Andrew Gilman, MD, was drawn to UNC Gastroenterology because of the mission, collegiality and “how can we help” attitude. From a rural area in California, Dr. Gilman says it it rewarding to provide care to people from remote areas. Outside of work he enjoys fly fishing, diving and hiking.
What brought you to UNC Medical Center?
I came to UNC to learn from the world class endoscopists here as part of an advanced endoscopy fellowship. I chose to stay to join their mission in offering and expanding cutting edge endoscopic approaches to patients across our region. Our group’s attitude has consistently been one of “how can we make this happen” and “how can we help”, which is at the core of why I became a physician. Having grown up in a rural area I appreciate UNC’s commitment to offering complex procedures to patients from remote areas across our state and beyond, even during the course of an ongoing hospital admission elsewhere as a “day trip”. Although I’m not from rural North Carolina, it’s very rewarding to improve access and help care for patients in communities like where I grew up. On top of this the collegiality both within and between divisions is outstanding. Chapel Hill is also a superb place to live and raise a family.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from a small mountain town in rural California. As an adult I’ve lived all over the country.
Did you always want to be a doctor?
I came to this career choice in college when experience showed it to be a clear match for my passions for learning and desire to help those in need.
How did you choose your specialty?
Gastroenterology in general and advanced endoscopy specifically are wonderful fields. I feel truly fortunate to often have the opportunity to physically do something to improve a patient’s symptoms. The wide range of diseases we treat combined with the creative and ever changing ways we can treat them make my career exciting and satisfying.
What are some of the new developments in your field of specialty?
Endoscopy (particularly EUS and ERCP) is rapidly changing as new techniques are emerging to offer less invasive and better tolerated alternatives to conditions that were previously treated with surgery and external drains. The realm of what is possible is expanding and it’s rewarding to be part of that.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I’m big on the outdoors, including hiking, fly fishing, and diving.