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.
Dr. Rai is considered a national thought leader and expert in the field of Gastroenterology and liver disease. He was named a Baltimore Magazine top doctor in 2016, 2017 and 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024 and a Washingtonian Magazine top doctor in 2018 and 2020.
Dr. Rai currently serves as the medical director at the gastro center of Maryland. He has served on the medical faculty at Johns Hopkins University in the division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology for more than 12 years, where he served as Medical Director of adult liver transplantation. He is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, with over 22 years of experience. He completed his Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in 1996 and completed an additional year of Advanced Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Rai presents regularly at national and regional meetings and has received many awards including Excellence in Clinical Research Award from the American College of Gastroenterology, Passano Clinician Scientist Award from Johns Hopkins University, Industry Research Scholar Award & Astra-Merck Award from the American Digestive Health Foundation, among others. He has published dozens of scholarly articles in peer reviewed journals and authored many chapters for medical textbooks. He has performed over 100,000 procedures in this field and pioneered new and innovative medical techniques.
Dr. Monica Passi, MD is a double board-certified physician specializing in Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Internal Medicine. She is currently accepting new patients.
As an advanced endoscopist, Dr. Passi has particular expertise in pancreatobiliary disorders and the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Her clinical interests include early detection and management of a wide range of GI and liver conditions, such as acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eosinophilic esophagitis, gastritis, and celiac disease, colon cancer screening and GI malignancies. Along with routine endoscopic procedures, Dr. Passi is skilled in performing the complex and technically demanding procedures of advanced endoscopy.
Dr. Passi is committed to delivering care that places the patient at the center of every decision and believes in shared decision making. She takes a holistic view of each person, developing personalized treatment strategies that reflect their individual needs and values. By fostering open dialogue and building trust, she works to establish meaningful relationships with her patients—ones rooted in compassion and mutual respect. Her mission is to provide the education and support patients need to make informed, confident choices about their health.
A native of the D.C. metropolitan area, Dr. Passi earned her medical degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Northwell Health in Queens, NY. She then pursued a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Maryland and the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. To further specialize in advanced therapeutic endoscopy and pancreatobiliary disease, she completed a dedicated fellowship in advanced endoscopy at Northwell Health.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Passi is passionate about contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge. She has presented her research at national and international conferences and authored numerous publications in respected, peer-reviewed journals.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Passi enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.
Dr. Passi provides expert, personalized care for a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, combining clinical excellence with a compassionate approach. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or seeking answers to new symptoms, Dr. Passi is here to guide you every step on your path to better health.
Khadijat Balogun, MD, is a gastroenterologist at GI Associates of Maryland. She offers compassionate and effective care to patients at the Waldorf, Maryland, office.
Dr. Balogun obtained her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She completed her internal medicine residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and a three-year fellowship program at Albany Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Balogun is board-certified in internal medicine as well as gastroenterology. She is a professional member of the American Gastroenterological Association, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Dr. Balogun cares for patients with a wide range of issues, including colon cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, liver disease, women’s health, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
Dr. Balogun aims to provide the highest medical care to all her patients in a safe and friendly environment.
Gowri Kularatna, MD, specializes in gastroenterology at GI Associates of Maryland in Waldorf, Maryland. She has years of experience in the medical field and uses her knowledge to diagnose and treat patients.
Dr. Kularatna attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biology. She then received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.
Dr. Kularatna completed her internal medicine residency at Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts and a gastroenterology fellowship at The Barnes-Jewish Hospital through Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Kularatna is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. She is also a professional member of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterology Association.
At GI Associates of Maryland in Waldorf, Dr. Kularatna works closely with patients to ensure she provides expert care. She has a comfortable office setting and takes an evidence-based approach to treat her patients.
Lornette Mills, MD, is a respected gastroenterologist serving patients at GI Associates of Maryland in Waldorf, Maryland. She specializes in internal medicine and gastroenterology and enjoys working closely with her patients to ensure optimal health.
In 1993, Dr. Mills received her medical degree from the Jacobs School Of Medicine And Biomedical Sciences in Buffalo, New York. In 1996, she completed her internal medicine residency program at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. She then finished her gastroenterology fellowship program at SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn in 1999.
Before joining her current practice, Dr. Mills practiced for two years in Prince Frederick, Maryland. This experience makes her an excellent addition to the GI Associates of Maryland team.
At the practice, Dr. Mills provides compassionate and effective care. She takes the time to listen to her patients and doesn't rush through her appointments. You're in good hands with Dr. Mills.
As stated above I have been in practice for 38 years with emphasis in gastroenterology and adult medicine. I am extremely good at what I do and my patients are very comfortable with me as I am truly down to earth ad straight forward.
Eduardo Castillo, MD, is a board-certified physician, with specialties in both gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Castillo is committed to treating his patients with an exemplary level of care in a family atmosphere and is proud to offer his skills at the Gastro Center of Maryland located in Columbia and Olney, Maryland.
Originally from Lima, Peru, Dr. Castillo received his medical degree from Lima’s prestigious Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. He then traveled to Detroit, Michigan, for an internship, residency, and fellowship at the Henry Ford Hospital, where he served as chief medical resident of internal medicine and chief fellow for gastroenterology.
Dr. Castillo has conducted a wide range of research on digestive issues, as well as liver cancer, cirrhosis, microscopic colitis, and peptic ulcer disease. In addition to being widely published, Dr. Castillo has presented his findings at national medical conferences. He’s also a member of the American Medical Association, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American College of Gastroenterology, and is board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and hepatology.
Dr. Castillo has a special interest in treating and preventing colon cancer, as well as treating hepatitis C, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease, and clostridium difficile infection.
Farzin Rashti, MD, FACP, is Board Certified in Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Internal Medicine and is dedicated to offering his patients superior personalized care in a respectful and supportive environment. He sees his patients at Gastro Center of Maryland’s office in Riverdale, Maryland.
Dr. Rashti works toward developing a partnership with his patients and forms a unique connection, which allows for a more individualized and targeted treatment plan.
Dr. Rashti received his medical degree from the Howard University College of Medicine. He completed an internship year at the Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center and completed his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital/Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.
Dr. Rashti has authored numerous scholarly articles and book chapters and has presented his research at national gastroenterology medical conferences. He has helped design and establish protocols for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium Difficile infections. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and is a member of the American Medical Association, American Gastroenterological Association, and American College of Gastroenterology.
He treats patients with a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), acid reflux and GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation, liver disease, biliopancreatic disorders, Celiac Disease, and Clostridium Difficile infections, in addition to many other ailments. Dr. Rashti specializes in performing advanced endoscopic procedures including Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography (ERCP), Single Balloon Enteroscopy, Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), Overstitch (endoscopic suturing), and the removal of advanced lesions.
Dhruv Lowe, MD, is an experienced, board-certified physician specializing in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Internal Medicine. He sees patients at Gastro Center of Maryland's location in Riverdale and Gaithersburg, Maryland.
With a passion for providing exceptional patient care, Dr. Lowe treats a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, such as acid-reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastritis, celiac disease, liver disease, and other common gastrointestinal ailments utilizing the latest advancements in the field.
Dr. Lowe approaches each patient as a unique individual, tailoring treatment plans to their specific needs. He values a patient-centered approach and strives to establish strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and respect. His goal is to empower patients with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Dr. Lowe earned his medical degree from Maulana Aazad Medical College in New Delhi, India, a leading medical institute in the country. Following that, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at SUNY Upstate Medical University. His extensive training has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the field and a commitment to providing evidence-based medical care.
Passionate about advancing medical knowledge, Dr. Lowe has presented at national gastroenterology conferences and has authored numerous review articles and clinical research papers in esteemed peer-reviewed publications.
During his free time, Dr. Lowe enjoys playing tennis, hiking and exploring new food places with his wife and kids.
If you're seeking compassionate, personalized care for your gastrointestinal health, Dr. Lowe is ready to provide exceptional medical expertise and support on your journey to wellness.
Dabo Xu, MD, is a board-certified physician in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine at the Gastro Center of Maryland, with locations in Annapolis, Columbia, Olney, Riverdale, Timonium and Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Dr. Xu treats a wide variety of conditions at the practice, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, colon cancer, liver disease, and other gastrointestinal conditions.
Dr. Xu completed his medical residency at St. Agnes Hospital, as well as a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Michigan. He has conducted clinical and translational research on several topics, such as GERD, intestinal inflammation, liver diseases and cancers, and gastrointestinal pharmacology.His works were published in the most prestigious gastroenterology journals and presented at national and international medical conferences.
He has more than 20 years of clinical experience in gastroenterology and hepatology. Dr. Xu has a special interest in preventive care, often working alongside patients to prevent disease and improve their quality of life through precise and effective personalized treatments.
With a passion and dedication to patient experiences, Dr. Xu believes it’s important to build relationships with those in his care and enjoys helping patients find better health and wellness.
Pia Prakash, MD, is a leading physician at the Gastro Center of Maryland in Columbia and Olney, Maryland. She is board certified in both gastroenterology and hepatology and is passionate about offering her patients personalized, compassionate care that meets their treatment goals.
Dr. Prakash studied medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington D.C. After graduating, she completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology, both at George Washington University. Dr. Prakash has also participated in a number of research studies, primarily focusing on colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), women’s health, and the impacts of celiac disease.
Now at the Gastro Center of Maryland, Dr. Prakash treats a wide variety of conditions, including acid reflux, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, and constipation. She also specializes in the placement of Orbera intragastric balloon for weight loss. Additionally, she frequently treats acute and chronic liver disease. Dr. Prakash specializes in the use of capsule endoscopy in diagnosis, also known as PillCam®.
Dr. Monica Passi, MD is a double board-certified physician specializing in Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Internal Medicine. She is currently accepting new patients.
As an advanced endoscopist, Dr. Passi has particular expertise in pancreatobiliary disorders and the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Her clinical interests include early detection and management of a wide range of GI and liver conditions, such as acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eosinophilic esophagitis, gastritis, and celiac disease, colon cancer screening and GI malignancies. Along with routine endoscopic procedures, Dr. Passi is skilled in performing the complex and technically demanding procedures of advanced endoscopy.
Dr. Passi is committed to delivering care that places the patient at the center of every decision and believes in shared decision making. She takes a holistic view of each person, developing personalized treatment strategies that reflect their individual needs and values. By fostering open dialogue and building trust, she works to establish meaningful relationships with her patients—ones rooted in compassion and mutual respect. Her mission is to provide the education and support patients need to make informed, confident choices about their health.
A native of the D.C. metropolitan area, Dr. Passi earned her medical degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Northwell Health in Queens, NY. She then pursued a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Maryland and the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. To further specialize in advanced therapeutic endoscopy and pancreatobiliary disease, she completed a dedicated fellowship in advanced endoscopy at Northwell Health.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Passi is passionate about contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge. She has presented her research at national and international conferences and authored numerous publications in respected, peer-reviewed journals.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Passi enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.
Dr. Passi provides expert, personalized care for a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, combining clinical excellence with a compassionate approach. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or seeking answers to new symptoms, Dr. Passi is here to guide you every step on your path to better health.
As stated above I have been in practice for 38 years with emphasis in gastroenterology and adult medicine. I am extremely good at what I do and my patients are very comfortable with me as I am truly down to earth ad straight forward.
Dr. Kent Aje is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist with advanced fellowship training in clinical nutrition. A Maryland native from Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, he earned his B.S. in Forensic Science with a minor in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating with honors. He received his medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Dr. Aje completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Loyola University Medical Center, followed by a Clinical Nutrition Fellowship at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center.
He has served as a Hospitalist at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and has made significant contributions to both research and medical education. Dr. Aje has presented at national and international gastroenterology conferences and has co-authored various publications, including case reports and textbook chapters. He is an active member of several professional societies, including the ACG, AGA, ASGE, and the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists.
Dr. Aje is deeply committed to patient-centered care, academic excellence, and addressing health disparities. His clinical interests include colorectal cancer screening and prevention, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver conditions, intestinal failure, and the intersection of nutrition and gastrointestinal health. Outside of work, Dr. Aje enjoys spending quality time with his growing family, weightlifting, playing guitar, reading science fiction, and cooking.
Patryk Madrid, DNP, FNP-C, is a gastroenterology nurse practitioner at Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A., serving patients in Annapolis and surrounding areas.
Dr. Madrid completed his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, and at Warner Pacific University in Nursing. He received his nurse practitioner doctoral degree from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Madrid has worked in several healthcare roles for over 15 years including endoscopy, oncology, education, emergency medicine, integrative medicine, and military healthcare administration. Dr. Madrid is a member of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers (GHAPP) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioner (AANP). Most recently, Dr. Madrid held a faculty position with the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing teaching gastroenterology, health assessment, pathophysiology, and other nursing education.
Dr. Madrid strives to deliver high-quality healthcare that is empathetic, comprehensive, and equitable. His clinical approach is integrative with an understanding that treatment plans are uniquely tailored to each patient. Outside of work, Dr. Madrid enjoys reading comics, indoor cycling, being outside, and spending time with his husband, dogs, and cats.
Thomas L. Simcox, MD, is proud to provide comprehensive gastroenterology care at Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. in Annapolis and Kent Island, Maryland. Board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology, Dr. Simcox's areas of interest include acid reflux, gastrointestinal malignancies, and liver disorders.
Born and raised in northern California, Dr. Simcox graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2002 and subsequently spent 18 months in a genetics research lab. He moved to Virginia to attend Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree.
Dr. Simcox completed his internal medicine internship and residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. He then completed his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship training with the University of Maryland and the National Institutes of Health Scholars program. Dr. Simcox has presented his research in gastrointestinal disorders at the nation's largest gastroenterology conferences.
He lives in Annapolis with his wife, who is a pediatrician at Annapolis Pediatrics. He enjoys travel, snow and water sports, and running.
Khadijat Balogun, MD, is a gastroenterologist at GI Associates of Maryland. She offers compassionate and effective care to patients at the Waldorf, Maryland, office.
Dr. Balogun obtained her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She completed her internal medicine residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and a three-year fellowship program at Albany Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Balogun is board-certified in internal medicine as well as gastroenterology. She is a professional member of the American Gastroenterological Association, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Dr. Balogun cares for patients with a wide range of issues, including colon cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, liver disease, women’s health, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis).
Dr. Balogun aims to provide the highest medical care to all her patients in a safe and friendly environment.