Atif Shahzad, M.D.

Why did you choose to specialize in Gastroenterology?

Growing up I witnessed my friend suffering from a lot of stomach issues. He had good insurance and went to many doctors but continued to suffer. He would often get the answer that it was stress, in his head, there is nothing to do and he just has to live with it. It was not until two years later that he was finally referred to a gastroenterologist who took the time to listen to his story and was able to successfully diagnose and treat his problem (Ulcerative Colitis). My friend was finally able to live a normal life but his college years were lost. Seeing the difficulty my friend had coping with his illness and how it dramatically affected his life made me interested in helping people with gastroenterology problems. I believe the best way to help my patients solve their problems is by carefully listening to their full story and then formulating treatment options that both the patient and I agree on.

Do you have a specialty of interest within GI?

Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease, Minimally Invasive Hemorrhoid treatment, GERD treatment, Diarrhea, Constipation, Open Access Colon Cancer Screening.

Where did you study?

Fellowship training in Gastroenterology and Liver Disease from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center
Internship and Residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center/ Kings County Hospital
Ross University School of Medicine
Rutgers University NJ- Undergraduate studies Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

What certifications do you hold?

Board certified in Gastroenterology. Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support

What do you and your family enjoy doing in your spare time?

BBQ, Traveling, and enjoying good times with family and friends.

Do you have any special honors or recognitions in your medical career that you would like to share?

President- Harris County Medical Society- North Houston
Physician of the Year Award, Top Docs, Best Doctor, Who’s Who

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

URDU, HINDI, PUNJABI

Please list your professional affiliations.

HARRIS County Medical Society-President- North Houston, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
Texas Medical Association