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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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.