Shannon J. Marek, M.D.

Why did you choose to specialize in Gastroenterology?

Growing up working in my family’s automotive business outside of Dallas and on the farms of my extended family, I learned early on the importance of work ethic and the joys of working with my hands. Whether it was dissembling my Tonka trucks or studying astronomy, the challenge of discovering “why” things work has also been another passion. For as long as I can remember, being a physician has been the goal and culmination of these two passions. Particularly the field of GI. Not only do I get the opportunity to study some of the most intriguing and poorly understood organs in the human body, I also get to work with my hands doing complex and intricate procedures. As a physician with humble beginnings and a loving family to keep me grounded, I strive to translate the
complex medical world of the gut and liver into an
understandable experience for my patients.

Do you have a specialty of interest within GI?

I have the blessing of having a job that I actually wake up every day and look forward to going to! I enjoy the every aspect of my field, but have a particular affinity for a few areas. I enjoy the intellectual challenges presented by Inflammatory Bowel Disease and its evolving treatments. Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis remain largely under researched and are areas of great opportunity for us to improve the field of medicine and most importantly, the quality of life for our patients. On the procedural side, I enjoy the evolving and cutting edge technology being used today. Being trained in numerous aspects of advanced endoscopy including stent placement, endoscopic mucosal resection, wireless capsule endoscopy and even the latest method of nonsurgical hemorrhoid treatment, I am always interested in where technology and improved techniques can take us.

Where did you study?

As a first generation college student, I attended Baylor University on Presidential scholarship and graduated cum laude. While there, I was involved with the advanced coursework of the Interdisciplinary Core, Honors program, and served with the Baylor Chamber of Commerce helping to plan and execute some of the largest collegiate celebrations in the nation as well as caring for Baylor’s live bear mascots. I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology. I then went on to receive my Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas at Houston Medical School. Following this, I completed my internship and residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, one of the top 10 internal medicine programs in the nation at the time. Afterward, I completed fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia before returning home to Texas to practice.

What certifications do you hold?

Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.

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

I have been named as one of Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors Rising Stars, a peer selected award given to fewer than 2.5% Texas physicians. During residency, I was awarded as one of UAB’s most outstanding residents. I have presented at multiple national conferences, published research articles, and helped to author a preeminent textbook in the field of GI.

Please list your professional affiliations.

I am president of the Comal Medical Society, as well as a member of American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Texas Society for Gastroenterology & Endoscopy. I also serve on the New Braunfels Christian Academy School Board and am part of the Medical Executive Committee of our local hospital. I am a member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and an alumnus of Leadership New Braunfels.