Pooja Lal, MD

Education

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
Fellowship, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2023 

Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Residency, Internal Medicine, 2020 

Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Medical Degree (MBBS), 2015 

Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Research Fellowship, Maternal and Child Health, 2017 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
Research Fellowship, Gastroenterology, 2016 

Why Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology allows me to specialize in a diverse range of conditions- including, but not limited to- colon cancer screening, esophageal disorders, liver pathology, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic abdominal problems and mind-gut connection.

I was born in a very small village in Pakistan with very little access to healthcare, especially for women. My background was a deciding factor in my career path. As a female gastroenterologist, my goal is to bridge the gap and provide compassionate medical care to those who may otherwise have limited access.

I aim to create a sense of empowerment and trust among my patients. Many GI conditions are chronic, I strive to form a personal connection with my patients where they feel understood, supported and empowered to take charge of their health in the long term.

Areas of Interest

• Disorders of gut-brain interaction (formerly known as Functional Bowel Disorders)
• Abdominal pain
• Acid Reflux
• Barrett's Esophagus
• Celiac Disease
• Crohn's Disease
• Colon Cancer Prevention and Screening
• Diarrhea
• General Gastroenterology
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Procedures

• Colonoscopy
• EGD - Upper GI Endoscopy
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• Research Studies
• Telehealth Appointments
• Video Capsule Endoscopy

Languages

• Siraiki
• Sindhi
• English
• Urdu

Memberships

• American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 
  American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) 

Personal Life

Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Lal enjoys cooking, working out, exploring new places, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Mia. Her time living in Arizona also sparked an appreciation for authentic Mexican cuisine.