Find a Top Family Doctor Near Me in Gaithersburg, MD – Book an Appointment Instantly

Board Certified in Integrative & Holistic Medicine as well as Family Medicine, Certified Functional Medicine physician Dr. Calihan brings decades of experience to her work with patients, whom she helps achieve optimal health and wellness through a variety of techniques.

Dr. Calihan has spent many years studying and obtaining credentials in holistic, functional, and integrative medicine. Her practice has been awarded the Best of Loudoun prize for alternative medicine each year since 2007.

Dr. Calihan graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, before obtaining her medical degree from Georgetown University Medical School in Georgetown, Washington, DC.

Dr. Calihan trained and precepted at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC, and she also trained in acupuncture with Dr. Joseph Helms at UCLA.

In 2000, Dr. Calihan earned her board-certification in Holistic Medicine, and in 2014 became a member of the first class of Certified Functional Medicine Physicians through the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Dr. Calihan was a founding owner and former medical director at Loudoun Medical Group, one of the largest multi-specialty physician practices in the mid-Atlantic region. She was also their Board Chair from 2000 to 2005.

Dr. Calihan specializes in the treatment of chronic, complex conditions, including autoimmune disease, thyroid and hormonal imbalances, biotoxin illness, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia. Using the Functional medicine approach, she searches for the cause of a condition and then works to help rebalance the system.

Visit Dr. Calihan for compassionate, comprehensive health care with a personal touch. She’s currently welcoming new patients.

For over 10 years, I have been combining conventional and innovative methods to modern medicine in order to attain unbelievable healing results for my patients. Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I am able to deliver high-quality care that utilizes the most advancement in medicine. I am particularly interested in health prevention, creating access and delivery of care that is cost-effective and appropriate for the individual. I graduated in 2009 with honors, where I completed my clinical training in Family Medicine. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I was also a clinical faculty at DeSales University for 5 where I had the privilege of helping to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners.

Sultana Afrooz, DO, is a holistic and integrative medicine physician at Be The Change Health & Wellness, located in Columbia, Maryland. Dr. Afrooz specializes in diagnosing and treating highly complex health challenges confronting many patients and providing them with the in-depth, compassionate, and individualized care they deserve.

Dr. Afrooz has practiced osteopathic medicine since receiving her doctorate from Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2002. Her training included an osteopathic internship and family practice residency at the Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Afrooz was board certified in family practice from 2005 to 2014 and is currently board-eligible. She has successfully completed the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners NBOME Part I, II, III Boards, the State Osteopathic Licensing Examination, and is licensed to practice medicine in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

Dr. Afrooz is committed to evaluating and treating the individual while improving their physical health and spiritual well-being. She is well-versed in testing and discovering environmental, genetic, and infectious factors connected to chronic health issues. Dr. Afrooz utilizes the best available integrative laboratory evaluations to get to the root cause of disease and help patients regain their health. Dr. Afrooz brings to her practice of medicine a history of continued excellence in her training and education, an intellectual curiosity that's motivated by compassion, and a life-long commitment to learning. Dr. Sultana Afrooz specializes in treating patients who have been chronically ill from the effects of tick-borne infection, mold toxicity, and environmental toxicity.

Dr. Afrooz uses an integrative approach to treatment using prescription antimicrobials, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements. She has an exceptional knowledge of mind-body medicine, food as medicine, and other integrative functional approaches to health and healing. Dr. Afrooz is dedicated to helping her patients achieve wellness and healing in all aspects of their lives. She believes that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself and that it is her goal as a practitioner to guide patients in their journey to healing. Dr. Afrooz has had extensive training in the treatment of tick-borne infections and has attended annual ILADS conferences to keep up to date on the latest research and treatments in tick-borne infections and Multiple Infectious Disease Syndrome. With this training, she has become extremely involved in learning about the systemic effects of mold toxicity and treating the chronic systemic effects of mold illness. Dr. Afrooz has also spent years studying the various methods of persistence in chronic infections.

Colleen Abell is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in 2006. She has practiced as a nurse practitioner for the past sixteen years. Ms. Abell's experience includes working in a family medical clinic, but she spent most of her career providing care for patients recovering from Bariatric and GI surgical/oncology procedures. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Ms. Abell worked as a Registered Nurse in cardiology and emergency medicine.

Colleen joined the Gastro Center of Maryland in 2021 after relocating from the NY/NJ area. She is dedicated to being a great provider and advocate for her patients. Outside of work, Ms. Abell enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys.

Gastro Center of Maryland (GCM) is one of the largest GI group practices in the state. We provide expert, compassionate care across multiple locations for a wide range of digestive and liver conditions.

We treat everything from acid reflux and IBS to Crohn’s disease, liver disorders, and colon cancer screenings. Our experienced providers use the latest technology to create personalized treatment plans focused on your individual needs.

Our state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Centers offer advanced procedures such as Bravo pH testing, PillCam capsule endoscopy, STRETTA for reflux, and Orbera for weight loss. We also provide onsite pathology and an IBD Infusion Center for faster, more accurate care in one place.

Appointments are easy to schedule with same-week and NextDay GI availability to fit your busy life.

At GCM, we are here to help you feel your best every step of the way.
We are currently welcoming new patients. Call or book online today to get started.

Xinna Yi is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University, which she completed in 2023. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in a family medical clinic and her previous role as a Registered Nurse specializing in cardiology medicine. Before transitioning to nursing, she graduated from medical school in China and gained one and a half years of experience as a gastrointestinal physician at an academic hospital in China.

 Xinna is committed to patient-centered care, employing a collaborative, team-based approach to healthcare. She has a passion for continuous learning and teaching. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching movies, and traveling.

Elizabeth York, PA-C, is an experienced physician assistant at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC.

Growing up as a high school science teacher’s daughter, Elizabeth always gravitated toward studying medicine. She received her bachelor’s in science from Boston College in Boston, Massachusetts, before beginning her career managing clinical research trials.

After spending several years in the research sector, Elizabeth realized she wanted to work directly with patients. She earned her physician assistant degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth’s interest in colorectal surgery grew during her general surgery training, and she ultimately completed formal training.

Elizabeth is proud to serve patients struggling with anal pain, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, and other colorectal ailments at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. She truly enjoys taking an active role in her patients’ health care management and well-being.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves spending time with her husband, Chris, and their daughter. The family especially enjoys exploring the culture and diversity Washington, D.C., has to offer.

 

Alexandra Minutillo, PA-C, is a physician assistant at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with a minor in Creative Writing from Washington & Lee University and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Alexandra began her career at Fairfax Colon & Rectal Surgery in September 2024, where she specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids, pilonidal cysts, anal pain, abscesses, pruritus, and other colorectal conditions. She was drawn to colorectal surgery during her PA school training, where she developed a strong interest in both the clinical and procedural aspects of the field.

She values building trust with her patients and takes pride in guiding them through sensitive concerns with compassion and clarity. In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys exploring Washington, D.C., and spending time with her family and friends.

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Mrs. Monica Lovins, is a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner who has been in health care for the last 40 years, advancing her career as a registered nurse in the ICU, Educator in the ICU as well as teaching at Catholic University of America while attaining her master’s in science with a GPA of 3.89, from Felician University, Lodi, New Jersey. She has received multiple nursing award to include excellence and expertise in multiple nursing modalities.

Monica joined Gastro Center of Maryland in 2017 after many years at John’s Hospital Bayview in the Department of Surgery, Bariatric Department. Her mission to treat all gastrointestinal diseases and facilitate, best outcomes for patients who suffer from chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

When off Monica enjoys quilting as well as spending time with family and friends.

Xinna Yi is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University, which she completed in 2023. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in a family medical clinic and her previous role as a Registered Nurse specializing in cardiology medicine. Before transitioning to nursing, she graduated from medical school in China and gained one and a half years of experience as a gastrointestinal physician at an academic hospital in China.

 Xinna is committed to patient-centered care, employing a collaborative, team-based approach to healthcare. She has a passion for continuous learning and teaching. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching movies, and traveling.

Priscilla Lobo is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in critical care nursing. She began her nursing career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her journey began in telemetry, where she built a strong foundation in patient care and cardiac monitoring. Seeking greater challenges, she transitioned to the intensive care unit, specializing in cardiology and neurology. During this time, she served as a charge nurse and preceptor, mentoring new nurses and leading her team in delivering high-quality patient care.

 

Her passion for advanced practice nursing led her to attain a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, where she became a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and making a meaningful impact on her patients’ lives.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, two children, and their dog.

Gastro Center of Maryland (GCM) is one of the largest GI group practices in the state. We provide expert, compassionate care across multiple locations for a wide range of digestive and liver conditions.

We treat everything from acid reflux and IBS to Crohn’s disease, liver disorders, and colon cancer screenings. Our experienced providers use the latest technology to create personalized treatment plans focused on your individual needs.

Our state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Centers offer advanced procedures such as Bravo pH testing, PillCam capsule endoscopy, STRETTA for reflux, and Orbera for weight loss. We also provide onsite pathology and an IBD Infusion Center for faster, more accurate care in one place.

Appointments are easy to schedule with same-week and NextDay GI availability to fit your busy life.

At GCM, we are here to help you feel your best every step of the way.
We are currently welcoming new patients. Call or book online today to get started.

Colleen Abell is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in 2006. She has practiced as a nurse practitioner for the past sixteen years. Ms. Abell's experience includes working in a family medical clinic, but she spent most of her career providing care for patients recovering from Bariatric and GI surgical/oncology procedures. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Ms. Abell worked as a Registered Nurse in cardiology and emergency medicine.

Colleen joined the Gastro Center of Maryland in 2021 after relocating from the NY/NJ area. She is dedicated to being a great provider and advocate for her patients. Outside of work, Ms. Abell enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys.

Sheeri Jonnala is an experienced Clinical Dietitian with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. She is skilled in health promotion, weight management and clinical nutrition. She obtained her Master of Science (MS) focused in Human Nutrition from Drexel University. Sheeri enjoys trying new recipes, traveling and playing with her two girls.