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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.

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.

Dr. Ron Rakowski, a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician for more than 25 years, was born and raised in Northern New Jersey and received his undergraduate degree in Biology with honors from Harvard College.  He graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD and completed his Emergency Medicine residency as an active duty USAF officer in the integrated program at Wright Patterson AFB / Wright State University in Dayton, OH.  After achieving the rank of Major and completing his obligation to the USAF at The First Fighter Wing Hospital Langley AFB, he separated from the military and became a staff physician and director of the Emergency Department at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA.  In 2001, following the birth of his third child, he and his family relocated to Maryland, where he became a staff physician at Frederick Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department, eventually becoming its Vice Chairman and then Medical Director.

 

Dr. Rakowski left FMH after 13 years and since has held various appointments, including as an internal travel physician with TeamHealth (staff EM physician at St. Joseph’s in Syracuse, NY and staff EM physician and director at St. Joseph’s in Reading, PA), staff EM physician with Holy Cross Hospital (Germantown, MD), staff EM physician with UPMC (Susquehanna / Williamsport, PA), and staff EM physician with WellSpan (Gettysburg, PA and Good Samaritan in Lebanon, PA).  When not in the ED, Dr. Rakowski has organized several medical mission trips to the Amazon basin in Peru and the mountain communities in Costa Rica.  

He continues to reside in Maryland with his wife and two dogs.  Dr. Rakowski looks forward to his involvement with RediCare Mobile Health Service and the impact the organization will have in keeping our communities at home, safe and healthy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Akukeng W. Mba, MSN, FNP, CFCS, is an experienced family nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience, including almost five experience as a foot care specialist. She’s highly skilled in exceeding the general and podiatry needs of patients aged 12 and older.

Akukeng received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and family nurse practitioner credentials from Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner (FNP) who maintains her advanced medical credentials with continuing education.

Akukeng has worked in hospital and clinic settings. She has expertise in medication administration, nursing education, critical care medicine, healthcare management, advanced cardiac life support, and foot care. Akukeng specializes in routine foot assessments, diabetic foot exams, callus debridement, and managing conditions that affect the toenails.

Akukeng loves spending time with her friends and family when she’s not caring for patients. She welcomes new and existing patients to Diversity Health Clinic LLC and looks forward to improving their health and quality of life. 

Abraham Mbangowah, MSN, FNP, is a compassionate family nurse practitioner with nearly 15 years of experience working with patients of all ages. He’s highly skilled in all areas of primary, urgent, and preventive care.

Abraham earned his associate's degree in general studies at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland. He received his bachelor’s degree in nursing at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he graduated cum laude and was a member of the Mary Mahoney Honors Society. Abraham received his master’s degree and family nurse practitioner training at Chamberlain University in Irving, Texas. 

He’s a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP). Abraham specializes in general medicine and all areas of primary care, including the treatment of illnesses, diseases, and mental health conditions. He completes continuing education to provide the latest advances in medical care.

Abraham speaks English, French, and Creole. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Abraham is passionate about caring for his patients and warmly welcomes them to Diversity Health Clinic LLC.  

John Watts Haresch, MD is a family medicine physician who joined the practice in 2024. He currently focuses on the care of older adults. He previously served as a Regional Medical Officer with the U.S. Department of State, operated a full-spectrum private practice, and has been medical director of organizations meeting the needs of underserved communities. He completed medical school and family medicine residency in the University of North Carolina system.

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.