(Effective September 3, 2024) Dr. Zahava Farkas brings a wealth of research experience to our practice, in areas ranging from gastrointestinal obstructions and sarcopenia to hepatobiliary disease and esophageal issues. Her knowledgeable background is complemented by her attentive patient care, comprehensive treatment plans and excellent communication skills.
Dr. Farkas earned a fellowship in gastroenterology from New York Medical College / Westchester Medical Center, in Valhalla, NY. She also served as chief resident of internal medicine and completed her internship there. Dr. Farkas earned her doctorate of medicine from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY, and received her BA in political science from Queens College City University of New York.
Dr. Farkas is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. In addition to being a sought-after speaker and presenter, Dr. Farkas has been a prolific contributor to a number of peer-reviewed publications, including The Cureus Journal of Medical Science, Annals of Thoracic Surgery and Archives of Medical Science.
Dr. Smrita Sinha is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for her patients, with a focus on helping each one improve his or her overall health. Her areas of expertise include the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, liver disease and gastrointestinal cancer. Fluent in English, Spanish and Hindi, Dr. Sinha provides a level of personal care uniquely suited to serving the diverse needs of our community. According to her, "no patient problem is too big or too small" and she treats every single patient as if they were her own family member.
Before joining GANJ, Dr. Sinha was a gastroenterologist at Northern Medical Group in Fishkill, NY. Prior, as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY, she supervised GI fellows, conducted research on pancreatic cancer, expanded the center’s GI clinic, and honed her endoscopic skills in a variety of procedures.
Dr. Sinha received her fellowship training in gastroenterology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, and completed her internal medicine residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Prior to completing her internship at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, CA, Dr. Sinha earned a doctorate in medicine from Weill Cornell Medical College, where she graduated top of her class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She spent an extra year as a medical student conducting neurobiology research. She completed her undergraduate education as a double major in biochemistry and chemistry at Cornell University.
As part of her gastroenterology practice, Dr. Sinha is committed to advancing the field of internal medicine, publishing several articles in peer-reviewed journals such as The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Digestive Disease Week and Cancer Research. In her free time, she likes to listen to audiobooks, garden, do HIIT workouts and spend time with her family.
(Effective August 1, 2024) Dr. Joo Hye (Grace) Park joins our practice from Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY, where she was chief fellow of the Division of Gastroenterology. Her credentials include an impressive portfolio of work ranging from elderly trauma investigation to in-depth GI-specific studies. Most recently, Dr. Park’s research revealed remarkable discoveries in bowel preparation for colonoscopies. Fluent in Korean, English and Spanish, Dr. Park is uniquely positioned to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring their needs are understood and met with compassionate, personalized care.
Born in South Korea, Dr. Park immigrated to the United States with her parents at a young age. She began her medical studies at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree with distinction. Dr. Park completed (remove “an”) Internal Medicine residency at the renowned LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. Over the course of three years, she had the opportunity to learn from leading physicians, allowing her to hone her clinical skills and develop a deep understanding of patient care.
She earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public Health and Spanish from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University. Her diverse background in combination with her medical training has prepared Dr. Park to address a wide range of gastroenterological conditions while being sensitive to different culture perspectives.
Having conducted research in every step of her educational career, Dr. Park has been participating in ongoing investigations of the best bowel preparation supplement (Subtab versus Miralax/Dulcolax) for outpatient colonoscopies for average-risk colorectal cancer screenings. Her published works also give key insights into her vast experience as a physician. Her recent contribution, a chapter on Adverse Effects of Commonly Use Drugs to Treat Rheumatological Condition to the book “Gastrointestinal Disease Associated with Rheumatological and Vasculitic Conditions” is just one example of her varied medical interests.
Joo Hye (Grace) Park 박사가 저희와 함께 근무하게 되었습니다. 박 선생님은 뉴욕주, 올버니 소재, Albany Medical Center에서 소화기내과 수석 펠로우로 근무했습니다. 노인 외상 연구부터 소화기내과 전문 연구에 이르기까지 다양한 분야에서 인상적인 연구 실적을 가지고 있습니다. 가장 최근, 박 선생님의 연구로 대장 내시경 검사를 위한 장 준비 조치에서 놀라운 성과가 있었습니다. 한국어, 영어, 스페인어에 능숙한 박 선생님은 다양한 배경을 가진 환자들과 소통하기에 적임자로서 환자들의 요구사항을 이해하고 따뜻한 마음으로 개인 맞춤형 진료를 할 수 있습니다.
한국에서 태어난 박 선생님은 어릴 때 부모님과 함께 미국으로 이민을 왔습니다. 박 선생님은 럿거스 뉴저지 의과대학(Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, NJMS)에 진학하여 우수한 성적으로 의학박사(MD) 학위를 받았습니다. 또한 박 선생님은 캘리포니아주 로스앤젤레스에 있는 저명한 LAC+USC Medical Center에서 내과 레지던트 과정을 마쳤습니다. 이곳에서 3년 동안 유능한 의사들로부터 의술을 익힐 기회를 활용하여 임상 기술을 배우고 환자 진료에 대한 깊은 이해를 얻게 되었습니다.
저명한 존스 홉킨스 대학(Johns Hopkins University)의 공중보건학 및 스페인어과에서 복수 전공을 하여 학사 학위를 받았습니다. 박 선생님의 의학적 지식과 다양한 배경을 바탕으로 여러 소화기내과 질환에 대처하는 동시에 문화적 차이에 섬세하게 대응할 수 있을 것입니다.
교육 과정의 모든 단계에서 연구에 매진해 온 박 선생님은 평균적 수준의 위험을 가진 대장암 검사를 위한 외래 대장 내시경 검사에 가장 적합한 장 준비 보조제(SubTab 대 Miralax/Dulcolax)의 지속적 연구에 참여해왔습니다. 박 선생님이 발표한 논문에서도 의사로서의 풍부한 경험을 충분히 확인할 수 있습니다. 최근에 기고한, “류마티스 질환 및 혈관염 질환과 연관성 있는 위장 질환”이라는 문헌 내 류마티스 질환 치료에 널리 쓰이는 약물의 부작용에 관한 부분은 박 선생님의 다양한 의학적 관심사 중 한 가지 사례일 뿐입니다.
Advanced Practice Nurse Diana Polania has been known for delivering excellent health care and dedicated patient advocacy to New Jersey residents since 2017. She is currently specializing in gastroenterology, supporting patients with acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions by performing interventions, providing patient education, helping to develop plan care and treatment, and facilitating required follow-up care.
Prior to joining GANJ, Diana was a certified clinical hemodialysis technician responsible for providing training, education, and nursing care to dialysis patients, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her focus on hemodialysis was sharpened at Fresenius Clara Maass Hospital in Belleville and at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, where she was charged with assessing patient conditions, preparing them for the dialysis procedure, answering their questions, evaluating the outcome of their dialysis treatment, and working closely with their doctors. While working in the Fresenius home therapy program, Diana provided direct and personalized education to dialysis patients in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) and Home Hemodialysis (HHD).
Diana earned her master’s degree in nursing from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, where became an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. While practicing in primary care offices, she learned that the key to becoming an outstanding nursing professional is to discover a patient’s individual needs.
Before earning her registered professional nursing degree at the University of the State of New York in Albany, NY, Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Santiago in Cali, Colombia. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Diana offers a wealth of experience in specialized care and patient education. She is certified by the American Heart Association.
Dr. John Sotiriadis is a gastroenterologist and is double board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. He is committed to improving the health of his patients using the most modern approaches and advanced treatments in gastroenterology.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Dr. Sotiriadis attended Cornell University and graduated cum laude with a major in Biology. He then attended Chicago Medical School, where he earned a medical degree and a doctorate in philosophy (PhD) in immunology. Dr. Sotiriadis returned to New York to complete his residency in internal medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. He went on to complete his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship at UMDNJ-Newark.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sotiriadis has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and has given lectures and presentations on a broad range of gastroenterology and hepatology topics. He is an active member and fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association, as well as an active member of the New York Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Dr. Sotiriadis also serves as Section Chief at Palisades Medical Center, where he is also Associate Program Director for the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program.
Working with the entire team here at GANJ, Dr. Sotiriadis provide patients with a holistic and patient-centered approach to ensure that patients receive the best care in gastroenterology.
Dr. Peter Caride was born and raised in Hudson County, NJ, and has served the North Hudson and Bergen County area for nearly three decades. He is board certified in gastroenterology by the National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Caride is an advocate for state-of-the-art health care, particularly when it comes to advancing health care for the Latino population.
Prior to joining GANJ, Dr. Caride was in private practice in New Jersey for 27 years. His fellowship in gastroenterology was at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan, where he was twice awarded the William J. Grace Fellow of the Year award given to the most outstanding physician during their subspecialty training. Dr. Caride completed his internal medicine training at St. Vincent’s as well. During that time he was selected as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society for his exemplary work with medical students. He was also selected to be Chief Medical Resident at St. Vincent’s because of his knowledge and dedication, as well as his leadership skills with fellow residents. Dr. Caride received a BS in biochemistry from Boston College and is a graduate of New York Medical College.
The son of Cuban immigrants, Dr. Caride is fluent in Spanish and is particularly interested in serving the needs of the Latino community.
Gabrielle Corpuz is a dedicated physician assistant with a broad knowledge base and a focus on gastroenterology. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and has completed more than 2,000 clinical hours in specialized settings that include internal medicine, general surgery and emergency medicine. She is currently a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Gabby completed the accelerated BS/MS Physician Assistant program at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, graduating with honors in August 2019 with her MS degree in physician assistant studies.
Born and raised in Toms River, NJ, Gabby enjoys serving the community that she grew up in. Before joining GANJ, she had worked at Ocean Family Gastroenterology since January 2020. Gabby has an unmatched passion for providing quality patient care focused on health care assessment, effective treatment plans and patient education. Prior to her career in medicine, Gabby was a Division III collegiate swimmer and was a school record holder. She was a lifeguard at Ortley Beach for eight years and enjoyed keeping beachgoers safe, as well as educating the public on water safety.
Physician Assistant Laura Tranchini is passionate about providing patient care that focuses on health maintenance, disease prevention and patient education. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). She is also certified in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support.
Laura graduated from Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, WV, in 2021 with a M.S. degree in physician assistant studies. During her graduate education, she gained experience in a variety of specialties while completing clinical rotations in rural West Virginia. Laura earned her B.S. in exercise physiology at Ohio University in Athens, OH.
While completing her undergraduate education, Laura studied abroad in Cuba to learn about different methods of health care delivery, specifically in regions where access to medical resources is limited. She also spent a year working as a resident care aide at a nursing home. These experiences helped her recognize the value of a community-based approach to health care.
Laura grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and moved to New Jersey, where she worked at Ocean Family Gastroenterology for two years prior to joining GANJ.
Dr. Rangas Lokchander, founder of Ocean Family Gastroenterology and a founding member of Ocean Endoscopy Center, has practiced gastroenterology and GI-related procedures for more than 30 years.
A diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of Gastroenterology, he completed his medical degree from Madras Medical College, University of Mardras, India. At Nassau County Medical Center in New York, he completed his Residency in Medicine and a Fellowship in Gastroenterology.
Dr. Lokchander’s care philosophy incorporates a comprehensive approach where all the systems of one’s body are considered as they are all connected. He believes that the physician-patient relationship is a partnership, where both members strive to make the best decisions for healthy outcomes.
Dr. Jose Ramon E. Suatengco has been proudly practicing Gastroenterology in Toms River, NJ for the last 25 years. After graduating medical school at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, Philippines, Dr. Suatengco completed his residency at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. While there he served as Chief Resident of Internal Medicine as well as later becoming Senior Gastroenterology Fellow.
Dr. Suatengco previously owned a private solo Gastroenterology practice in Toms River from 1995 until 2018. He merged with Ocean Family Gastroenterology in January 2019. He specializes in various procedures including colonoscopy, endoscopy, anal manometry, and capsule endoscopy. In addition to being an active member of the medical community, Dr. Suatengco is also an active member of the Filipino community. He is a founder of the Filipino- American Community Development Center which focuses on celebrating Filipino culture.
With a main priority of assisting patients and providing an excellent level of care, Dr. Suatengco continues to reach above and beyond for his patients.
