Cristiana Bortuzzo, M.D.

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Cristiana Bortuzzo is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and has a passion for screening and prevention of GI malignancies. Dr. Bortuzzo is actively affiliated with the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology. She also served as the Chief of GI Division at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Dr. Bortuzzo approaches her patients with sincerity and perseverance while trying to achieve the best outcome for them, empowering them to make informed decisions through education on both medical and non medical options.

After completing her undergraduate education in classical studies (Ancient Latin, Greek, History, and Philosophy), she enrolled in medical school at the University of Padova, one of the oldest universities and medical schools in Europe, founded in 1222. After the six-year course of medical school, she graduated with honors in 1986 and started a four-year fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at the same university. In 1990, she moved to the U.S. and started her residency in NYC. She again pursued a GI fellowship at New York Hospital of Queens, part of the NY Presbyterian Hospital and she was the first female fellow in the program at that time.

In addition to practicing her specialty, she enjoys reading, mostly history or history-based books, and listening to music. She also enjoys spending her time with her family, which includes an audiophile husband and two marvelous creatures, her two Abyssinian cats that are her joy and “trouble”.

Why Gastroenterology?

My interest in Gastroenterology started during the last 2 years of medical school at the University of Padova, when I started an extended internship in the Gastroenterology and Hepathology Department, preparing my graduation thesis. I realized how vast is the field of Gastroenterology, where diseases and medical conditions may be so complex and intricate with other systems, impacting often the entire well being and quality of life of the patient. I always considered Gastroenterology a very fascinating and challenging field, that allows me to participate not only mentally but also physically, by performing endoscopic procedures, in formulating diagnoses and treatments of various conditions. It is one of the most dynamic and constantly evolving specialties, requiring a continuous updating due to the fast development of new technical demands and new therapies. Working in the Gastroenterology field requires also a significant interaction with multiple other specialties, making clear the real meaning of “ team work”, that applies also to the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, where the good outcome of the procedures depends on the coordinated work of the entire staff.

What Can Patients Expect?

I committed myself to approach my patients with sincerity and perseverance while trying to achieve the best outcome for them, empowering them to make informed decisions through education on both medical and non medical options.

Do you fluently speak any other languages in addition to English?

Spanish and Italian

Education & Training

• Medical Degree from the University of Padova in 1986
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Padova in 1990
• Medical Residency at Cabrini Medical Center in NYC in 1994

Awards & Recognitions

• Served as Chief of GI Division at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Professional Affiliations

• American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
• American College of Gastroenterology
• Served as Chief of GI Division at St. Joseph’s Hospital