Areas of Interest

  • Achalasia
  • Barrett's Esophagus
  • Dysphagia
  • Endoscopic Treatment of Obesity
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis
  • GERD
  • General Gastroenterology
  • Motility Disorders
  • Weight Loss and Lifestyle

Procedures

Additional Languages

  • Guarani
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Korean

Dr. Il J. Paik is a triple board-certified gastroenterologist, geriatrician, and motility specialist with nationally recognized expertise in managing complex digestive conditions. He brings advanced training in GI motility and geriatric gastroenterology to Gastroenterology Associates of Southwest Florida, where he will be seeing patients at both our Cape Coral and Fort Myers locations. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Paik has led the development of multidisciplinary esophageal reflux programs and advanced motility centers at top institutions, including Columbia University, Mount Sinai, and the University of Miami, where he served as Director of GI Motility. He is widely published and frequently invited to speak internationally on topics ranging from neurogastroenterology to digestive care in older adults. 

With a focus on patient-centered, evidence-based care, Dr. Paik specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of GI conditions. He has particular expertise in managing esophageal and motility disorders, digestive concerns in older adults, and GI issues related to spinal cord injury and laryngeal or pulmonary reflux. One of the few board-certified geriatric gastroenterologists in the country, Dr. Paik is committed to delivering the highest standard of care using advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatment options. 

Universidad Nacional de Asunción (Medical School)

Arriba Paraguay Foundation

Miami Project to Cure Paralysis

I have received a grant to study GI Motility in subjects suffering from spine chord injury

Outside of medicine, Dr. Paik enjoys playing tennis, traveling with his family, and exploring new technology. He’s married with one child and two dogs, and has a love for both Paraguayan and Korean cuisine. A music fan as well, he especially enjoys listening to U2.

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS), American Foregut Society (AFS)

I'm very passionate about all aspects of Gastroenterology. I'm a Neurogastroenterologist and Motility specialist and Geriatric Gastroenterologist. I have expertise in the utilization of novel technologies to study the function of the intestine and provide minimally invasive treatments like Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication for the treatment.

I was the founding Director of GI Motility Programs in 3 major academic centers. I founded and led Multidisciplinary Esophageal Reflux Programs in major academic institutions. I have expertise in GI Motility disorders in patients suffering from spine chord injury and esophageal reflux affecting the larynx and/or lungs.