Dr. Kumkum PatelMD, MPH

Gastroenterology

at Kumkum Patel MD — Newport Beach, CA

About

Dr. Kumkum Patel is a double board-certified gastroenterologist practicing across Orange County, California. S. in Biomedical Engineering, Magna Cum Laude with honors, from Virginia Commonwealth University. She then completed her medical degree at St. George's University School of Medicine. Her residency in internal medicine took place at NYU Winthrop Hospital, followed by a gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Dr. Patel pursued specialized training in GI motility disorders at Washington University in St. Louis through the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society. She also holds a Master of Public Health from Dartmouth Medical School at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice. Before relocating to Southern California in July 2020 with her husband and two young sons, she helped establish the motility and GERD center at a private practice in Chicago. Her clinical focus spans IBS, esophageal and anorectal disorders, gut-brain axis conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, and women's GI health. She serves on the American College of Gastroenterology's Women in GI Committee and co-founded the 2022 Equity and Levity Summit with Dr. Melanie Santos. The Greater Irvine Chamber named her Healthcare Innovator of the Year in 2023. She contributes regularly as a TV medical expert on outlets including NBC California Live, CBS8, KTLA5, and NBCLA, and her expertise has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Popsugar Wellness, and Buzzfeed. A passionate motivational speaker, she addresses topics from gut health and IBS to postpartum depression and women's empowerment. Away from medicine, she enjoys traveling and singing a cappella.

Education & Training

Undergraduate

Virginia Commonwealth University, B.S. Biomedical Engineering (Magna Cum Laude with honors)

Medical School

St. George's University School of Medicine

Residency

Internal Medicine, NYU Winthrop Hospital

Fellowship

Gastroenterology, University of Illinois in Chicago

Additional Training

Master of Public Health (MPH), Dartmouth Medical School at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice; Specialized training in GI motility disorders, Washington University in St. Louis (American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society)

Certifications

Double Board Certified GastroenterologistBoard Certified in GastroenterologyBoard Certified in Internal Medicine

Conditions Treated

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)GERDconstipationdiarrheadysphagiapelvic floor dysfunctionesophageal disordersanorectal disordersfecal incontinencecolorectal cancerpolypsBarrett's esophagusgastritisceliac diseaseCrohn's diseaseinflammatory bowel diseaseachalasiaesophageal spasmsSIBOpelvic painendometriosisinterstitial cystitispelvic organ prolapsepostpartum constipation

Who is Dr. Patel right for?

Dr. Patel is a strong fit for adults seeking expert care for IBS, GERD, esophageal disorders, or anorectal conditions. Women dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum GI issues, endometriosis-related GI symptoms, or pelvic pain benefit from her specialized focus. Patients who want an integrative perspective, combining diagnostics, nutrition, and gut-brain counseling, will find her approach well-suited to complex or chronic GI concerns. She also works with patients who need advanced motility testing or procedural evaluation, including colonoscopy, manometry, and SIBO breath testing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Patel specializes in IBS, GERD, esophageal disorders, anorectal disorders, GI motility conditions, and pelvic floor dysfunction. She also treats patients with SIBO, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Barrett's esophagus, and postpartum constipation. Her integrative approach addresses the gut-brain axis, making her particularly effective with complex or functional GI conditions.

Yes, women's GI health is a primary focus of Dr. Patel's practice. She specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum GI issues, endometriosis-related symptoms, interstitial cystitis, and pelvic organ prolapse. She serves on the American College of Gastroenterology's Women in GI Committee and brings dedicated expertise to conditions that disproportionately affect women.

Dr. Patel performs colonoscopies, upper endoscopies (EGD), flexible sigmoidoscopies, video capsule endoscopies, pH-Bravo testing, esophageal manometry, and anorectal manometry. She conducts endoscopic procedures at several endoscopy centers throughout Orange County, including locations in Newport Beach, Orange, and Mission Viejo.

Dr. Patel offers SIBO breath testing, GI MAP and stool analysis, food sensitivity blood testing, esophageal manometry, and anorectal manometry. These tests help her identify root causes behind symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and swallowing difficulties rather than relying solely on symptom management.

Yes, Dr. Patel holds double board certification in gastroenterology and internal medicine. She completed her gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago and received specialized motility training at Washington University in St. Louis through the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society.

Dr. Patel takes an integrative approach to IBS that addresses the gut-brain connection alongside conventional GI care. She offers the IBS Harmony Method Coaching Program, gut-directed cognitive behavioral counseling, nutritional counseling, and specialized testing such as SIBO breath testing and food sensitivity panels. Her goal is to identify underlying drivers and provide patients with a comprehensive, personalized plan.

Yes, Dr. Patel offers comprehensive pelvic floor services through a partnership with Sarton Physical Therapy. This collaboration provides pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture, Pilates, and compounded medications. She treats conditions including pelvic floor dysfunction, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum constipation.

Dr. Patel earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at NYU Winthrop Hospital. She then completed her gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She also trained in GI motility at Washington University in St. Louis and earned her Master of Public Health from Dartmouth Medical School.

Dr. Patel offers educational and coaching visits for patients outside California. Her IBS Harmony Method Coaching Program serves both California and non-California residents. California residents can schedule in-person or telehealth clinical visits directly through her practice.

Doctor profile last updated June 12, 2026