Wednesday, February 25
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites
71 Border Road, Waltham, MA 02451
Enjoy Refreshments! On-The-Spot Interviews! Walk-Ins Welcome!
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Now Hiring: RNs, Surgical Technologists (Per Diem, Part-Time & Full -Time)
Employee Benefits
Heartburn, acid reflux, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) affect millions of adults — yet they’re often misunderstood. The burning sensation in your chest typically starts in your digestive tract, and continued heartburn and reflux are signs that something isn’t right.
As trusted gastrointestinal specialists in Troy, Michigan, we want you to feel confident about what you can do to alleviate the pain and discomfort, and prevent future occurrences when possible.
While heartburn and acid reflux are similar, there’s an important distinction to know about:
Heartburn is the burning sensation you feel in your chest, usually after eating. It happens when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). That acid isn’t supposed to be there, and it causes irritation, leading to pain and discomfort.
Reflux is the underlying condition that causes acid to escape from the stomach into the esophagus. When this happens frequently, it’s called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
Reflux can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
Reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — a muscle that acts as a gate between the esophagus and stomach — doesn’t close properly. This can allow stomach acid to escape upward, irritating the esophagus, and causing you to feel a burning pain.
Common triggers include:
When reflux happens more than twice a week, it may be GERD, a chronic condition that can lead to complications if untreated.
For instance, reflux can lead to Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer even if symptoms respond to medicine, so it is important to always seek care from a GI specialist.
Call your gastrointestinal specialist for an appointment if you notice:
These symptoms can signal that acid is repeatedly irritating the esophagus, and that an evaluation, lifestyle changes, or treatment may be able help.
Try these strategies:
These lifestyle changes can make a big difference, but they’re most effective when paired with medical guidance so we can determine what the cause is and if there are other concerns to address.
Don’t ignore the signals your body sends. Understanding the symptoms and causes of heartburn and acid reflux can help you find ways to protect your gut.
At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., our knowledgeable experts provide personal care to get you on the path to feeling better: Whether it’s lifestyle guidance, diagnostic testing, or advanced treatment options.
And with our on‑site surgical center in Troy, you can get many procedures done more comfortably, quickly, and often at lower cost than in a hospital.
Ready to talk about reflux or get evaluated? Schedule a consultation or GERD assessment today with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Michigan.
Tualatin, OR – Step inside the South Portland Surgical Center and explore our state-of-the-art facility from the comfort of your home with our new 360° virtual tour. Known for our commitment to high-quality healthcare, we take pride in maintaining a welcoming and serene environment that ensures our patients’ peace of mind.
Get a closer look at the exceptional care we provide with our interactive 360° tour, captured by a certified Google photographer. Journey through our inviting reception area, advanced procedure rooms, and peaceful recovery spaces—all designed with patient comfort as a top priority. At South Portland Surgical Center, transparency is key. We believe that by offering a full view of our facility, you can feel confident and at ease even before stepping through our doors. This virtual tour aims to reduce any pre-visit worries and build trust by showcasing our commitment to patient care.
Why Choose Us?At South Portland Surgical Center, we blend top-tier medical care with a calm, comfortable atmosphere designed to ease your experience. We invite you to take the tour and discover how we’re committed to your well-being at every step.
We are proud to share that MGA Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center was selected for Newsweek’s 2026 list of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
The recognition is based on a nationwide review of more than 5,000 outpatient surgery centers. We were among 700 centers included in the list.
This honor reflects our dedication to providing safe, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. We stood out for our strong performance, patient outcomes and trusted reputation among medical professionals.
MGA Gastrointestinal Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center focuses on what matters most:
The sixth edition of this award was developed in partnership with Statista, a respected provider of healthcare data and rankings. We are proud of this achievement and thankful for the patients who trust us with their care every day.
We are proud to share that Raleigh Endoscopy Center: Cary was selected for Newsweek’s 2026 list of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
The recognition is based on a nationwide review of more than 5,000 outpatient surgery centers. We were among 700 centers included in the list.
This honor reflects our dedication to providing safe, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. We stood out for our strong performance, patient outcomes and trusted reputation among medical professionals.
Raleigh Endoscopy Center: Cary focuses on what matters most:
The sixth edition of this award was developed in partnership with Statista, a respected provider of healthcare data and rankings. We are proud of this achievement and thankful for the patients who trust us with their care every day.
We are proud to share that Shared Content was selected for Newsweek’s 2026 list of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
The recognition is based on a nationwide review of more than 5,000 outpatient surgery centers. We were among 700 centers included in the list.
This honor reflects our dedication to providing safe, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. We stood out for our strong performance, patient outcomes and trusted reputation among medical professionals.
Shared Content focuses on what matters most:
The sixth edition of this award was developed in partnership with Statista, a respected provider of healthcare data and rankings. We are proud of this achievement and thankful for the patients who trust us with their care every day.
Having stomach issues from time to time is a common occurrence. Maybe it’s that extra slice of pizza or a stressful day that throws your gut off balance. But sometimes, your gut isn’t just reacting to something you ate…it’s trying to tell you something important.
At Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we know that early detection saves lives. Colon cancer in its very early stages doesn’t often have symptoms, which is why a colonoscopy is essential for spotting precancerous polyps.
However, here some symptoms that might seem minor at first glance but could signal something more serious:
1. Changes in Bowel Habits
If you’re suddenly dealing with diarrhea, constipation, or thinner stools that last more than a few days, it’s worth getting checked out, especially if it’s not your normal pattern.
2. Blood in Your Stool
Even small amounts of blood in your stool or on toilet paper should never be ignored. It might not always be colon cancer, but it’s a sign that something needs evaluation.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying? This could point to several underlying health issues, including colon cancer. Especially if your diet and activity levels haven’t changed, talk to a gastrointestinal doctor to explore what’s going on.
4. Persistent Abdominal Discomfort
Cramping, bloating, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely can be subtle signs that something’s off. If the discomfort doesn’t go away, your gut could be waving a red flag.
5. Fatigue and Weakness
Colon cancer can cause internal bleeding, which may lead to anemia. Feeling unusually tired, weak, or short of breath could be more than just post-holiday burnout.
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable—and treatable—cancers when caught early. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, are age 45 or older, have family history of colon cancer, or are due for a colonoscopy, don’t wait.
Our on-site surgical center in Troy, MI makes it easy to get your colonoscopy done safely, efficiently, and affordably, without the need to navigate the hospital system or delay your care.
If your gut’s been acting out, listen to it. Schedule your appointment or book your colonoscopy with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., today. We’re here to help you feel better and stay healthier for years to come.
Blue Ridge Surgery Center proudly announces we received the 2025 Press Ganey Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® for exceptional patient care.
As a Guardian of Excellence winner, our center ranks in the top 5 percent of healthcare providers in delivering the highest levels of standards in patient experience over the past year. We achieved 95th percentile or higher scores on designated survey measures.
“Our team at Blue Ridge Surgery Center is very proud of this accomplishment — earning the Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® for the first time,” said Center Director Tammy Stephens, R.N., B.S.N. “When working toward this goal, communication with staff is the key. Focusing on the positives typically makes the team want to strive for even better results.”
To reach this level of excellence, Stephens said the center strives for improvement by displaying patient satisfaction scores and discussing patient satisfaction comments and concerns at staff meetings.
“This helps everyone know where our strengths and weaknesses are and how we can improve,” she said.
This prestigious honor is presented by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. The award is included in Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospital and health systems in the U.S., based on patient and employee experience performance.
Blue Ridge Surgery Center is committed to delivering high-quality care in a setting that prioritizes efficiency, safety and patient satisfaction.
Woodlands Endoscopy Center proudly announces we received the 2025 Press Ganey Human Experience (HX) Pinnacle of Excellence Award®. This marks the second consecutive year we have earned this prestigious award recognizing exceptional patient care.
The HX Pinnacle of Excellence Award® honors hospital and healthcare organizations that consistently deliver outstanding patient experiences. This award recognizes Woodlands Endoscopy as one of the three highest performing facilities in the country.
Winners are chosen based on performance data over a three-year period (January 2022 – December 2024) and are grouped by the number of patients we serve.
“We are so excited to receive such an honor from Press Ganey!” said Center Administrator Jennifer Thomas, R.N. “Our awesome staff is a big reason that we are able to maintain such a high standard. We have numerous employees that have been here over 10 years!”
Thomas said Woodlands Endoscopy embraces a team-oriented culture that prioritizes patient care.
“Winning [the Pinnacle of Excellence Award] a second time just reinforces to our team the importance of what we do and that patients notice our patient-centered care,” she said. “We are able to stay focused on continuous improvement through teamwork. It is not just one person’s job to make sure things are done correctly, it’s everyone working together!”
In addition to back-to-back Pinnacle of Excellence Awards®, Woodlands Endoscopy received the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award® in 2020, 2023 and 2024 for being in the top 5 percent of healthcare providers in delivering patient experience. For this award, we achieved 95th percentile or higher scores on survey measures all three years. Press Ganey is the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. The honor is part of Press Ganey’s yearly ranking that highlights top-performing hospitals and health systems across the U.S., based on feedback from both patients and staff.
Woodlands Endoscopy Center is committed to delivering high-quality care in a setting that prioritizes efficiency, safety and patient satisfaction.
On Thursday, December 11th, Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites proudly welcomed attendees for a Special Joint Health Awareness Event. This gathering brought together healthcare professionals, patients, families, and supporters with one shared goal: to learn more about joint health, arthritis awareness, and treatment options that help people stay active and healthy.
Attendees engaged in meaningful networking and connected directly with clinical experts who answered questions about outpatient surgical care and joint health, making the event both informative and interactive.
A highlight of the evening was an engaging Q&A session with Andrew Jawa, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in joint replacement. Educational materials were provided to empower attendees with knowledge about treatment options and how outpatient care can improve mobility and quality of life.
This event was more than an educational opportunity. It was a chance to connect, learn, and explore how Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites is advancing care and supporting healthier lifestyles.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success. At Boston Out-Patient Surgical Suites, our mission is simple: to help patients get back to the things they love by improving joint health and mobility.
Learn more about how we can help you return to the activities you enjoy.
