Endoscopy
What is an endoscopy? An endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the lining of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An upper endoscopy examines your esophagus, your stomach and the first portion of your small intestine. What to expect during an endoscopy During the procedure you will be sedated. We will view your digestive […]
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What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the lining of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An upper endoscopy examines your esophagus, your stomach and the first portion of your small intestine.
What to expect during an endoscopy
During the procedure you will be sedated. We will view your digestive tract using a tiny tube, called an endoscope, which has a camera attached. The procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, but patients should fast at least 6 hours before.
Why is an endoscopy performed?
If you have difficulty swallowing, digestive issues, persistent nausea or vomiting, your doctor may refer you for an endoscopy to identify the source of discomfort. An endoscopy can more accurately detect abnormalities in your digestive tract than an X-ray or other methods.
Meet Our Care Team
Alka Hudson, MD
Gastroenterology
Alka Hudson, MD, earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed her internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center.
Board certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology, Dr. Hudson is also a diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She began practicing gastroenterology in the Kansas City metro in 2010 and joined Lawrence GI Consultants in 2024.
Dr. Hudson has been recognized multiple times by Castle Connolly, receiving the honor of Top Doctor in Gastroenterology in Kansas City and being named to their Exceptional Women in Medicine list.
Dr. Hudson chose gastroenterology because it perfectly blends clinical and procedural medicine.
“One of the things I enjoy most about my work is the diversity of patients I see. Being part of my patients’ journeys—whether through preventative screenings or treating chronic diseases—allows me to make a meaningful impact in their lives and the broader community.”
Fluent in Spanish, Dr. Hudson is also the mother of two vibrant children who keep her busy outside of work.
Chad D Johanning, MD
Family Medicine
Charles Brooks, MD
Gastroenterology
Dr. Brooks is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he completed his residency training in internal medicine. He completed a Fellowship in general internal medicine at the University of Kansas and a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He is a member of the American Gastroenterology Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
J. Philip Hoffmann, MD
Gastroenterology
Dr. Hoffmann was born in Kansas City, Missouri, where he grew up in the Midtown area and later in Raytown, Missouri. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He received his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1978 and then spent the next five years completing an internal medicine residency and fellowship in gastroenterology at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Hoffmann moved to Lawrence in September 1983 and has been practicing here since.
James Kim, MD
Gastroenterology
James W. Kim, MD, earned his undergraduate degree at the City College of the City University of New York and his medical degree from the College of Medicine at SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse. He completed his residency through the Brown University program in internal medicine and his fellowship at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Dr. Kim is board certified in gastroenterology and is an active member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Dr. Kim chose to work in medicine after being introduced to a medical program by a group of friends and working in a hospital during high school. His passion for patients and GI has led to a career that spans over 20 years.
“After doing a GI rotation, I realized all the different ways I could help my patients. All those ways excited me.”
His special interests include various esophageal disorders including GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer screenings, celiac disease, Hepatitis B and C, and Crohn’s disease.
Prior to joining LMH Health, Dr. Kim worked at Saint Luke’s. He wanted to be where patients and a community really needed a GI specialist, such as a community hospital.
“I want to be able to talk to my patients on a first name basis and assure them that procedures are being done as a preventative measure.”
Teresa M. King, MD
Gastroenterology
She is a board-certified internist and Gastroenterologist, and she focuses her practice exclusively on gastroenterology. She completed her medical degree, residency and fellowship training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.