[LinkedIn Profile](http://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-p-houghton-md) | [SOMC Provider Profile](https://www.somc.org/find-a-provider/profile/jesse-houghton/)
Professional Role and Affiliations
Dr. Jesse Pat Houghton currently serves as the Senior Medical Director of Gastroenterology at Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC) in Portsmouth, Ohio. He is a board-certified specialist in both Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, maintaining certification throughout his career which began in 2002. His clinical practice at SOMC includes leadership responsibilities over gastroenterology services and supervision of clinical staff, emphasizing advanced endoscopic procedures.
He is affiliated with SOMC Gastroenterology Associates, where he practices gastroenterology and accepts new patients, focusing on a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Houghton’s expertise spans complex procedures such as colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and video capsule endoscopy.
Additionally, he holds an academic appointment as an Associate Clinical Professor of Gastroenterology at the Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine, indicating an active role in medical education and mentoring future physicians.
Medical Education and Training
- Medical Degree: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers New Jersey Medical School), 2002
- Residency: Internal Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, completed in 2005
- Fellowship: Gastroenterology (specific fellowship program not detailed)
- Board Certification in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology since entering practice in 2002
Clinical Expertise and Services
Dr. Houghton specializes in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal and liver diseases, with clinical expertise confirmed by his multiple roles at SOMC. His procedural skills include:
- Colonoscopy and bowel cancer screening
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (EGD)
- ERCP for biliary and pancreatic disorders
- Management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Treatment of GERD, and expertise in GERD surgery coordination at SOMC
- Application of advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic technologies to improve patient outcomes
He has been involved in expanding telemedicine services within SOMC Gastroenterology Associates, adapting care delivery modalities especially since 2020.
Publications, Authorship, and Thought Leadership
Dr. Houghton is a published author and medical educator known for his accessible communication of gastrointestinal health. Notably, he authored the book:
- _"What Your Doctor Doesn't (Have the Time to) Tell You: The Gastrointestinal System"_
This work focuses on common gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases, aiming to educate patients and the public with straightforward explanations covering conditions from bloating and nausea to liver disease and constipation. The book is recognized for translating complex medical information into actionable patient education.
Dr. Houghton actively contributes to medical writing, including articles on gut health for platforms such as SingleCare. His expertise and outreach extend beyond clinical practice into community education, highlighted by local media interviews and book signing events held at SOMC.
Professional Recognition and Contributions
- Recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2022), recognizing his leadership and service excellence in gastroenterology.
- Known within professional circles for innovative use of endoscopic technology and clinical leadership at SOMC.
- Featured in multiple SOMC newsletters and promotional materials reflecting his standing as a key provider and community healthcare leader.
Recent Activities and Public Presence
- Featured in the December 2023 episode of Think Big with Dan and Qasim, where he discussed medical leadership and gastroenterology advancements.
- Recognized for utilizing cutting-edge endoscopic technology, as highlighted in a 2024 SCHOTT publication emphasizing minimally invasive surgical innovations.
- Maintains an active online presence through his gastrodoc1.com website and SOMC digital profiles.
- Engages with patient communities through telehealth platforms and regular patient education outreach.
Summary of Key Insights
Dr. Jesse P. Houghton represents a highly qualified, academically engaged, and clinically experienced leader within the gastroenterology department at Southern Ohio Medical Center. His dual board certification and leadership role underscore his comprehensive expertise. The combination of advanced procedural skills, published patient education materials, and active academic involvement positions him as a knowledgeable and credible authority in gastroenterology. His engagement with new technologies and telemedicine indicates adaptability aligned with modern healthcare delivery trends. His outreach efforts and media presence reflect a commitment to both clinical excellence and patient-centered communication.
This profile suggests that interactions with Dr. Houghton can be informed by his focus on endoscopic technology, patient education, and leadership in clinical gastroenterology services, providing avenues to reference innovations in the GI field and support for educational resources aligned with patient care improvements.
