Gastrointestinal Care
Thoughtful evaluation and treatment for reflux, abdominal pain, IBS, IBD, and persistent digestive symptoms.
Acid Reflux (GERD)IBS & IBDAbdominal PainChronic Diarrhea
Personalized care planning in a calm, modern setting.
Professor of Medicine | Chair (ACGME)Internal Medicine Prof | Coffee Regional Medical CenterExpert care for
Expert care for
your digestive& liver
health.
Southern Gastroenterology & Hepatology Consultants Inc. — led by Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, M.D., with over 30 years of trusted care across South Georgia.
Board Certified30+ YearsAccepting New Patients
Esophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Liver
Gallbladder
Biliary System
Small Bowel Capsule
Esophagus
Stomach
Small Intestine
Liver
Gallbladder
Biliary System
Small Bowel Capsule
Clinic Overview
A specialized digestive health & liver disease practice.
Southern Gastroenterology & Hepatology Consultants Inc. focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, gallbladder, and digestive disorders — led by board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, M.D.
We serve patients throughout South Georgia and work closely with Coffee Regional Medical Center to provide comprehensive digestive healthcare.
Personalized care plansEvidence-based medicineLong-term disease managementPreventive screening focusCollaborative, coordinated careDecades of clinical experience
Services Offered
Specialty digestive care with the polish and confidence of a leading center.
Every service line is presented through a premium clinical lens: warm consultative care, advanced hepatology insight, elegant preventive screening, and modern endoscopic expertise.
Liver & Hepatology
Advanced diagnosis and longitudinal management for hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and transplant follow-up.
Hepatitis ManagementFatty Liver DiseaseCirrhosisTransplant Follow-Up
High-acuity liver care with precise monitoring and guidance.
Colon Health
Screening, colonoscopy, and early detection strategies focused on prevention, accuracy, and long-term colon health.
Colon Cancer ScreeningColonoscopyPolyp Removal
Designed to communicate prevention, clarity, and confidence.
Advanced Digestive Care
Therapeutic endoscopy and advanced digestive procedures supported by modern equipment and experienced clinical judgment.
Upper GI EndoscopyPancreatic DiseaseGallbladder Treatment
State-of-the-art procedural care in a polished clinical environment.
Direct Scheduling
Book a consultationNeed help choosing the right service?
Our Douglas team can guide you toward the right evaluation, screening, or specialty treatment path before your visit.
Interactive Anatomy & Specialization
Your Digestive & Hepatobiliary System
Explore the vital organs and metabolic systems of the gastrointestinal tract. Select an area below to view its role, symptoms we treat, and specialized procedures.
Diagnostic & Screening Services
Precise diagnosis, early detection
Advanced procedures that find problems early — when they're most treatable.
01
Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows physicians to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract using a flexible camera-equipped scope.
- Persistent heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal discomfort
- Unexplained digestive issues
02
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure used to examine the entire colon and rectum, detect early signs of colorectal cancer, and remove potentially harmful polyps.
- Colon cancer screening
- Polyp removal
- Rectal bleeding evaluation
- Changes in bowel habits
03
Liver Disease
Our specialists provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of liver conditions, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and other chronic liver disorders.
- Hepatitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Cirrhosis
- Chronic liver disorders
04
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy provides a convenient and non-invasive way to examine areas of the small intestine that may not be visible through traditional endoscopic procedures.
- GI bleeding evaluation
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Crohn's disease review
- Small bowel conditions
05
Hemorrhoid Banding
Hemorrhoid banding is a quick, minimally invasive procedure used to treat internal hemorrhoids by cutting off blood supply so they shrink and fall away naturally.
- Rectal bleeding relief
- Itching reduction
- Irritation treatment
- Minimal downtime
Source Material: strandgi.com
Detailed Procedure & Prep Guides
Review comprehensive clinical overviews, what to expect during the procedure, and safety profiles.
Upper endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows physicians to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract using a flexible camera-equipped scope. It is commonly used to evaluate symptoms such as persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and unexplained digestive issues.
Our experienced gastroenterology team uses advanced diagnostic technology to identify conditions early.
AAAHC accredited facility for safe, high-quality endoscopic care.
Personalized treatment plans are developed based on each patient's symptoms and findings.
During the procedure, tissue samples may be collected for further evaluation.
This helps ensure accurate diagnosis and effective care.
During the Procedure
An IV is placed to provide sedatives to keep you relaxed and comfortable. A mouthpiece is placed to keep your mouth open. Air is introduced through the scope to expand the tract for better viewing. The procedure takes only 5 to 10 minutes and does not interfere with breathing.
Safety & Potential Complications
Upper GI endoscopy is highly safe. Complications are rare but can include perforation (puncture of the wall requiring surgery) or bleeding (requiring transfusion).
A colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure used to examine the entire colon and rectum. Using a flexible instrument called a colonoscope, physicians can identify abnormalities, detect early signs of colorectal cancer, and remove potentially harmful polyps before they become cancerous.
Recommended for routine cancer screening and long-term prevention.
Helps evaluate rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and chronic diarrhea.
Useful for changes in bowel habits and unexplained gastrointestinal concerns.
Early detection through colonoscopy remains one of the most effective ways to prevent colorectal cancer.
During the Procedure
You will be given sedatives through an IV to help you sleep. The procedure takes about 20 minutes on average, followed by 20 minutes in a recovery area. You will receive guidelines on when you can resume normal diet and activities.
Safety & Potential Complications
Complications are rare but can include perforation of the colon wall (which may require surgical repair) or bleeding. Some lesions might be missed even by skilled physicians.
The liver plays a critical role in digestion, metabolism, and overall health. Our specialists provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of liver conditions, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and other chronic liver disorders.
Advanced diagnostic testing helps clarify the cause and severity of liver disease.
Ongoing monitoring supports early intervention and fewer complications.
Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan focused on long-term liver health.
Care is designed to support comprehensive digestive wellness and quality of life.
During the Procedure
If a liver biopsy is needed to determine damage severity, a thin needle is used to quickly remove a small piece of liver tissue under local anesthesia. Hospitalization is usually not required unless food and liquids cannot be retained.
Safety & Potential Complications
Liver biopsies are generally safe, with minor pain at the insertion site. Chronic liver disease can progress if not monitored regularly.
Capsule endoscopy provides a convenient and non-invasive way to examine areas of the small intestine that may not be visible through traditional endoscopic procedures. During the examination, patients swallow a small capsule containing a miniature camera that captures thousands of images as it travels through the digestive tract.
Helps physicians investigate unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.
Useful for chronic abdominal pain and Crohn's disease evaluation.
Can support the workup of anemia and other small bowel conditions.
Offers answers while avoiding invasive procedures whenever possible.
During the Procedure
The capsule is temporarily attached to the wall of your esophagus during an endoscopy. It detects acid levels and transmits the data. The capsule naturally falls off after a few days and passes through the digestive tract.
Safety & Potential Complications
Extremely safe procedure. Rare risks include early detachment of the capsule or discomfort during swallowing.
Hemorrhoid banding is a quick, minimally invasive procedure used to treat internal hemorrhoids. During treatment, a small rubber band is placed around the hemorrhoid, cutting off its blood supply and causing it to shrink and fall away naturally.
Performed in an outpatient setting with minimal discomfort.
Designed for little downtime and a quick return to normal activity.
Can provide lasting relief from rectal bleeding, itching, and irritation.
Helps reduce discomfort while avoiding surgery.
During the Procedure
Performed in-facility with minimal pain. The physician treats one or two hemorrhoids per session, with subsequent treatments spaced at two-week intervals if needed. No recovery down-time is required.
Safety & Potential Complications
Typically safe with very low pain. Minor bleeding may occur when the hemorrhoid falls off, but severe complications are extremely rare.
Our Medical Team
Dedicated providers committed to your health
🩺 Highly trained GI team with highly qualified anesthesia.
Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, M.D.
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over 30 years of medical experience, recognized throughout South Georgia for his expertise in digestive diseases, hepatology, therapeutic endoscopy, and liver transplantation care.
Practice Address: 300 Shirley Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533
Board Certified
Gastroenterology (ABIM)
30+ Years
Clinical experience
Hepatology Trained
Liver disease & transplant care
Advanced Endoscopy
Therapeutic procedures
Specialties & Focus Areas
Gastrointestinal DisordersLiver Disease & HepatologyAuto-Immune HepatitisColon/Hem — Inflammatory Bowel DiseasePancreatic DisordersGallbladder DiseaseAdvanced EndoscopyLiver Transplant Evaluation & Follow-Up
Education & Training
- 01
Medical School
Rangaraya Medical College
- 02
Residency
Medical College of Georgia
- 03
GI Fellowship
Medical College of Georgia
- 04
Hepatology Fellowship
University of Miami / Jackson Memorial — Center for Liver Disease
- 05
Liver Transplant Training
University of Pittsburgh
- 06
Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy
University of Hamburg
Gina Carver, RN Charge Nurse
RN Charge Nurse
Gina Carver is a dedicated healthcare professional with 18 years of nursing experience. For the past 11 years, she has been a valued member of the team at Coffee County Center for Digestive Diseases, where she is committed to providing high-quality care to patients. Her extensive nursing experience and dedication to patient safety help support the center's commitment to excellence in gastrointestinal care.
Practice Address: 300 Shirley Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533
Nursing Experience
18 years in healthcare
Center Tenure
11 years with Coffee County Center
Patient Safety
Supports quality care and safety
Role
RN Charge Nurse
Specialties & Focus Areas
Patient SafetyCare CoordinationGastrointestinal Care SupportTeam LeadershipClinical NursingQuality Care
Education & Training
- 01
Practice Location
300 Shirley Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533
- 02
Experience
18 years of nursing experience
- 03
Focus
Supporting high-quality patient care
Maci Merritt, FNP‑C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Maci Merritt, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has provided primary and preventive care since 2016. She joined Southern Gastroenterology and Hepatology Consultants and is dedicated to providing personalized, quality care to patients of all ages. A Coffee County native, she is proud to serve the community where she lives and raises her family.
Practice Address: 300 Shirley Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533
Joined Practice
Southern Gastroenterology and Hepatology Consultants
Family Nurse Practitioner
Board-certified
Primary Care
Providing primary and preventative care since 2016
Guidance
Works under the direction of Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda
Specialties & Focus Areas
Primary CarePreventive CarePatient EducationDigestive Health SupportCare CoordinationFamily Health
Education & Training
- 01
Practice Location
300 Shirley Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533
- 02
Community
Native of Coffee County
- 03
Focus
Personalized care for patients of all ages
Keri Paulk, CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Keri Paulk is a board-certified Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Coffee County Center for Digestive Diseases LLC who has been providing safe, high quality, patient-centered anesthesia in rural Georgia for over 15 years. Her deep sense of compassion ensures that patients feel safe and cared for throughout their perioperative experience.
Practice Address: 300 Shirley Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533
CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
15+ Years
Providing anesthesia care at Coffee County Center for Digestive Diseases LLC
Patient Centered
Safe, high quality perioperative care
Compassion
Supports patient comfort and confidence
Specialties & Focus Areas
Anesthesia CarePerioperative SupportPatient SafetyClinical MonitoringRural HealthCompassionate Care
Education & Training
- 01
Practice Location
300 Shirley Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533
- 02
Experience
15+ years in rural Georgia anesthesia care
- 03
Focus
Patient-centered perioperative support
Our Awards
Our Award-Winning Journey
Recognized by medical associations and community organizations across the country for leadership, clinical excellence, and humanitarian service.
- 2020
Excellence in Leadership Awardee
IAPC
Recognized for physician leadership, professional excellence, and community advocacy.
- 2021
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Government of India
India's highest honor for overseas Indians, awarded for medical leadership and public service.
- 2021
Award of Excellence
SEWA International
Honored for pandemic-era service to India and sustained humanitarian relief efforts.
- 2022
Special Recognition
Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage
Acknowledged for leadership and service within Georgia's physician community.
- 2022
Award of Excellence
Rangaraya Medical College Alumni of North America
Recognized by alumni peers for distinguished medical service and leadership.
- 2022
Special Recognition
New Jersey AAPI
Honored for professional leadership and service to the Indian-American medical community.
- 2022
Special Recognition
Rajasthan Medical Association
Recognized for meaningful contributions to medicine and community impact.
- 2022
Special Recognition
Andhra Medical College of North America
Acknowledged by alumni peers for enduring clinical leadership and service.
- 2022
Special Recognition
Central Florida Association of Physicians of India
Recognized for healthcare leadership and service within the physician diaspora.
- 2022
Gold Medal
American Red Cross
Presented for humanitarian service and sustained community outreach.
- 2022
Award of Excellence in Medicine and Community Service
TANA
Honored for excellence in medicine and long-standing community service.
Why Patients Choose Us
The expertise of a major center, close to home.
For decades, we've helped improve access to advanced gastroenterology and liver disease treatment across rural South Georgia.
- 01
Over 30 Years of Experience
Decades of physician-led expertise in digestive and liver disease.
- 02
Hepatology & Transplant
Specialized liver disease and pre/post-transplant management — a regional referral resource.
- 03
Advanced Endoscopy
Therapeutic endoscopic services on par with major academic centers.
- 04
Care Close to Home
Convenient South Georgia location, affiliated with Coffee Regional Medical Center.
- 05
Patient-Focused Approach
Individualized treatment plans built around your condition and goals.
- 06
Preventive & Long-Term
Early screening plus ongoing monitoring for chronic conditions.
0+
Years of Experience
0
Digestive Systems Treated
0s
Patients Cared For
0.0★
Patient Rating
Beyond the Clinic
Community impact & leadership
From local health outreach in Douglas to leading global medical initiatives — a physician dedicated to service beyond the exam room.
National HonorPravasi Bharatiya Samman
Global InitiativeAAPI Global Healthcare Summit
Local Health OutreachCommunity Health Fairs
Statewide AdvocacyMedical Association of Georgia Board
Clinical LeadershipCoffee Regional Staff President (2018)
Humanitarian ServiceRed Cross Gold Medal (2022)
Care that begins in the exam room and reaches across communities and continents.
Press & Recognition
In the news
Dr. Jonnalagadda's leadership in medicine, gastroenterology, and global health advocacy has been recognized by national and international media.
Government of India2021
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, India's highest honor for overseas citizens, in recognition of his contributions to medicine and physician leadership.
Read Article →India Post2021
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Recipient
Recognition of Dr. Jonnalagadda's distinguished contributions to healthcare and service to the Indian diaspora.
Read Article →NRI Pulse2021
AAPI President Receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
Coverage of Dr. Jonnalagadda receiving India's highest overseas honor while serving as President of AAPI.
Read Article →The Indian Eye2021
Recognition for COVID-19 Medical Leadership
Interview discussing physician leadership, pandemic response efforts, and healthcare initiatives.
Read Article →The UNN2021
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award Ceremony
Coverage of the award presentation and Dr. Jonnalagadda's contributions to medicine and community leadership.
Read Article →The Indian Panorama2021
Indian Americans Honored with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Feature highlighting distinguished Indian-American leaders recognized by the Government of India.
Read Article →On Television
TV interviews & features
▶NRI PulseTV Interview
In Conversation with Pravasi Samman Awardee 2021
A detailed interview regarding global healthcare coordination and supporting doctors during public health crises. Dr. Jonnalagadda reflects on India honoring all Indian-origin physicians globally.
Watch Interview →
▶AAPI / MedTalkTV Interview
MedTalk: Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda from AAPI
Dr. Jonnalagadda discusses his role as AAPI President, his mission to support physicians and medical trainees of Indian origin, and his broader contributions to the medical community.
Watch Interview →
▶ETV Andhra PradeshTV Interview
ETV AP: COVID-19 Relief Initiatives
Special broadcast discussing AAPI's critical shipping of oxygen concentrators and clinical telehealth assistance under Dr. Jonnalagadda's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch Interview →Patient Stories
Trusted by the people we serve
"Dr. Jonnalagadda took the time to explain everything. My colonoscopy was smooth and the staff made me feel completely at ease."
P
Patricia M.
Douglas, GA
"After years of struggling with reflux, I finally have answers and a plan that works. Truly grateful for the care here."
J
James R.
Coffee County, GA
"Compassionate, thorough, and genuinely knowledgeable. The whole team treats you like family."
L
Linda T.
Broxton, GA
Primary ClinicEmail
Southern Gastroenterology & Hepatology Consultants Inc.
Expert care for your digestive & liver health
Providing specialized outpatient gastroenterology and hepatology consultations, evaluations, and follow-ups in Douglas, Georgia.
Featured Providers
Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, M.D.
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
Phone / Fax
(912) 384-7275 · Fax (912) 384-4353
Office Hours
- Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Take the first step toward better digestive health
Compassionate, expert care is just a phone call away. New patients are always welcome at Southern Gastroenterology & Hepatology Consultants Inc..