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Nitesh Ratnakar: A Distinguished Gastroenterologist in Elkins and Wheeling

Nitesh Ratnakar, M.D., FACG, is a distinguished gastroenterologist serving the communities of Elkins and Wheeling, West Virginia. With over two decades of experience in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine, Dr. Nitesh Ratnakar has earned a reputation for providing exceptional patient care and advancing the field through his clinical expertise and research contributions. His commitment to patient-centered care and his extensive medical background make him a trusted name in gastrointestinal health.


Nitesh Ratnakar  - A Comprehensive Medical Education and Training


Dr. Ratnakar’s journey in medicine began with a robust educational foundation at the University of Delhi and Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India, where he obtained his medical degree. His early medical training was further enriched through his experiences at prestigious institutions such as Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, Lok Nayak Hospital, and Guru Nanak Eye Center, all in New Delhi.



Dr. Nitesh Ratnakar
Dr. Nitesh Ratnakar


After completing his medical degree, Dr. Nitesh Ratnakar pursued a residency in psychiatry at the University of Delhi/Maulana Azad Medical College, which provided him with a holistic approach to patient care by understanding the psychological aspects of health. He then transitioned to internal medicine, completing his residency at The Chicago Medical School/Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences in North Chicago, IL. This diverse training laid the groundwork for his future specialization in gastroenterology and geriatrics, allowing him to approach patient care with a broad and informed perspective.


Nitesh Ratnakar - Advanced Fellowships in Gastroenterology and Geriatrics


Dr. Ratnakar’s dedication to advancing his knowledge and expertise led him to pursue two advanced fellowships. He completed a fellowship in Geriatrics & Palliative Care Medicine at the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, FL, where he developed specialized skills in managing the complex needs of elderly patients and those requiring palliative care.


His passion for gastroenterology took him to the University of Wisconsin Medical School/Aurora Healthcare in Milwaukee, WI, where he completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology. During this fellowship, Dr. Ratnakar MD honed his skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders, including advanced therapeutic endoscopy techniques. His research during this period earned him several accolades, including the Best Research Paper at the University of Wisconsin Research Conference and the Poster of Distinction at Digestive Disease Week in Los Angeles, CA.


Nitesh Ratnakar - Extensive Clinical Experience


Since 2006, Dr. Ratnakar has been in private practice as a consultant in gastroenterology, endoscopy, and hepatology. His clinical expertise spans several leading hospitals in West Virginia, including Wheeling Hospital, WVU Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Davis Medical Center, East Ohio Regional Hospital, and Weirton Medical Center. His long-standing commitment to these institutions reflects his dedication to providing high-quality care to the communities he serves.


In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ratnakar has held notable leadership roles, including serving as Chief of Staff at Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins, WV, and as a board member of Davis Health System Inc. These roles underscore his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring the highest standards of patient care.


Nitesh Ratnakar - Specialized Skills and Procedural Competency


Dr. Ratnakar is highly skilled in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures essential for managing gastrointestinal conditions. His procedural competencies include:


  • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): Used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to assess and treat conditions of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

  • Colonoscopy: A critical procedure for detecting colorectal cancer and other intestinal diseases.

  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Utilized for diagnosing and managing pancreatic and biliary diseases.

  • Push Enteroscopy and Capsule Endoscopy: Techniques for visualizing and treating conditions within the small intestine.

  • pH and Manometry Studies: Including BRAVO pH capsule and impedance manometry, essential for evaluating esophageal motility disorders.

  • Liver Biopsy: An important diagnostic tool for assessing liver disease.

  • Non-surgical Treatment of Hemorrhoids and Paracentesis: For managing hemorrhoids and complications such as abdominal fluid accumulation.

  • HALO Radio-frequency Ablation of Barrett’s Esophagus: A cutting-edge technique to treat precancerous changes in the esophagus.


Nitesh Ratnakar - Recognitions and Awards


Dr. Ratnakar’s excellence in gastroenterology has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. He served as the West Virginia Governor of the American College of Gastroenterology from 2014 to 2020 and is a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, reflecting his leadership in the field. He has also received recognition from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) for his contributions to gastrointestinal endoscopy, achieving the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit Recognition in 2010—the first and only such recognition in West Virginia.


His board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine further highlight his broad expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice.


Nitesh Ratnakar - A Commitment to Patient Care and Community


Dr. Nitesh Ratnakar is deeply committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. He believes in the importance of educating his patients about their conditions and involving them in their care decisions. This approach has earned him the trust and respect of his patients in Elkins, Wheeling, and beyond.


Through his extensive training, clinical expertise, and dedication to continuous learning and improvement, Dr. Ratnakar has made significant contributions to the field of gastroenterology. His work not only improves the health and well-being of his patients but also advances the standards of care in his community. Dr. Ratnakar's practice is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in gastroenterology and his passion for helping his patients achieve better health outcomes.

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