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Welcoming Compassionate Gastroenterologist, Dr. Eric Tatro, to Salem Gastro
Welcoming Compassionate Gastroenterologist, Dr. Eric Tatro, to Salem Gastro
We are proud to welcome Dr. Eric Tatro to the Salem Gastro team! With a deep commitment to prevention, education, and patient-centered care, Dr. Tatro brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to the field of gastroenterology.
A Passion for Prevention and Patient Empowerment
Dr. Tatro completed his medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, followed by an Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Utah, and a Gastroenterology Fellowship at TTUHSC El Paso, where he also served as Chief Fellow. He has presented at national GI conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed research on IBS, variceal bleeding, and gastric varices.
“Knowing that every day I’m actively helping to prevent colorectal cancer—the third most deadly cancer in the U.S.—brings me real satisfaction. Granting people more years with their loved ones is a privilege I don’t take lightly.”
A Personalized, Respect-Driven Approach
Dr. Tatro’s care philosophy is simple: treat every patient the way you would treat your own family.
“Most pitfalls in healthcare can be avoided by following that one principle. I strive to ensure each patient feels heard, respected, and understood.”
He’s also a strong advocate for equipping primary care providers with timely, transparent specialty support. He is fluent in Spanish and takes pride in building trust with patients in their native language.
Clinical Interests
Dr. Tatro’s clinical interests include:
- Colorectal cancer screening and prevention
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Liver disease
- Holistic gut health
Common Patient Questions Dr. Tatro Often Addresses
Q: If my mom or sibling has Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis (UC), am I bound to get it? Or if no one in my family has IBD, why do I have it?
There is a complex interplay between genetics and environment in the development of IBD (Crohn’s and UC), which is still not fully understood. Risk factors include genetics, smoking, Westernized diet, and gut microbiome changes. If you have IBD, there is no need to feel like you’ve done something wrong—and if your family has IBD, you’re not necessarily destined to develop it.
Q: If I eat healthy, exercise, have no family history of colorectal cancer (CRC), and no symptoms—can I skip colon cancer screening?
Even without risk factors, small precancerous polyps can go undetected and eventually lead to cancer. Colonoscopy is the gold standard because it can remove polyps before they turn into cancer. Stool-based tests can’t do that. We strongly encourage everyone to be proactive about screening.
Q: Are probiotics and supplements worth it for gut health?
Most supplements and probiotics lack strong scientific backing. A diverse diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean proteins is far more effective. Kombucha, kefir, and Greek yogurt are great options for naturally introducing beneficial bacteria. Antibiotics, by contrast, kill both “good” and “bad” bacteria—so only use them when advised.
Beyond Medicine
Dr. Tatro is a self-proclaimed “gastroenterologist by day, gastronomist by night.” He finds joy in extravagant home cooking and considers being a devoted husband and father of a young family his most meaningful role. His hobbies include hiking, camping, playing piano, rockhounding, video games, and tabletop games.
Now Accepting New Patients
We are thrilled to have Dr. Eric Tatro at Salem Gastro. His expertise, empathy, and whole-person approach make him a trusted partner in patient care.
📞 Call 503.399.7520 to schedule an appointment.
Salem Gastro Welcomes Dr. Charles Du to the Team!
Salem Gastro Welcomes Gastroenterologist Dr. Charles Du
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Charles Du, a Harvard- and University of Chicago–trained gastroenterologist, to Salem Gastro. With advanced training in complex GI conditions and a commitment to personalized, community-based care, Dr. Du brings both expertise and heart to our growing team.
Academic Foundation, Community Focus
Dr. Du earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College, where he graduated summa cum laude in Chemistry with a minor in Statistics. He earned his medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Mount Sinai in New York, and most recently completed his Gastroenterology Fellowship at Cook County Health in Chicago.
His research has focused on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and his clinical training spans both large academic medical centers and community hospitals.
“Taking a large polyp out of a patient’s colon before it turns cancerous might be the easiest way to save someone’s life,” says Dr. Du. “Whether I’m helping someone with IBD return to thriving health, or restoring their ability to eat and drink after a dilation procedure, it’s incredibly rewarding to see patients get their lives back.”
Clinical Interests
Dr. Du’s areas of expertise include:
• Colon cancer prevention
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Cirrhosis
• Esophageal manometry
• Achalasia dilation
• Ambulatory pH monitoring for GERD
• Esophageal stricture dilation
• ERCP
A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach
Dr. Du believes that great care starts with great communication:
“My job is to make sure patients feel informed and empowered. Some conditions have a clear treatment path, while others involve trade-offs and personal preferences. Either way, we make decisions together.”
He also appreciates Salem Gastro’s infrastructure and team approach:
“I joined Salem Gastro because this practice delivers the kind of care I’d want for my own family—efficient, evidence-based, and personal.”
Common Questions Dr. Du Helps Patients Navigate
Q: Why not just use Cologuard for colon cancer screening?
Stool-based tests like Cologuard can detect cancer, but they often miss precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy is still the gold standard because it allows us to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
Q: What causes bloating, and can it be fixed?
Bloating often stems from constipation or difficulty digesting certain foods. A temporary low-FODMAP diet can help identify triggers—but long-term plans should be personalized.
Q: Can diet help manage my Crohn’s or colitis?
Diet plays a role in IBD risk, but once you have Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, medication is usually needed. That said, minimizing processed foods and eating fiber—unless you have a narrowing—can still support your overall health.
What Patients Say About Dr. Du
“You listened to my concerns and explained everything with clarity and patience. I felt seen, and that made all the difference.” – Sheryl Y.
“I lost 30 pounds before my achalasia diagnosis. After Dr. Du’s balloon dilation procedure, I’ve regained 19 pounds and can eat again without fear. I’m deeply grateful.” – Lynn D.
Outside the Clinic
Dr. Du and his wife enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors and are excited to raise their daughter in the Pacific Northwest.
Now Accepting New Patients
📞 Call 503.399.7520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Du.
Salem Gastro Welcomes Adnan Ahmad, PA-C, to the Team!
Provider Spotlight – Q&A with Adnan Ahmad, PA-C
Meet Adnan Ahmad, PA-C
Adnan: One of the most rewarding parts of my role is having continuity of care and building relationships with patients. I love seeing people over time and working with them to manage their care. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone’s health improve, whether after our first or tenth visit. I’m fully committed to each patient’s health and will do whatever it takes to help them feel better.
Adnan: My approach is all about aligning with the patient’s goals. I don’t assume that my goals as a provider automatically match the patients’. I take time to understand where they’re at and what they want to achieve with their GI health. Once we’ve clarified those goals, I do everything I can to support and guide them toward progress.
Adnan: I take a patient-centered approach that emphasizes education and shared decision-making, especially in GI conditions where lifestyle and diet can make a big impact. I appreciate when referrals include prior labs, imaging, and history so we can avoid redundant testing and streamline care. I always aim to manage conditions non-invasively when appropriate, but I escalate care when needed. I prefer EMR messaging for routine updates and phone calls for anything urgent.
Adnan: I was born in a small village in Pakistan and raised in upstate New York. I’m a first-generation college graduate—neither of my parents attended higher education. They immigrated to the U.S. to give us better opportunities, and I’m forever grateful. My older brother is a family medicine physician, and my younger sister is an undergrad.
Common Patient Questions—And How He Answers Them
Adnan: For most people, screening starts at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, polyps, or symptoms like bleeding or unexplained weight loss, you may need one earlier.
Adnan: I always recommend a balanced diet with fiber, fermented foods, and plenty of water. Regular exercise, good sleep, stress management, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics also help support a healthy gut microbiome.
Adnan: IBS is often a diagnosis of exclusion—we usually get there after ruling out other causes. Stress and anxiety can make symptoms worse. IBS is complex, involving gut sensitivity, motility, and microbiome changes. Managing stress, adjusting diet, and working through triggers with a provider can make a big difference.
What Makes Adnan Stand Out
Salem Gastro Welcomes Thomas Nasr, PA-C, to the Team!
Provider Spotlight: Q&A with Thomas Nasr, PA-C
At Salem Gastro, we’re proud to highlight team members who combine clinical expertise with genuine compassion. This month, the spotlight is on Thomas Nasr, PA-C.
Thomas is a board-certified physician assistant with an education-focused approach to digestive health care. While he’s already made a meaningful impact with our patients, we recently realized he hadn’t been properly introduced on our website, so we’re excited to share more about his background, philosophy, and the thoughtful way he supports our patients every day.
Meet Thomas Nasr, PA-C
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your role as a GI healthcare provider?
Thomas: Helping patients regain control of their GI health is incredibly fulfilling. It’s especially meaningful when someone tells me they felt heard after sharing their medical history with me. I also really enjoy building long-term relationships with my patients and getting to know them as individuals.
Q: How would you describe your approach to patient care?
Thomas: My care philosophy is entirely education-focused. I want patients to fully understand their medical conditions so they can make informed decisions about their health. Whether we’re discussing a new diagnosis or evaluating treatment options, I aim to provide the knowledge and support they need to feel confident.
Q: What experience or background would you like referring providers to know about?
Thomas: Before joining Salem Gastro, I completed a hospital internal medicine fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. During that time, I rotated through various specialties—including hepatology, neurology, hematology, critical care, and palliative care. It gave me a deep foundation in managing complex internal medicine cases, translating well into gastroenterology.
Q: Can you share a bit about your education and training?
Thomas: I completed my undergraduate degree in Microbiology at the University of California, Davis, and earned my Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Ohio University. My training emphasized patient-centered care and interdisciplinary collaboration, which continue to shape my clinical approach today.
Answering Common Patient Questions—In His Own Words
One of the ways Thomas builds trust with patients is by taking time to answer their most common concerns with empathy and clear, evidence-based guidance. Here’s how he addresses a few questions he hears regularly:
“Are proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole (Prilosec), safe?”
“Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used to reduce stomach acid, especially in conditions like GERD,” Thomas explains. “Many patients use them long-term, which raises concerns. Some older studies suggested links between long-term PPI use and conditions like osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, or dementia. But these studies couldn’t prove that PPIs caused those problems—they only showed a potential association.”
He adds, “More recent, high-quality studies suggest that PPIs are likely not associated with most of those risks, apart from a slight increase in intestinal infections. So, while we can’t completely rule out small risks, the overall benefit of using PPIs—especially for well-established GI issues—far outweighs any theoretical risks in most cases.”
“Do I have IBS?”
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common concerns patients bring up. Thomas approaches this question carefully: “IBS can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms often overlap with other conditions. I talk with patients about the classic patterns of IBS—like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits—and work to rule out other causes.”
He emphasizes the importance of open discussion and shared decision-making. “Once we have a clearer picture, I walk through lifestyle changes, stress management, and treatment options that are tailored to the patient’s needs. For many, just understanding what’s going on brings relief and helps them take the next steps toward managing it effectively.”
“Why do I need a colonoscopy?”
“Colonoscopy is one of the most important tools we have to detect and prevent colorectal cancer,” Thomas says. “I explain that colonoscopies allow us to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, which is why screening at the recommended age is so important.”
He reassures patients who may be nervous: “At Salem Gastro, the procedure is safe, well-tolerated, and done in a supportive environment. I walk patients through the process step-by-step and answer any questions they have about prep, the procedure itself, and recovery. It helps take a lot of the fear out of it.”
Outside the Office
When he’s not in the clinic, Thomas enjoys playing and writing music, spending time with his wife and their dog, and exploring the outdoors.
What Patients Are Saying
Here’s what recent patients have shared about their experience with Thomas:
“Incredibly in depth and kind. A very thorough exam. I left feeling as if I mattered.”
“Thomas Nasr, PA at Salem Gastro was friendly, professional, and listens well. He outlined his plan of care, explained the procedure he recommended, and answered all my questions. I was very impressed and would highly recommend him.”
“…very nice, wanted to make sure I was alright, asked for all of my history past and present…”
Compassionate, Collaborative Care
Whether helping a patient prepare for a colonoscopy or discussing the nuances of GERD or IBS, Thomas brings clarity, kindness, and clinical precision to every visit. His calm presence and commitment to patient education make Salem Gastro a trusted name in digestive health. We’re proud to have Thomas on the team—and even more proud to introduce him to our broader community.
Salem Gastro Welcomes Dr. Shyam Dang to the Team!
Welcoming Experienced Gastroenterologist, Dr. Shyam Dang, to Salem Gastro…
Salem Gastro is excited to welcome Dr. Shyam Dang, a board-certified gastroenterologist with over 20 years of medical experience. Dr. Dang brings extensive expertise in digestive health, along with a strong commitment to patient-centered care. His career has spanned academic medicine, hospital-based gastroenterology, and private practice, making him a well-rounded and invaluable addition to our team.
A Career Dedicated to Excellence in Gastroenterology
Dr. Dang completed his Internal Medicine Residency, Chief Residency, and Gastroenterology & Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). Throughout his career, he has worked in diverse medical settings, including serving as an Assistant Professor at UAMS, a staff physician at OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center, and providing specialized GI care at PeaceHealth Longview Medical Center.
With a focus on evidence-based, individualized patient care, Dr. Dang specializes in colorectal cancer prevention, acid reflux management, inflammatory bowel disease, and advanced endoscopic procedures. He is passionate about helping patients regain their quality of life and believes that education, shared decision-making, and personalized treatment plans are key to successful patient outcomes.
A Commitment to Comprehensive, Patient-Focused Care
Dr. Dang understands that every patient’s digestive health journey is unique. He takes the time to listen, educate, and collaborate with patients to develop the best treatment approach—whether that includes lifestyle modifications, medication, or advanced procedures. He also values close communication with referring providers, ensuring a seamless, team-based approach to patient care.
Q&A with Dr. Shyam Dang
Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a gastroenterologist?
“Gastroenterology allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives—whether through preventive screenings, managing chronic GI conditions, or providing life-saving interventions in emergencies. Seeing patients improve and regain their health is what makes this field so fulfilling.”
Q: How would you describe your approach to patient care?
“I believe in individualized, patient-centered care. Every patient is different, so I focus on shared decision-making—educating my patients, discussing their options, and working together to create the best treatment plan for their specific needs.”
Q: What do you want referring providers to know about your philosophy?
“Collaboration is key. My goal is to provide timely access, clear communication, and high-quality, evidence-based care. I believe in closed-loop communication with referring providers to ensure continuity of care and optimal patient outcomes.”
Common Patient Questions & Answers
✔ What should I eat to improve my digestive health?
A diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), lean proteins, and healthy fats can support digestion. Staying hydrated and limiting processed foods, especially artificial sweeteners and refined carbs, is also beneficial.
✔ How can I manage symptoms of acid reflux or GERD?
GERD can often be controlled with lifestyle changes—avoiding acidic and fatty foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating. If symptoms persist, medications like PPIs or antacids may be needed.
✔ Is it normal to have irregular bowel movements?
Occasional changes are common, but chronic irregularity (ongoing constipation or diarrhea) could indicate a condition like IBS or inflammatory bowel disease. If symptoms persist, a GI evaluation is recommended.
Beyond Medicine: Dr. Dang’s Personal Interests
Outside of work, Dr. Dang enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring new cultures. He is a dedicated family man and loves watching and attending sports events with his middle schoolers. In his free time, he also enjoys reading and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
Now Accepting New Patients!
We are thrilled to have Dr. Shyam Dang join our team at Salem Gastro. His dedication to evidence-based medicine, compassionate care, and collaborative patient relationships makes him a fantastic resource for both patients and referring providers.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dang, please call 503.399.7520.
