About Us

The diverse specialists at the Digestive Health Institute are here to help you feel better, whether we’re finding and treating the cause of chronic stomachaches, easing hernia pain, addressing cancer or using various medical or surgical weight loss approaches to get you to a healthier place.

We know that if something’s not right in your digestive tract or your body is struggling to carry added weight, it can affect every aspect of your life, making you miss work or school, important events and family fun. We get it and we’re here to help.

Digestive health issues are common, affecting about 65 million Americans. Because each person’s experience is unique, our team has a broad base of experience and expertise that helps identify and treat whatever is happening to you. We are committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care, using the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions available and following the highest national quality and safety standards.

Mission Statement

The Digestive Health Institute mission is to deliver world-class, coordinated, and compassionate digestive health care for all. We aspire to be the national leader in comprehensive digestive health care with a commitment to clinical excellence, health equity, research and education.

Core Values and Principles

At the Digestive Health Institute, we are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care by combining innovative treatment approaches with a patient-centered focus. Through a unified network, we ensure accessible, coordinated services for every patient, grounded in respect, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our collaborative team of experts is driven to bring the best in digestive health to communities across Connecticut.

Institute History

The Digestive Health Institute offers a network of coordinated care options, ensuring patients across Connecticut receive the highest standards of treatment for digestive health services. Evolving from independent programs and a variety of geographical locations, our Institute unifies specialized care for digestive diseases and conditions, providing comprehensive, cohesive services across multiple locations. This approach allows patients to access expert care close to home, with our providers available at hospitals and centers throughout the state — all sharing the same commitment to quality, safety, and patient —centered service.

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Our Team

The Digestive Health Institute team brings together a comprehensive range of subspecialties, including gastroenterologists, medical & surgical weight management, general and colorectal surgery, complex hernia and abdominal core health, specialized management for the liver, pancreas, and bile duct, GI oncology, nutrition, and behavioral health. Our collaborative team composed of physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), nurses, and specialized support staff works together to deliver seamless, comprehensive care. Depending on your needs, your care team may involve several of these skilled professionals, each focused on supporting you throughout your digestive health journey. In addition to specialists, our nurse navigators serve as educators and advocates for patients while also easing some of the logistical complexities of modern healthcare.

Leading the focus on excellence and innovation are Jeffrey Nestler, MD, a gastroenterologist, Bret Schipper, MD, a surgical oncologist, and Lindsey Meehan, PA-C, vice president of operations.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Hartford HealthCare Digestive Health Institute