Serving Kew Gardens, Queens
Gastroenterologist Serving Elmhurst, Queens
Upper endoscopy, colorectal screening, and digestive disorder treatment – a quick ride down Queens Blvd from Elmhurst.
- Serving Queens since 2008
- 108-16 72nd Ave, Forest Hills
- 718-261-0900
Gastroenterologist Serving Elmhurst, Queens
Gastroenterology & Nutrition, P.C. has served patients from Elmhurst and across central Queens since 2008. Our Forest Hills office is a short ride east on the M/R line or a straight shot down Queens Boulevard, with on-site endoscopy suites, board-certified gastroenterologists, and same-week scheduling. Dr. Samuel Davidoff, MD, Dr. Yuriy Israel, MD, and Emanuel Yaakobov, FNP see patients from Elmhurst for everything from routine screenings to complex gastrointestinal and liver conditions.
Gastroenterology Services for Elmhurst, Queens
Board-certified gastroenterologists providing comprehensive digestive care.
Upper Endoscopy
Dr. Israel and Dr. Davidoff perform upper endoscopy on-site in our Forest Hills office. The procedure takes just 5-7 minutes under propofol sedation - patients are fully clothed, asleep throughout, and experience no gag reflex. Common conditions we diagnose include H. pylori gastritis, stomach ulcers, reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and celiac disease. We take biopsies during every upper endoscopy because many conditions require microscopic analysis for full diagnosis. The doctor discusses visual findings with you as soon as you wake up, with biopsy results following in about one week. Note: patients taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro should stop them at least one week before the procedure.
Upper endoscopy is typically recommended when patients experience persistent heartburn that does not respond to medication, difficulty swallowing, unexplained nausea or vomiting, or upper abdominal pain. The procedure is also used to monitor previously diagnosed conditions such as Barrett's esophagus with periodic surveillance. Patients must fast for at least eight hours beforehand and should inform our team about any blood-thinning medications in advance. After diagnosis, treatment is tailored to the specific condition: H. pylori is treated with a combination antibiotic regimen, reflux esophagitis may be managed with lifestyle changes and acid-suppressing medication, and Barrett's esophagus requires ongoing endoscopic monitoring.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 for average-risk patients. As Dr. Israel explains, colorectal cancer can be asymptomatic - some patients have no symptoms at all, which makes screening at the recommended age critical. The best way to diagnose colon cancer is through colonoscopy, which allows us to take biopsies of suspicious areas. Prevention includes a high-fiber diet and timely screenings. Patients with genetic risk factors or a family history should discuss earlier screening with our team.
When colorectal cancer is detected early through screening, outcomes improve significantly - early-stage diagnosis often means a polyp can be removed during the colonoscopy itself, avoiding the need for surgery or chemotherapy. This is why our team emphasizes that a screening colonoscopy is not just a diagnostic tool but a preventive one, capable of stopping cancer before it starts by removing precancerous polyps.
Colonoscopy
Our gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy in our AAAASF-certified facility using state-of-the-art equipment. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes under propofol sedation. Our doctors pass the colonoscope through the entire colon, looking for polyps that can turn into cancer - and if a polyp is found, it is removed during the same procedure. Patients are typically ready to leave within 30 minutes of waking up. Red flag symptoms that may require a colonoscopy before age 45 include rectal bleeding, unintentional weight loss, new-onset constipation or diarrhea, and any change in bowel habit.
We offer Sutab, a tablet-based bowel preparation, as an alternative to traditional liquid prep for patients who find large-volume drinks difficult to manage. The day of your procedure, you arrive at our Forest Hills office, check in, and meet with your care team before sedation is administered. The entire visit - from check-in through recovery - typically takes about two hours, though the colonoscopy itself is only 15-20 minutes. Our staff provides detailed preparation instructions beforehand and is available by phone to answer any questions.
Hemorrhoids
We treat hemorrhoids using banding, infrared treatment, and other methods. External hemorrhoids generally take three to four weeks to resolve when patients avoid aggravating factors like straining, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting. Maintaining soft stools with proper hydration and fiber helps speed recovery. Over-the-counter options such as lidocaine cream can provide relief while you wait to see our team.
If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, it is important to have it evaluated even if you suspect hemorrhoids - bleeding can also indicate other conditions, including polyps or colorectal cancer, that require different treatment. During your visit, your gastroenterologist performs an examination to determine the type and severity of your hemorrhoids and recommends the most appropriate approach. Most patients experience significant improvement after one to two treatment sessions, and our team provides aftercare instructions to help prevent recurrence.
Getting Here from Elmhurst
By Subway
From Elmhurst, take the M or R train eastbound from Grand Avenue-Newtown or Elmhurst Avenue station to Forest Hills-71st Ave (approximately 3-4 stops). Exit the station and walk south to 72nd Avenue, then east to our office at 108-16 72nd Ave. The trip takes about 15 minutes.
By Bus
The Q60 bus runs along Queens Boulevard between Elmhurst and Forest Hills. Board at any stop along Queens Blvd in Elmhurst and exit near 71st Avenue, then walk south to 72nd Ave. The Q58 bus along Woodhaven Boulevard also connects to Forest Hills.
By Car
Take Queens Boulevard east from Elmhurst through Rego Park into Forest Hills. The drive is approximately 10-12 minutes depending on traffic. Street parking is available on 72nd Avenue and side streets near our office, and a parking garage is one block away.
Board-Certified Gastroenterologists
Over 40 combined years of clinical experience in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Dr. Samuel Davidoff, MD
Dr. Davidoff founded the practice in 2008 and personally performs colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, and capsule endoscopies in our Forest Hills office. He is board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Davidoff studied biology at Queens College (Donald Lancefield Prize recipient), earned his medical degree at SUNY Stony Brook, and trained in gastroenterology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He is an active member of the American College of Gastroenterology and has published peer-reviewed research. He speaks English and Russian.
- ABIM Board Certified
- ACG Member
- EN / RU
Dr. Yuriy Israel, MD
Dr. Israel joined in 2016 and performs the full range of endoscopic procedures alongside Dr. Davidoff. Between them, they perform approximately 2-3 capsule endoscopies per week – averaging over 1,500 capsule endoscopies combined over the past decade. Dr. Israel graduated summa cum laude from Queens College (Jonas E. Salk Scholarship), earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, completed his residency at Beth Israel Medical Center as Chief Resident, and trained in gastroenterology at Westchester Medical Center. He is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology, and belongs to both the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association. He speaks English, Russian, and Spanish.
- ABIM Board Certified
- ACG + AGA
- EN / RU / ES
Emanuel Yaakobov, FNP
Emanuel Yaakobov is a licensed family nurse practitioner who assists with patient evaluations, follow-up visits, and ongoing care coordination between procedures and appointments. He speaks English and Russian.
- Licensed FNP
- EN / RU
Schedule Your Consultation
Your first visit begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Israel explains the approach: “We start with obtaining a thorough history and doing a targeted physical exam. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and history, we then can proceed with blood work, stool tests, imaging studies, as well as endoscopic evaluation – all depending on what exactly is going on with that specific patient.” We offer same-week consultation appointments and can schedule procedures shortly after. We accept most commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Call 718-261-0900 for insurance verification.
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Thorough medical history and targeted physical exam
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Blood work, stool tests, or imaging as needed
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Endoscopic evaluation if indicated
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Personalized treatment plan and follow-up schedule
Gastroenterology & Nutrition, P.C.
Mon/Wed/Thu: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tue/Fri: 9 AM - 4 PM
Sunday: 9 AM - 1 PM | Sat: Closed
- CareCredit
- Cherry Financing
- FSA / HSA
- All Major Cards
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your gastroenterologist for personalized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How long does it take to get to your office from Elmhurst?
A:
By subway, the M or R train from Elmhurst to Forest Hills-71st Ave takes about 10-12 minutes. By car via Queens Boulevard, the drive is approximately 10-12 minutes depending on traffic.
Q:
Do you perform endoscopies and colonoscopies on-site?
A:
Yes, we perform all procedures in our AAAASF-certified endoscopy suite at 108-16 72nd Ave in Forest Hills. Our facility meets strict safety and quality standards.
Q:
How quickly can I get results after an endoscopy?
A:
Your doctor discusses the visual findings with you as soon as you wake up from the procedure. If biopsies are taken, those results are available in about one week.
Q:
Do you accept Medicaid and Medicare?
A:
Yes, we accept Medicare and various types of Medicaid, in addition to the majority of commercial insurance plans. Call 718-261-0900 to verify your specific plan.
Q:
Should I stop taking Ozempic or Mounjaro before an endoscopy?
A:
Yes. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy slow gastric emptying, which means food may remain in your stomach longer than usual. Patients should stop these medications at least one week before any upper endoscopy or colonoscopy to ensure a clear view during the procedure. Contact our office at 718-261-0900 if you have questions about adjusting your medication schedule.
Q:
What happens if a polyp is found during my colonoscopy?
A:
If a polyp is found, your gastroenterologist removes it during the same procedure – no separate surgery is needed. The polyp is sent to a pathology lab for analysis, with results typically available within one week. Based on the type, size, and number of polyps found, your doctor will recommend when you should return for your next colonoscopy.