Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # G.I. Associates of West Alabama Premier Subspecialty Gastroenterology Practice in West Alabama ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://giwestal.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Pages - [Home](https://giwestal.com/) - The gastroenterologists at our practice have received their training at some of the leading universities and medical centers throughout the United States. All physicians are board-certified and work hard to stay current with the latest medical innovations. - [C. Donald Howe, M.D., Pharm. D.](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/c-donald-howe/) - C. Donald Howe, M.D., Pharm. D. Dr. Howe is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He attended the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Dr. Howe completed his fellowship at the University of Kentucky in Gastroenterology. Dr. Howe is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He has hospital - [Our Staff](https://giwestal.com/team/staff/) - Meet Our Staff Dedicated to Exceptional Service and Support Our dedicated staff members are essential to providing a seamless and positive experience for our patients. From the friendly faces at our front office to our knowledgeable HR team and efficient billing and collections manager, each member plays a crucial role in ensuring our practice runs - [Mary Fil, PA-C](https://giwestal.com/team/physician-assistants/mary-fil/) - Mary Fil, PA-C Mary is a board-certified physician assistant at G.I. Associates of West Alabama. Education University of Alabama, Bachelor of Science in Biology (2017) University of Alabama at Birmingham, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (2020) Board Certifications National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Affiliations American Academy of Physician AssistantsAlabama Gastroenterology SocietyDCH - [Carmen V. Lopez, M.D.](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/carmen-v-lopez/) - Carmen V. Lopez, M.D. Dr. Lopez is a board-certified physician in gastroenterology as well as internal medicine. She attended Duke University and University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Dr. Lopez completed her residency in internal medicine at Tulane University and her fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Cincinnati. She is a - [J. DeWayne Tooson, M.D., FACP, FACG, CPE](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/j-dewayne-tooson/) - J. DeWayne Tooson, M.D., FACP, FACG, CPE Dr. Tooson was born and raised in Tuscaloosa and is a product of Holy Spirit Catholic School and the Tuscaloosa City School System. He specializes in gastrointestinal bleeding, colon cancer prevention and inflammatory bowel disease. He also serves as Chief Executive Officer of North River Surgical Center. Dr. - [Our Procedures](https://giwestal.com/procedures/) - Comprehensive Range of Advanced Gastroenterology Services and Procedures for Your Digestive Health Needs At G.I. Associates of West Alabama, we offer a comprehensive range of advanced gastroenterology services and procedures designed to diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of digestive health conditions. Utilizing the latest technology and techniques, our skilled team ensures you receive the - [Our Physicians](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/) - Meet Our Physicians Experienced, Dedicated and Board-Certified Physicians At G.I. Associates of West Alabama, our team of board-certified gastroenterologists is dedicated to providing exceptional care for all your digestive health needs. Each of our physicians brings a wealth of knowledge, extensive training, and a compassionate approach to patient care.Trained at some of the nation’s leading - [Our Team](https://giwestal.com/team/) - Meet Our Specialists Experienced, Dedicated and Board-Certified Gastroenterologists Committed to Your Care The gastroenterologists at our practice have received their training from some of the leading universities and medical centers across the United States. All of our physicians are board-certified and dedicated to staying current with the latest medical innovations. Additionally, our gastroenterologists were instrumental - [About Us](https://giwestal.com/about-us/) - G.I. Associates of West Alabama G.I. Associates of West Alabama, P.C. is a premier subspecialty gastroenterology practice serving Tuscaloosa and the surrounding communities in West Alabama. We are committed to providing the highest quality of subspecialty GI services. Our team of experienced gastroenterologists has received training from some of the leading universities and medical centers - [Our Contacts](https://giwestal.com/our-contacts/) - At G.I. Associates of West Alabama, we’re here to assist you with all your digestive health needs. Whether you have questions, need to schedule an appointment, or require additional information, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help. Address 1774 McFarland Blvd N, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Hours Monday - Thursday: 7:30AM - 4:00PM Friday: - [Patient Forms](https://giwestal.com/patients-info/patient-forms/) - Patient Information Download Notice of Privacy Practices Download Permission to Release Information Download Authorization for Medical Records Release Download Reschedule Request and No-Show Policy Download Pharmacy and Medications Download - [Our Physician Assistants](https://giwestal.com/team/physician-assistants/) - Meet Our Physician Assistants Dedicated, Skilled and Compassionate At G.I. Associates of West Alabama, our skilled Physician Assistants (PAs) play a vital role in providing high-quality care to our patients. Working closely with our board-certified gastroenterologists, our PAs bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to our practice and are committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered - [Stephenie Dillard, M.D](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/stephenie-dillard/) - Stephenie Dillard, M.D Dr. Dillard works in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She is a board-certified Pathologist and joined G.I. Associates of West Alabama in 2020. College University of Alabama, Bachelor of Science in MicrobiologyUniversity of Alabama, Master of Science in Microbiology Medical Education University of Alabama, School of Medicine (1993) Residency University of Alabama at Birmingham Fellowship - [Krystal Tubbs, PA-C](https://giwestal.com/team/physician-assistants/krystal-tubbs/) - Krystal Tubbs, PA-C Krystal is a board-certified physician assistant at G.I. Associates of West Alabama. Education University of West Alabama, Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology (2018) University of Alabama at Birmingham, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (2020) Board Certifications National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Affiliations American Academy of - [Grace Porter Thompson, PA-C](https://giwestal.com/team/physician-assistants/grace-porter-thompson/) - Grace Porter Thompson, PA-C Grace is a board certified physician assistant at G.I. Associates of West Alabama. Education The University of Alabama – Bachelors of Science in General Health Studies (2013)The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (2018) Board Certifications National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Affiliations - [Colleen Valdez, PA-C](https://giwestal.com/team/physician-assistants/colleen-valdez/) - Colleen Valdez, PA-C Colleen is a board-certified physician assistant at G.I. Associates of West Alabama. Education Christian Brothers University - Bachelors of Science in Biology and Minor in chemistry (2013)University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (2017) Board Certifications National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Affiliations American Academy of - [Rachel A. Taylor, M.D.](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/rachel-taylor/) - Rachel A. Taylor, M.D. Dr. Taylor is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. She attended Baylor University for her undergraduate degree and Baylor College of Medicine for medical school. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans and her fellowship at the University of Alabama Birmingham in - [Michael L. Palmer, M.D.](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/michael-palmer/) - Michael L. Palmer, M.D. Dr. Palmer works in Tuscaloosa, AL and specializes in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Palmer has privileges at DCH Regional Medical Center. College University of Alabama, Bachelor of Science Medical Education University of Alabama School of Medicine Internship Tulane University Hospital and Clinics Residency Tulane University Hospital and Clinics Fellowship Tulane - [Jennifer R. Palmer, M.D.](https://giwestal.com/team/physicians/jennifer-palmer/) - Jennifer R. Palmer, M.D. Dr. Palmer joined GI Associates of West Alabama in August 2015. She received her undergraduate from Louisiana State University and went on to medical school at Louisiana State University at Shreveport. She completed her internship and residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her fellowship was performed at University of - [Jesslyn Whitehead Marlar, PA-C](https://giwestal.com/team/physician-assistants/jesslyn-whitehead-marlar/) - Jesslyn Whitehead Marlar, PA-C Jesslyn is a board-certified physician assistant at G.I. Associates of West Alabama. Education The University of Alabama – Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science (2014)The University of Alabama at Birmingham – Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (2017) Board Certifications National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Affiliations American Academy - [Colonoscopy](https://giwestal.com/procedures/colonoscopy/) - What Is a Colonoscopy? Usually performed by a gastroenterologist, a colonoscopy is an examination of the entire length of a patient’s large intestine to look for signs of colon cancer or to treat symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea. If you are experiencing diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding—especially if these symptoms last for - [Prep Instructions](https://giwestal.com/patients-info/prep-instructions/) - Clear Liquid Diet Guide No milk, ice cream, or other food products that contains milkDo not eat any corn, peas, watermelon, popcorn, nuts, seeds 7 days prior to procedure Must follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before procedure: Apple juiceWhite grape juiceWhite cranberry juiceGatorade (No red, blue, purple, green)Beef brothVegetable brothOrange or lemon - [Upper GI Endoscopy](https://giwestal.com/procedures/upper-gi-endoscopy/) - What Is Upper Endoscopy? Upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source, and will view - [Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy](https://giwestal.com/procedures/small-bowel-capsule-endoscopy/) - What Is Capsule Endoscopy? Capsule Endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum). Your doctor will give you a pill sized video camera for you to swallow. This camera has its own light source and takes - [Small Bowel Enteroscopy](https://giwestal.com/procedures/small-bowel-enteroscopy/) - What Is a Small Bowel Enteroscopy? A small bowel enteroscopy allows a physician to navigate the entire small bowel from either an oral or rectal approach, enabling them to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic techniques within the small bowel without the need of an open surgical procedure.Doctors use a special endoscope that, when inflated with - [Flexible Sigmoidoscopy](https://giwestal.com/procedures/flexible-sigmoidoscopy/) - What Is a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy? Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure in which the inner lining of the lower large intestine is examined. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. It is also performed to screen people older than age 50 - [ERCP](https://giwestal.com/procedures/ercp/) - What Is an ERCP? Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, is a specialized technique used to study the bile ducts, pancreatic duct and gallbladder. Ducts are drainage routes; the drainage channels from the liver are called bile or biliary ducts. The pancreatic duct is the drainage channel from the pancreas. How Is ERCP Performed? During ERCP, - [Endoscopic Ultrasound](https://giwestal.com/procedures/endoscopic-ultrasound/) - What Is an Endoscopic Ultrasound? Endoscopic ultrasound, also known as EUS or endoscopic ultrasonography, is a test that gastroenterology specialists can use to diagnose problems of the gastronintestinal (GI) walls and surrounding organs like the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and lungs. Unlike the devices used during colonoscopy and other traditional endoscopic procedures, which have a camera - [Patients Info](https://giwestal.com/patients-info/)