In a recent news release, St. Luke’s University Health Network welcomed Vaishali Patel, M.D., an advanced endoscopist, to its gastroenterology department.

Patel started at SLUHN Aug. 5, becoming the network’s first female advanced endoscopist and bringing her expertise to SLUHN Allentown campus.

“Patel’s arrival signifies a pivotal advancement for St. Luke’s as she expands access to specialized endoscopic procedures to additional St. Luke’s locations.

“This development not only reduces the need for patients to travel, but also enhances the network’s competitive advantage in providing leading edge gastrointestinal care,” according to the news release.

Moreover, having Patel in the department will help reduce wait times for patients, which is particularly important for urgent cases.

“As the first female advanced endoscopist at St. Luke’s, Patel’s presence will be particularly impactful, offering female patients a greater sense of comfort and representation,” the news release continues.

“I’m really hoping that the visibility of a female advanced endoscopist will not only benefit our patients, but also inspire our trainees, medical students, residents and fellows within the St. Luke’s Network,” Patel said in the news release.

“Having a female provider can offer a general comfort level for female patients seeking advanced endoscopy.”

Born and raised in Allentown, Patel is returning to the community where she grew up.

Part of her motivation to return was to be closer to family and to provide a supportive environment for her son, who has been diagnosed with autism and attention deficit disorder. Patel earned her medical degree from Harvard University School of Medicine and her Master of Health Sciences degree in clinical research from Duke University, where she completed her residency and fellowship.

She diagnosed and treated general gastrointestinal diseases, as well as biliary and pancreatic disorders during her eight years at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta.

Patel has a special interest in bariatric endoscopy.