Winter - Augusta Health

CHRIStOPHER HARMON,
MD, PhD
Bringing advanced GI care
to Augusta Health
Meet r. Christopher Harmon, Md, Phd
pAtients Who need AdvAnced gAstrointestinAl (gi)
cAre noW don’t hAve to look fArther thAn their oWn
neighborhood to find it, thAnks to the Addition of
boArd-certified gAstroenterologist r. christopher
hArmon, md, phd, to AugustA heAlth. After completing a
fellowship in advanced Gi endoscopy, Dr. Harmon now brings
his unique expertise to Augusta Health Gastroenterology.
Leading-edge procedures
Dr. Harmon is skilled in endoscopic ultrasound (EuS) and
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP),
two procedures that until now were unavailable in this
region. “Generally, these tools are limited to major academic
centers, so i’m excited about bringing these leading-edge
technologies to Augusta Health,” Dr. Harmon says.
ERCP uses a combination of x-rays and endoscopy (which
uses a lighted, flexible tube with a camera attached) to
diagnose and treat problems of the pancreatic and bile
ducts. “We can perform procedures for bile duct stones,
strictures, tumors and other blockages,” explains
Dr. Harmon.
EuS also uses an endoscope to look at problems of the
digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs.
“Recent articles in respected medical journals confirm that
EuS for management of infections and pancreatic necrosis
is the most optimal therapy and prevents patients from
having to undergo complicated surgical procedures,” adds
Dr. Harmon. “The biggest benefit is in the diagnosis and
staging of cancer. if a patient has a tumor that’s detected by
endoscope or CT, this tool allows me to understand what it
is and stage the tumor to direct its treatment.”
comprehensive gi care
in addition to endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic
retrograde cholangiopancreatography, the Augusta
Health Endoscopy Center offers a wide range of
procedures to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders,
including:
colonoscopy
upper Gi endoscopy
bronchoscopy
transesophageal echocardiogram
capsule endoscopy
Right at home
Dr. Harmon may be new to Augusta Health, but he’s
no stranger to Fishersville. Dr. Harmon and his wife,
Vanessa Lee, MD, who also practices at Augusta Health
Gastroenterology, have lived in Fishersville for seven years,
where they have a farm and enjoy many outdoor activities.
After completing his fellowship in Roanoke, Dr. Harmon
was eager to return home. “i love living in this region,”
Dr. Harmon says.
make an appointment todaY!
dr. harmon is seeing patients at Augusta health
gastroenterology, located at 70 medical center
circle, suite 302, in fishersville. to schedule an
appointment, call (540) 245-7350.
www.augustahealth.com 15