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.
