Dr. Maheshwari sees patients at the Midlothian office in N. Chesterfield, Virginia.
Dr. Maheshwari earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia in 2014, and went on to complete his Doctor of Medicine degree at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 2018.
Following medical school, Dr. Maheshwari completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 2021. He then pursued specialized training through a competitive Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. He is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and is an active member of several professional medical organizations.
Dr. Maheshwari has authored several peer-reviewed publications in esteemed journals, including the Annals of Gastroenterology and the International Journal of Colorectal Disease. His work often explores the intersection of clinical practice and research, aiming to improve patient outcomes in gastroenterology.
Dr. Maheshwari speaks Hindi and Urdu fluently, allowing him to connect with a diverse patient population. Outside of medicine, he enjoys dancing, reading, watching movies, and trivia. His diverse interests reflect his well-rounded approach to both his personal and professional endeavors, making him a dedicated and multifaceted physician.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
