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.
